<p>I was admitted ED to Rice, and my parents said they will appeal the finaid offer I got. I read in another post in the parent's forum (a very helpful forum indeed) that a lot of your "S"'s and "D"'s appealed the financial package themselves. </p>
<p>Now, my family and I immigrated to the U.S. only a few years ago, so my parents are quite ignorant to the whole college admissions process here. This means I did everything short of paying application fees when it came to actually applying to colleges. We completed the FAFSA today online, and my F (father) said he'd give Rice a call sometime soon and see what he can do about getting more aid. </p>
<p>So I guess my question is: does it help my chances of getting more aid if I'm the one who calls them? Visiting the office in person is out of the question right now since we live 7 hours away from Houston, but if it greatly increases our chances by going in person I think they'd be willing to drive there over a weekend. Does going in person help?</p>
<p>And I noticed the FAFSA didn't have any questions about debt like car payments and mortgage (we started life from scratch here a few years ago, and we are straight up middle class - won't see F and M driving a jaguar). Don't they take debt into account at all? Shipping half of your furniture/appliances 10,000 miles overseas isn't exactly cheap, and that's not exactly a "choice", I mean we live in TX - the milk needs a fridge.</p>
<p>Anyway sorry for the long post, I was just wondering if any parents out there had some good words of advice on this. I read other posts related to this, but maybe someone has advice on my specific situation? Even better if your D/S went to Rice. Thanks!</p>
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And I noticed the FAFSA didn't have any questions about debt like car payments and mortgage (we started life from scratch here a few years ago, and we are straight up middle class - won't see F and M driving a jaguar). Don't they take debt into account at all? Shipping half of your furniture/appliances 10,000 miles overseas isn't exactly cheap, and that's not exactly a "choice", I mean we live in TX - the milk needs a fridge.
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<p>No, car payments, mortgages, that fact that you had furniture shipped of this does not matter when it comes to appealing a FA package.</p>
<p>By all means you can tell the FA office your tale of woe but keep in mind unless you have some really extenuating circumstances (loss of income, large unreimbursed medical expenses, taking care of sick/elderly parents) your package may not radically change. </p>
<p>If your financial situation is really complicated and it is something that your parents can better explain, it is best that your parents appeal and explain their financial situation.</p>
<p>FA office might not be open on weekend. You could call and make an appointment to speak to someone since you're 7 hours away. As long as you have all the financial info and understand it, it's appropriate for you to be the one speaking to the FA officer.</p>
<p>I think that FA is a different animal than admissions or academics. Colleges know that it's the parents paying, and the parents who have the financial information. I don't think it matters whether your parents or you call to appeal.</p>
<p>As noted, mortgages and certainly car payments don't count. Your recent immigration status might be helpful. (And yes, milk needs a fridge, but believe it or not, they do sell refrigerators in Texas - you didn't have to ship it from overseas!)</p>
<p>I agree with Chedva. Finaid is a different animal and it is okay for your parents to contact them as they have the pertinant information necessary to make the case for reconsideration of the finaid package.</p>
<p>Almost all other contacts should be made by the student however.</p>
<p>I suggest you write a letter to the FA office, detailing your families personal situation and financial obligations, and not try to do all of the "negotiations" over the phone. And by the way, never use the word "negotiate" with FA offices. You are "appealing" their award.</p>
<p>The bigger question is not who appeals the award, but on what basis? Did they not meet your EFC? If they did, and you applied ED, you (and probably your parents) signed an agreement agreeing to attend. So the question is: what extenuating circumstances exist now that didn't when you applied, or what part of your financial aid application was "incomplete", resulting in a higher EFC than should have been the case?</p>
<p>If you are likely to be more capable of answering these questions to the satisfaction of the FA office than your parents, by all means do it yourself. Just come "armed" and prepared to answer those two questions (and rest asured, they will want to work with you, provide your have the information they need.)</p>