<p>Hello, everyone. Just looking for some advice. Thanks to all who reply.</p>
<p>I visited Emory University with my parents a few days ago, and we sat with a financial officer for several hours. She informed us that because my parents have not filed their income tax returns yet, I will simply be unable to receive any financial aid for my freshman year, or at least the first semester. With this on the table, I also have an acceptance to the University of Georgia, a public state school where I will have free tuition. </p>
<p>Does anyone have an opinion from experience on this predicament?
Will my future financial aid suffice in lightening my debt burden?</p>
<p>It should be known that I absolutely fell in love with Emory, and I feel torn at the seams to know that the financial burdens of a college can turn me away from a better education. </p>
<p>The deadline for the actual attendance deposit is about 3 days from now, so my topic is up for discussion until then :)</p>
<p>I think you may need more information in order to make your decision. I think the first stop you should make is the fafsa estimator [FAFSA4caster</a> - U.S. Department of Education](<a href=“http://www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov/]FAFSA4caster”>http://www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov/)</p>
<p>Get an idea of what your EFC (estmated family contribution) will be. This will at least give you an idea whether the school would be financially feasible all things being equal (many people are shocked at how high their EFC is). Ifso, then you all have to decide whether going full pay the first semester, or worst case, year is worth it.</p>
<p>I also think it would be a good idea for your folks to do their taxes soon and fill out the 2009-2010 FAFSA anyway, along with any other financial aid forms that may be needed (ex. CSS Profile). It can’t hurt, and it might help (that is, if you decide to go the private school route).</p>
<p>Could you afford to pay the deposit just to hold out your options for longer?</p>
<p>Also, if it’s too late for financial aid for the fall, but maybe not for the spring, could you postpone attending until the spring, depending on aid available then?</p>