<p>So I just got my acceptance letter today with the 5K scholly, but at this point it does not look like it will be enough. </p>
<p>My dad, while originally doing our financial aid calculations included his 401K which through off our calculations, and from that he determined that we would not qualify, so we did not bother. </p>
<p>However, you are not supposed to include your 401K or something along those lines in the FASFA and we found, with my brother in college, that our expected family contributions were much less. </p>
<p>As a result we are planning on actually submiting our financial aid information and hoping I will get some need based money. </p>
<p>Given that, I have two questions....</p>
<ol>
<li><p>What are the chances of getting substantial need based aid after the fact? It says it is possible and we should submit the stuff, but it also noted that funds are limited. </p></li>
<li><p>In regards to the merit....since I originally applied I have accomplished a couple high honors. I was a State champion in Speech and Debate, and I am the only three time national qualifier (NFL national tournament) in my school's history. I have obtained a letter from my debate coach which highlights these acomplishments, and was wondering if this could bump up my merit scholly? I wasn't gonna do this at all because my app was done and what is done is done, but I called Colorado College about it (Got in there) and since they are big in the debate community, they told me they would consider me for some extra merit aids since these acomplishments were after the fact of my original application. So, could this help me with Oxy as well? </p></li>
</ol>
<p>Oxy is my top choice, but it is way to expensive at this point. I need to be real lucky to have a shot at attending, but you never know, right?</p>
<p>Finally, investorscooter, I'm sorry to hear that your son didn't get any merit awards. To be honest, I was way behind him in testing (ACT - 26) (SAT - 1820) but I guess with merit they look towards what you do outside of school. I guess I just sold my passion for debate and speech, and they liked that. Must have had some good recs to....</p>