Has anyone tried to appeal for more aid? I did receive grants but even with aid I need to pay a substantial amount of money and in terms of financial income class I would say my family is at the bottom. I really do not want to be saddled with loans (my parents don’t earn enough to support me)- is there any possibility that i can appeal with success?
We attempted to appeal for more aid and were unsuccessful. My daughter was awarded a Twenty-First Century Scholarship as well as a smaller scholarship through Mt Holyoke. She had received the Singer Scholarship which provides full tuition for four years from University of Miami but preferred Mt Holyoke. I asked if the College would match the offer or bump up her aid package. I was informed that they do not match offers from other universities.
That was my family’s experience last year when seeking increased aid. It does not mean that it will be yours. You have absolutely nothing to lose by asking for a review. There are always circumstances that do not fit neatly into the boxes on financial aid forms. Make a phone call, draft a letter but by all means do something. You have nothing to lose by inquiring. If you must turn them down due to financial constraints you will be able to do so knowing that you made every effort to make it work financially.
Thank you so much for your reply. I found it incredibly helpful. I will make sure to attempt appealing to them.
@saffysmum where did your daughter ultimately matriculate?
@Undercovermom1 she ended up attending neither Mount Holyoke nor University of Miami. She is at Dartmouth College.
I would agree that appeal should be made of a financial aid decision – especially if Mount Holyoke is your first choice. Do not overlook the fact that the College made a decision thinking that you could make it work. Over a lifetime the difference in cost will pale in comparison to the richness of your College experience if you choose Mount Holyoke and get a variety of campus jobs to pay your way.