Question about Financial Aid

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>Hi, everyone,</p>

<p>I was recently accepted to Harvard (I don't really know why; if I'm being honest, I feel like there were so many better qualified people who deserved to get in so much more than I did). I just received the letter today, and I'm sort of disappointed by the financial aid.</p>

<p>My family's income JUST exceeds the amount for which Harvard only requires you to pay 10% of your income, so we didn't qualify for that rule. I understand that this is how much the financial aid office thinks we will be able to afford, and my family IS able to afford it if we squeezed out every drop, but I really don't want to ask my parents to do that for me, especially since we have to pay for medical expenses for my grandparents (who are in poor health) and I hope to go on to medical school and such.</p>

<p>Harvard's been my dream for years and I really want to be able to go, but I'm just not willing to ask my parents to pay that much money.</p>

<p>Do you think there's anything I can do? Could I possibly contact the financial aid office? Or is there no chance of possibly getting a little more aid for my parents?</p>

2

<p>The award you received was an estimated FA award based upon 2011 tax data and estimated 2012 CSS Profile.</p>

<p>To receive a finalized award, you and your parents must complete all the necessary financial aid forms by the deadline in March: IDOC 2012 tax returns and W-2’s, updated CSS Profile and FAFSA (if you are a US citizen).</p>

<p>After Harvard gives you a finalized determination, if your family needs more aid, you can appeal the award (or lack of one). See: [Appeals</a> Process](<a href=“http://www.fao.fas.harvard.edu/icb/icb.do?keyword=k51861&pageid=icb.page244022]Appeals”>http://www.fao.fas.harvard.edu/icb/icb.do?keyword=k51861&pageid=icb.page244022). Depending upon your family’s situation, Harvard may grant you more aid. </p>

<p>Bottom line: It don’t hurt to ask!</p>

3

<p>epsilon935,</p>

<p>I found the financial aid people very easy to work with. I thought my son’s financial aid was a little on the low side. I met with the financial aid officer, explained why I thought the aid should be higher, she listened. Shortly thereafter, we were informed that his aid was increased by nearly the amount for which I asked. The financial aid office will let you know if your family needs to provide additional documentation.</p>

4

<p>epsilon935 and notjoe, can you tell me whether you had ever run the net price calculator on the Harvard website? If so, did it come in close to the financial award? We haven’t received our package yet, so I’m anxious to see it - and hope it’s close to the npc.</p>