Is there a strategy to financial aid apps?

Parents Forum
1

<p>The FAFSA app is a straightforward, fill in the numbers form. Based on the actual numbers, I did not receive any aid last year. My question is, are colleges interested in "the full story?" In other words, would it be advantageous to submit a detailed explanation as to the circumstances that have resulted in an inability to pay?
Do the individuals who work in the financial aid offices of the most selective schools have an interest in a much more personalized approach to financial aid requests?
Thanks for any feedback.</p>

2

<p>The FAFSA is used to determine financial “need” and your expected family contribution (EFC). Most selective schools also use the CSS Profile from CollegeBoard. Some schools use just the FAFSA and Federal Methodology to determine need; others use a custom Institutional Methodology (using data from their own forms or the CSS Profile) to determine need.</p>

<p>Most Financial Aid offices have some way to request a review due to special circumstances. This is called “Professional Judgment.” Financial aid administrators can use professional judgment to make adjustments to “data items” in the cost of
attendance and need analysis as cited in section 479A of the Higher Education Act.</p>

3

<p>My son’s school uses the FAFSA and the CSS Profile and the final page of the Profile gives space to explain unusual circumstances. We did take advantage of this to explain my being unemployed for 2 years - prior to the first FA applications - and how that had adversely impacted our finances. I have no idea whether or not that explanation made any difference - but we are satisfied with the FA we rcvd. My theory - is that it can’t hurt to explain why you have minimal savings and/or credit card debt. Why let someone assume you live a lavish lifestyle when the truth is very different? Even if it doesn’t change anything - you have nothing to lose.</p>

4

<p>Write a letter to the FA office and send supporting documentation, if that should apply.
Send it via certified mail. Note your Student ID# on every piece of paper you send to the financial aid office, in case it gets separated from your letter.</p>