<p>So, here is my dilemna ...</p>
<p>I am currently a freshman at a university that meets full need. For the 2008-2009 academic year, I did not qualify for any FA. So, as a result, my family was responsible for paying the full amount (minus a handful of external scholarships that I was fortunate enough to win). While it was a bit disappointing to find out that I was not eligible to receive any aid, we also fully respected the fact that our family was likely in a better financial position than many others. So, in our opinion, it's very hard to get upset about not getting educational assistance, when the reality is that folks who do qualify for aid likely are also struggling more on a day-to-day basis to make ends meet than you are. </p>
<p>Nevertheless, my family's financial situation has changed substantially over the last year. Unfortunately, my mother (who is the main breadwinner in our family) saw her work hours cut from 40 to 24 hrs per week in Oct 2008 due to the dire state of the economy. Additionally, her company has also eliminated their annual profit sharing bonuses and ceased all pay raises. So, 2008 brought a decrease in her annual income, and 2009 is already expected to be even lower (over 1/2 her normal annual salary, unless her hours are increased back to normal sometime over the course of the year).</p>
<p>I already completed my FAFSA for the 2009-2010 as well as my university's renewal aid application. According to our new EFC, it appears that I may now qualify for some university financial aid. Yet, my concern is that it still will not be enough aid, considering the fact that our 2008 income is substantially higher than what will actually be earned in 2009. </p>
<p>Anyway, I have already completed a FA Appeal form (with supporting financial documentation) for consideration by my university. However, according to my school, they will not be sending out FA award packages for returning students until sometime in mid-June. My concern is that this may be too late for me to find out because it then closes up options for a possible transfer elsewhere, assuming the appeal is not accepted. </p>
<p>I understand that this is a busy time for FA Officers, so I don't want to hound them nor do I want them my school's administration to feel as if I am giving them an ultimatum (ie. "give me more or else"). So, I am not sure what to do ... should I call them to explain my situation and ask that they please accelerate my application so I have a better picture early enough to make a decision about next year? Any suggestions about how I should approach this would be greatly appreciated.</p>