<p>My friend's daughter has gotten into Caltech and UChicago. My friend and her husband (also my friend) are wondering if they can talk to the Financial Aid office themselves or if their daughter should. I told her they could as parents too (since they are the ones financing the education and she is only 18). Was I wrong? Should the student talk to the FA office? What is the protocol?</p>
<p>I don't have any experience in this although my son graduated college in 2008. I just don't want to give bad advice.</p>
<p>Thanks. Yes, they have a lot to talk about. I am not sure the daughter will be able to talk about their situation with as much confidence as the parents.</p>
<p>The parents should do the talking. You may want to advise them that Chicago has a well deserved reputation for miserly FA for middle class families. I have never heard of anyone getting more $$ from them after an appeal. And Caltech has the highest per student endowment in the US.And make SURE they don;t use the word negotiate! They are appealing their FA.</p>
<p>Since the schools insist on the details of the parent’s financial information, including signed tax forms, to base financial aid calculations, I feel the parent, if possible, should talk to the financeal aid office.</p>
<p>The parents should be the ones talking, as they know best the details of their own financial situation and are also familiar with financial terms that the child may not be. Furthermore, 18 year old kids, even the mature ones, get flustered and confused on the phone. Better that a fully mature adult with a good understanding of what they need, take care of this end.</p>