Steps I can take to increase my FinAid?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Georgia
1

<p>I have been reviewing my early award letter, and it seems I am not getting that much. My parents make $52,000, and I am getting an estimated $14,000 out of $20,000 with
HOPE ($6364), Pell ($2200), Unsub. Fed ($2000), and Sub. Fed ($3500).</p>

<p>My expected contribution was $3388. I'm not too sure why they are making me pay nearly double of what they expect me to pay (even that amount of money is a bit difficult to find), so I am wondering if there were any specific steps I can take to improve my aid.</p>

<p>I am wondering if any of these matter:
-I applied Early and was offered a position in their Honors (which I have already accepted).
-GATech offered me ~$16,000 (I am sure I could use this as leverage, but I cannot find my award letter on their site anymore).
-I went over FAFSA again, and I found a my parents answered a question incorrectly.
For the "Value of Business/Investments", they put $20,000, and it is actually $0.
(I corrected this, and I am hoping that it is a part of the large reason why my aid is a bit lacking).</p>

<p>I am planning to call their aid office, but I'd like to be a bit more prepared (it would ease my mind and make it easier to negotiate).</p>

<p>Thank you!</p>

2

<p>There’s no harm in trying. But bear in mind that your FAFSA need is just a federal guideline. Most universities do not guarantee that they’ll meet demonstrated need, and a public university with 25,000 undergrads doesn’t have nearly the incentive to win over a single applicant as does a private college with 2,000 undergrads.</p>