Is there anything I can do to improve my aid package?

<p>NewHavenCTmom, you need to be at least 18, not 21, to be allowed to serve or prepare alcoholic beverages in the state of New York.
[Bartending</a> Age - Minimum Age to Bartend by State!](<a href=“http://www.usabartendingschool.com/bartending_age.php]Bartending”>Bartending Age - Minimum Age to Bartend by State!)</p>

<p>Re post #20: That’s not true in NY – Barnard Bartenders need to be age 18. Also, they don’t use real alcohol in the training (or at least they don’t allow any drinking) – so they will allow 17-year-old first year students to take the course, and then start work as soon as they reach their 18th birthday. </p>

<p>It is true that my daughter would not have been able to get a similar job at home in California.</p>

<p>calmom, yes, the jobs are posted via the agency; however, the agency wants all the first-year girls start taking their first jobs alongside of more experienced girls and they make sure that everyone gets a chance to learn. Not until the end of the school year, did my D feel comfortable to take some solo jobs.
Don’t get me wrong, I know she would’ve preferred more jobs, but I believe that as a first-year she got enough work to pay for her books, incidentals and some.</p>

<p>I understand that Barnard is a bit difficult in regard to financial aid, but I still think you should still try contacting financial aid personally. They might surprise you. Additionally, in regard to work study, if you work at Columbia, they have the ability to hire you for casual employment. I work at Columbia and even during winter break I was working there. If you have a Barnard job and start running out of work study money, financial aid might increase it for you. Additionally, I would look at Barnard Babysitting for your first semester here. It’s a good consistent flow of money until you are able to take and pass the Barnard Bartending course and the orientation is only $5. Message me if you have any questions!</p>