<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>
<p>It is not at all uncommon for families to have extenuating circumstances. Since you’re talking about selective colleges, they may also require the CSS Profile, in which case there is a space toward the end of the application where you can describe any issues that affect your ability to pay.</p>
<p>Beyond that, you should either send a detailed letter, or call and see if you can make an appointment with a FA officer if that’s possible, and explain your situation. There is absolutely nothing that says a college has to amend their aid award based on your circumstances, but if you want to try to get an adjustment, you have to start by asking for it.</p>
<p>Be aware that they will have a general policy about most issues (they’ve probably heard it all before!). For example, medical debt tends to be treated more favorably than consumer debt. They are also going to be pretty seasoned and able to discern the difference between “can’t pay that much” and “don’t want to pay that much.”</p>
<p>But, yes, you can always ask. You shouldn’t think, though, in terms of a “strategy” – you should just lay out the facts as clearly as you can and be prepared to back them up with documentation (bills, receipts, etc.)</p>
<p>Many scholarships come from departments and other sources. If you are interested in scholarships at your college generally there is a list and description on the college website. If you are an incoming freshman ask your admissions counselor about scholarships. In some colleges some “freshman” scholarships are administered through the admissions office. </p>
<p>There are “need based” scholarships and there are “merit based” scholarships. So, if you do not qualify for need-based then you are wise to look for the scholarships that will fit you either because of the major you are interested in or the situation you are in.</p>
<p>Colleges/unis differ on how they handle these so do ask and look at your particular college. Scholarship applications will give you an opportunity to tell “your story.”</p>
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<p>It depends on the REASONS for the inability to pay. If you’ve had very high, unreimbursed medical expenses, or your house was destroyed and you had no insurance, or you have a sibling or parent with significant special needs and associated expenses, then yes…the college MIGHT be willing to do a “special circumstances” consideration for you. This is up to each college.</p>
<p>If your reason is that you have a lot of consumer debt (high mortgage, car payments, etc) the schools likely will not make an adjustment as consumer debt is NOT factored into the financial aid equations.</p>
<p>Is the college Middlebury?</p>
<p>Is that a CSS school as well?</p>