Matching Financial Aid

<p>So, I've recently appealed my FA packages for two schools. The first school got back to me and told me they would up my aid package by $2,000 per year. My heart was pretty set on going there and I thought my decision was made. Then, this week the second school got back to me telling me they would up my FA package by $4,400 per year, making it $3,300 less per year than the first school...Now, I'm really torn. I still want to go to the first school, but I think I could be happy at the the other school too.</p>

<p>I'm not sure if this even matters, but I got Presidential Scholarships from both...but it was only $8,000 at the first school and $11,000 from the second.</p>

<p>My sister suggested that I could call and ask the financial aid office if they could match my other offer. I wasn't sure if this is something people normally do, and if it is, if even works?</p>

<p>At this point, can you afford both schools or only one? If the higher priced (after aid) is still unaffordable to you, then it’s probably time to take the better offer. But you could still let them know that it’s a matter of only $3K and see what they say. However, if you can afford both schools and are just trying to get the best deal possible, you should understand that they are working with a finite amount of money and anything extra that they give to you reduces their ability to help another kid who may desperately need a few thousand more to make college possible. In that case, having already received additional consideration, you may want to leave it alone.</p>

<p>To be honest, I could probably afford both. From the first school, I’d be about $44,000 in loans, while my parents would be contributing $40,000 over 4 years. At the second school, I’d still be around $44,000, but my parents would be contributing around $13,000 less than the first school. My parents have told me that I should choose whatever school would be the best fit for me regardless of price, but I still feel selfish by choosing the more expensive school. I don’t even know if $13,000 is that big of a difference over 4 years, where it should even effect my decision</p>

<p>It sounds as if your parents are confident and comfortable with their contribution. Trust me, if they were not, you would be getting a vibe! I would say leave the award alone and choose the school you like.</p>

<p>Btw, many kids post asking for advice on appealing their awards. Can you share what method you used (phone, letter, etc) and how you presented it to them? I’m sure others would find it helpful!</p>

<p>Thank you for your advice! I feel a lot better about my decision now.</p>

<p>and I’ll be sure to share any advice I might have to offer, thanks :)</p>

<p>Definately trust you parents on this. I would tell my kids the same thing in this particular situation.</p>

<p>From the first school, I’d be about $44,000 in loans, while my parents would be contributing $40,000 over 4 years. At the second school, I’d still be around $44,000, but my parents would be contributing around $13,000 less than the first school.</p>

<p>What??? Why aren’t your parents contributing the same at either school This seems very odd to me?</p>

<p>I am wondering how to go about appealing FA packages. At this late date I imagine I can send an email but to whose attention does it go to? Does it help to also include admissions if there is a possibilty of merit scholarship? Any thoughts or comments are GREATLY appreciated. I have twins thinking of attending the same school and received the bare minimum financial aid, all loans.</p>

<p>You need to contact the FA office. Do you have an FA advisor/counselor at the school? </p>

<p>What school is this? they may not have funds to give.</p>

<p>What was your EFC for each twin?</p>

<p>Are these out of state publics? If so, the situation may not be good.</p>

<p>*Does it help to also include admissions if there is a possibilty of merit scholarship? *</p>

<p>I’m not sure what you are saying here. Are you saying that your twins got scholarships elsewhere? What schools did they receive merit money from?</p>

<p>edit to add…</p>

<p>You’re from RI…</p>

<p>Are talking about UDel?</p>

<pre><code>Middle 50% of First-Year Students Percent Who Submitted Scores
</code></pre>

<p>SAT Critical Reading: 520 - 630 98%
SAT Math: … 540 - 650 98%
SAT Writing: … 520 - 640 98%
ACT Composite: …24 - 28 23%</p>

<p>Ok…if your twins SATs are well above 1900, then they are in the upper 25% of the school - which can help with appeals.</p>

<p>yes, talking about u del. originally only my daughter was going to attend but for various reasons my son is looking there as well. he is a swimmer so was offered either athletic money at D1 schools or academic scholarships at D3 schools. u del has no athletic scholarship available for him this year as he is a late recruit. i do not think we stand a chance for financial aid . it will have to come in the form of academic scholarships or grants because my husband and i own our own company and file our taxes as an “S” corporation so it looks like, on paper that we have more income than we really do. my son is in the top 10% of his class with all AP’s and Honors so wondering if that helps in an appeal. Unfortunately SAT’s were only average for both kids…no financial counselor yet but probably need to address admissions, right?</p>

<p>hmmmm…You have a few problems…</p>

<p>1) You’re out of state. </p>

<p>2) If your children’s SATs are average for UDel, then they have little incentive to give them merit scholarships. What schools did your son get merit offers from? </p>

<p>3) You’re probably not from a state that they hardly get any applicants. </p>

<p>You can certainly try to appeal. You’ll need to contact the FA and Scholarship office(s). </p>

<p>What are your children’s financial safety schools?</p>

<p>Can your kids go to this school if UDel doesn’t help you more?</p>