Strategy for appealing (USC)

Paying for College
1

<p>Hey guys! Thrilled to have gotten into USC as a junior transfer, unfortunately the aid I received is not nearly enough.</p>

<p>Here's what I got (I'm rounding) PER SEMESTER:</p>

<p>University grant: 7500
Work-study: 1300
Fed Subsidized: 2250
Fed Unsubisdized: 1000
Fed Perkins: 2000</p>

<p>So, total aid: 14K
Amount left to be covered: 15K</p>

<p>So here's the issue: My parents have agreed to pay up to 7500/semester (which is incredibly generous and I know they can't afford that). I am not willing to take out more than 4000/semester in loans. So, I need about 8750 more in grants or scholarships a SEMESTER (haha did I do that math right? I got really confused while I was doing that).</p>

<p>Is this completely hopeless? What would be the best way to do this? My current school is only covering about 3k more a semester in grants/scholarships than USC is, so that's not a great bargaining chip. Since we applied, my mom got a serious illness and has been off work (but getting almost the same amount from her job in leave), and while her illness has been expensive it hasn't been a HUGE deal financially, we have great insurance.</p>

<p>I interviewed but did not audition for the theatre department, that will be my major. Should I call them to ask for help?</p>

<p>Bottom line: Where should I start, what can I say, who should I talk to?</p>

2

<p>It’s very late in the game to try and get additional financial aid. Usually it is all allocated by this time, but you never know. You have to deal directly with the financial aid office. Best of luck.</p>

3

<p>Well, this is for spring semester (I received this info yesterday), so do you think that would make a difference? Thanks for the response!</p>

4

<p>You can ask, but in general, appeals are rarely successful. I mean, everyone would like more financial aid. If you don’t have a really compelling reason that they should re-evaluate your package, it’s not likely that they’ll do so. Particularly not when you’re asking for about $17,000 more per year, more than doubling your current grant.</p>

<p>Not being able to afford the school with the package they give you is, unfortunately, not a “compelling reason.”</p>

<p>I don’t think you can afford USC. Time to move on to your other options.</p>