Is the financial aid office a sign of the next 4 years?

Paying for College
1

<p>Out of the top 2 colleges, my son's 2nd choice college has been wonderful and helpful with the financial aid. Between the financial aid, and scholarships and outside scholarships, college #2 is very doable.</p>

<p>His first choice college, well, the financial aid office has been less than pleasant to deal with. Which is kind of too bad, considering that the admissions counselor we dealt with was so nice and friendly, my son was sold on that college. But, even when the people from the outside scholarship tried to contact college #1, the college was no help at all. In fact, they did not even acknowledge my son. College #1 said he was not in their system as having even applied (he already received his acceptance and a scholarship offer and did the FAFSA on Jan 2). So we are already having to work on that situation. Plus, when my son spoke to the financial aid office, they were difficult to deal with. They acted offended that he was even applying for financial aid. </p>

<p>His first choice college was #1 by a landslide, but he had not visited the campus yet. He is supposed to visit in 3 weeks. But now, my son and I are both just feeling like perhaps, these issues we are having already are a sign of the next 4 years. He is really souring on the school based on all this (and the weather). What do you think? Is this a sign of the next 4 yrs? Or, is this probably just in the financial aid office and probably won't be an issue in the future?</p>

2

<p>

Complain to the admission office!</p>

3

<p>We have found that in sending four children to college that usually the FA office is professional and well run, with friendly staff. That has been our experience. </p>

<p>Complain to Admissions, chances are you will not be the first family to do so, from the way you have described your experience.</p>

4

<p>When dealing with the lower lever FA grunts, think of people who were too lazy and mean to work at DMV.</p>

5

<p>If the OP plans to complain to someone (or threaten to pull her student out of the school) every time a mistake is made, the next four years are going to be very long and difficult. Mistakes happen. Be polite, go the next person up the line, and get it fixed.</p>

<p>That someone “acted offended” sounds very much like an issue of perception, rather than a reflection of poor performance on the part of the school.</p>

6

<p>Different schools have different policies about discussing financial aid. If your child doesn’t like the school for whatever reason, perhaps he should go elsewhere. </p>

<p>If this is just going to add to the list of things you are disgruntled about, then move on.</p>