<p>Not sure what this means, but I hope that, from the smiley face at the end, it is good news?</p>
<p>I was planning to cover my entire EFC through loans, if necessary.</p>
<p>But the outside scholarships and grants would help reduce the EFC, thus reducing my need for loans.</p>
<p>At present time, it looks like I may get anywhere from $3K to $5K in scholarships and grants. Hoping for more, however.</p>
<p>Looking forward to your posts--post Monday! :)</p>
<p>Since you will go to SFS no matter--I think it is okkay to send in the deposit. That might be a pitch to your negotiation:</p>
<p>"I've been dreaming about the SFS for X years. Even if I have to beg g, borrow and sling hash, there's no way I am not coming.....but.....I think you guys have misread my parent's financial situation."</p>
<p>And I know you are exceedingly polite online---but politeness will be key. An apology might not hurt. Think about framing it as a piece of advice:</p>
<p>"I am not sure, but think there has been a misreading of my parent's financial situation. May I ask your advice about the best way to redress the discrepency?"</p>
<p>My father told me to open up a negotiation by asking for the counterpart's advice. It works!</p>
<p>Also, and this is from personal experience and not a hard and fast rule--never put a teacher, journalist or academic on the back foot with a direct attack. It simply freezes the resentment with those groups.</p>
<p>(Wondering which groups you CAN put on the back foot? Construction workers, investment bankers and developers are 'high-conflict' groups, LOL. They seem to enjoy a bit of mano et mano).</p>
<p>I agree with Cheers' approach. A good negotiating tactic is to ask for advice on how to fix the problem.</p>
<p>
jamimom, I need you.Can this be right? Doesn't this fly directly in the face of what everybody has been saying? I hope it's true for all of us but.....</p>
<p>cur...I'm not going to be able to make it through another year. Is there any chance you will cut to the chase and call Williams' Fin Aid and beg for mercy and clarification?</p>
<p>Cur:</p>
<p>
[quote]
If you were to receive an outside scholarship either before or after the May 1st deadline we would follow our policy. First we reduce the family contribution where possible and then, if necessary, we reduce either the work study or stafford loan.</p>
<p>If you have any further questions or concerns please email me back.</p>
<p>Thanks,
Karen Allen
[/quote]
</p>
<p>That's Georgetown's official response.</p>
<p>
[quote]
please email me back
[/quote]
</p>
<p>perhaps you should email and ask her for a convenient time to call, laying out a few possiblities and the nature of your proposed call?</p>
<p>cur: Might be worth a PM to j2k5. He was an early write to Williams who was going in to negotiate the poor fin aid award. he might have a name and useful info....just a thought.</p>