<p>Hey everyone, I was recently accepted as a transfer from an Ivy to Northwestern. Through the course of the year I realized Northwestern is where I really want to be and I worked really hard to get a 3.9+ GPA in order to give myself the best chance at being accepted. Unfortunately, today I got my financial aid award and it included just 5000 dollars in aid which consists solely of stafford loans. My EFC was 9000 and the total cost of Northwestern is 54000 which would mean i would have to take out 42,000 in loans to attend. I called the financial aid office and they told me no grants were being given to transfers this year but that if I came I would have my need met the following year. At my current school, I would only have to pay 8000 this coming year so it is hard to justify going so far in debt.
Nonetheless, I really dont want to return to my current school and I am wondering if there is any way I could get at least some of my need met. Would it be worth it to email someone else at the school? Or possibly try and schedule a meeting with someone? I am willing to pay more for a year to go there but it just has to be realistic. I am willing to write whatever or drive to evanston if necessary. Any advice would be greatly appreciated</p>
<p>If it’s university wide policy the financial aid picture probably isn’t going to change much. It seems that many schools are trying to “protect” their endowment in these “challenging economic times.” You don’t have anything to lose by calling though. Ask to speak to the most senior member on staff, because not everybody in the office has the seniority to give you more money. Make sure you explain to financial aid that Northwestern is your first choice, Northwestern is perfect for you, you can contribute to Northwestern in so many ways, etc. </p>
<p>Are you entering your sophomore or junior year? If you are entering your sophomore year, maybe you could apply again to be a junior year transfer. If so, you could also ask admissions if the grant freeze will be unfrozen for new incoming transfers for next year. </p>
<p>Think long and hard if borrowing so much is the right choice for you. I think Northwestern’s financial aid website has what financial aid families in different income levels can expect in ideal circumstances (freshmen year). You should ask financial aid how much aid you can expect in subsequent years if your financial need stays the same, and get the response in writing. (Need met means different things at different schools, by the way.) Another thing to consider is if you can even get a loan for that amount of money. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Thats sort of what my plan is, to just call and ask to speak to someone higher up, not sure exactly how to word this request without sounding rude. I asked about whether I would be able to get grant money my next year if I attended and I was told I would get the 45,000 “met” whatever that means. Do you think it would be worth it for me to try and talk to someone in person?
I am entering my sophomore year so applying again would be an option but I just really want to settle down at a school.
Thanks a lot for the advice, I really dont think taking out that large of a loan is a good idea and I doubt I could even get it based on my parents credit</p>