<p>My child probably won't be deciding on a school until just before May 1. Should we submit additional information concerning her financial aid package as soon as we can to the school that is currently her top contender? The information concerns a reduction in income from last year to this year, for which we can supply documentation now. Thank you.</p>
<p>Yes, submit your appeal for reconsideration immediately. You want to HAVE your financial aid awards before you make the matriculation decision by May 1.</p>
<p>yes , it has to be done right now…</p>
<p>How should an appeal be worded, and to whom should it be addressed. Does one submit copies of other awards?</p>
<p>^^quill, explain what situation has changed or needs deeper explanation than was on the original financial paperwork submitted. Send it and documentation to the financial aid officer for the school. Some schools have a form on their website for appeals. If it’s complicated you might ask for a phone meeting (or in person meeting if the school is close.)</p>
<p>Generally in the absence of a financial circumstance change the accepted wisdom is this is not a negotiation in the spirit of the word negotiation, if you have an absolute peer/competitive school that you are considering you might be able to ask the school if they would meet the peer school’s aid, but in my opinion you should be ready to accept the offer and commit if the school meets the peer school’s award. It’s highly possible and anecdotally reported you might garner a small increase in financial aid in an off the cuff request for more aid but be prepared for that response also as well as a “no” response.</p>
<p>We have been having to do this the past few weeks with EACH school --it’s best to email/phone their finaid dept to get the specific list of documents/letters/forms–most is on their website but a few did not have all info on the site and I was very glad I called. </p>
<p>Frustrated with one school which STILL as of last week did not have their form ready for 2011-2012.
Most schools call this situation “special circumstance” or “Loss Appeal” and generally they require a signed letter explaining the change and estimating 2011 income, along with several of their forms filled out and signed, along with signed copies of 2010 parent and student tax forms.</p>