<p>Hi everyone!
I will be a sophomore at the University of Southern California in the fall and there has been some changes to my financial awards. I would like to write an appeal letter to ask for more aid but I'm really not sure what to include and what not to include. Can anyone with experience answer a few brief questions for me? Thanks for the help!</p>
<p>Concerning special circumstances, the most significant change in my family this year is the addition of a new family member, my brother, and before this I was the only child. My family also bought a house this year but the property is under two names so we technically only own half a house. I'm guessing these two changes are the most important factors causing the decrease in my aid. Comparatively, I'll be paying nearly $5,000 more next year and the biggest decrease was in university grant. Also, only one of my parents is working now so all the expenses combined, including tuition and mortgage, is creating a lot of pressure on the entire family. </p>
<p>-Concerning my situation, will an appeal letter make a difference?
-Also, because I'm an architecture major so the cost for materials throughout the year is another big expense. Can I, or should I also stress that in the letter?
-My current GPA is 3.55, I don't think that's considered very high but can I mention that to at least prove I'm hardworking?
-Also, I'm from New York and the only reason I chose to attend USC was because the financial aid it offered initially was cheaper than the other colleges that were closer for me. Should I talk about that or should I avoid it?
-I had a work study job last semester and I'm also working 8 hours a day now in the summer should I also be talking about that to show that I'm trying my best to lessen the financial pressures on my family? </p>
<p>Thanks to anyone that can help!!</p>