Mom Just passed away,Dad is passed too,why EFC?

Paying for College
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<p>Hello everyone,</p>

<p>I am in the process of completing the application process to attend Harvard Extension School. My gross income last year was 13,820. I live on my own,both parents are pased away,the EFC should be 0 I believe,I haven't talked to the finaid office yet,as it is sunday,I am trying to pay for this on my own,or through different means,a job. Since my mother passed away on the 16th of june it has been very rough and difficult for me,I dont live with my stepfather nor does he suppor6t me,the EFC on the site assessed at 3,000. As I do not know much about these things,is that a good one?I mean my net income is only 9,000.Do you all think that I could get some type of aid?</p>

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<p>The 3000 indicates you have an ability to contribute 3000 towards your education. When you completed the FASA did you include other monies - perhaps a salary your mom made before she passed away? Or perhaps other money that they are taking into consideration? 3000 seems high based on the income you have shared.
I think you need to talk to a financial counselor at the college..</p>

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<p>Do you have any savings that you reported? I believe they consider about 1/3 of a student's savings should count toward EFC. Or perhaps the EFC is what they expect you to earn in the summer? I don't know.</p>

<p>If the FAFSA wants your mother's income--since they go from the year before--be sure to explain the change in circumstances.</p>

<p>Also, sorry about your mother. That is a hard thing to go through.</p>

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<p>everyone is considered to be able to contribute $3000, even if their assets are zero. Colleges figure that students can borrow that much in their own name, or can reasonably be expected to make that much from working part time or during the summer.</p>

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<p>So how do i sound relative to getting aid for college?I hope I am eligible,because I am having to pay on my own.</p>

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<p>the finaid offices will need a copy of death certificate of both of your parents
but I really doubt that with your low income the school will expect you to contribute $3,000- you obviously need every penny just to live.</p>

<p>it doesn't look like they have a lot of aid available- where else are you planning to apply?</p>

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<p>Here's what Harvard says on their regular financial aid page:
"We normally expect that all incoming students will earn money for college expenses by working during the summer. We believe a reasonable goal for summer is $1,850 to $2200, or approximately $200 per week during the summer vacation period. (Canadian students and some students from lower income families may have a $1,300 expectation.) Students who have savings or other assets will be expected to contribute a portion of them toward college expenses."</p>

<p>There was also some stuff on there about meeting the student contribution via loans. In terms of living expenses, your estimated need includes that. And if you use a student loan to get the $3000 it won't affect your budgeting for living expenses anyway because you won't be paying it back until after you graduate.</p>

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<p>so do you think I might qualify for financial aid?</p>

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<p>to be honest,im bent on going there...if nothing else I will complete the classes one by one.</p>

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<p>I mean I can get the 3000,but like,what about the rest of the money?</p>

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<p>I am not sure that your comment that everyone is expected to contribute $3000 is correct. He is saying his EFC is $3000. I know that some people have a much lower EFC. We have had people on these boards state they had very low (under $500 ) EFC's.....so there is no magic low number like $3000 that would appear on a FAFSA ..it can go much lower.</p>

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<p>angst - I'm figuring the EFC equals the student self-help part plus the parent contribution, which certainly may be incorrect. In terms of self help, the college my son is attending (not Harvard) assumes that students are able to come up with about $3000 in self help, thru either working or student loans. From the Harvard site, it looks like they assume that students are good for $3500. I'm getting that from this document on their web-site:
<a href="http://www.admissions.college.harvard.edu/hfai/fa_fact_sheet.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.admissions.college.harvard.edu/hfai/fa_fact_sheet.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>If you look at the family A example, it assumes zero parent contribution, but still has the student down for $3500. </p>

<p>Brandon, I am so sorry for your loss. One of the issues is going to be that the death of your mother has changed your financial circumstances since you originally filed for aid. I don't know if they can make adjustments at this point or not. I think the definitive answer to your question is probably to call the Harvard financial aid office and ask them.</p>

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<p>My mother told me they used to call me a genius when I was a young boy, it's kindof tricky how things work out, when you work hard, and go through difficult times, they mold you as a person, believe me, I want this now more than anything, just to prove to myself I can, and because it might get me a little more closer to helping other people. I'll tell you guys the truth, I used to flip burgers, and then I became a manager, it was fun, I travelled, but then I lost my parents,and now my grandfather has cancer, its odd how things work out, but I hop that whatever cards I have left, maybe Ill get an ace somewhere in the lot. You know guys, I can't do calculus, I can't solve complex theorums,but I can play, I can feel in my heart the passions that drive the courage,those of shakespeare,mozart, I think true genious isnt in intellectual ability, or mediocrity, I believe its for moments like these, when we all must pull ourselves up and decide,decide whats the best, whats the most smart decision, but in the end, I dont know you all, I dont have many people I can rely on right now, but I have hope. Hope is a wonderful miraculous thing, I stayed up last night, wondering where my life was going,struggling to see a pattern, a puzzle piece that I was missing in the quandries of life, but alas, alas I found the answer,It's up to me. It's a hard rough road a kid has to go through when he loses those he loves, but then courage is reborn,we will not faulter, because each of us here,has the look in our eyes, the passion to succeed... to test the limits.Each of us here,has what my mother told me they saw in me,that glare that transcends the minds,the one that shows the true meaning of life,getting off your tail and changing circumstances,make them work for you,and become who your destined to be. I'm a country boy from maryland,but you know what im destined to be a harvard man. Thanks everyone for your help ,and god bless.</p>

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<p>Brandon,</p>

<p>I am sorry for your loss. Also keep in mind your efc may change depending how your mother's estate impacts you financially.</p>

<p>If you are not yet 18, social security payments that you recieve will be considered income. In addition should you inherit monies from your insurance that is also considered income which may change your EFC. You should defintiely contact the FA office to make them aware of your change in circumstances and they will work with you.</p>

<p>Texas, </p>

<p>I understand where you are coming from regarding the self help portion. I know that my D is a student at Dartmouth and while we were able to negotiate other parts of her financial aid package, they stood hard and fast on the student contribution from summer earnings ($2250 first year) for the same reasons stated in your post.</p>

<p>Brandon, understand your situation first hand as I lost both of my parents with in a year of year other when I first started college. Sometimes we are at a cross road in our lives and you must choose to either curse the darkness or light a candle. You have chosen to light the candle and go on (you have already done half of the journey). If you desire to complete your studies at Harvard, it will happen. </p>

<p>Every day will not be cake, and some days you may feel like giving up. I beleive on those days God and your mother will give you strenght to go on. Run your race as you will be an inspiration to others to do the same. Believe, claim your victory.</p>

<p>God bless</p>

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<p>I'm just turning 21 this year in august...do you think its too aspiring to want to go to harvard?I really know that I can do it,im not egocentric,I just believe that god has a plan for me, and I know my mother believed in me just as I do myself,and I am a firm believer of where theres a will theres a way.</p>

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<p>Not very nice Speedo...We have a young man here who has had a very rough time..why not be supportive?</p>

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<p>Ah Texas..I was thinking that he meant the EFC on his fafsa..I realize now what you are saying.
I dont think my daughters public U has that type of minimum.</p>

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<p>I believe there are differences in Harvard Extension and admission to Harvard both in cost, and in finaid...and in admission. Could someone clarify this for me, please?</p>

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<p>Admission requirements for AA or BA in liberal arts at harvard extension School</p>

<p><a href="http://www.extension.harvard.edu/2004-05/libarts/undergrad/admit/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.extension.harvard.edu/2004-05/libarts/undergrad/admit/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

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<p>a financial aid directortold me that my status would be independent,that makes a better chance for aid,i believe</p>