<p>If you think you might qualify for a favorable "professional judgment" decision, when and how do you submit the information for consideration, and generally when can you expect a decision? I imagine this depends on the individual college, but is there a general rule? </p>
<p>IOW, if you need to know the result of the process before the magic May 1 acceptance decision date, can you generally rely on that?</p>
<p>As you noted, each college has its OWN process for considering requests for professional judgment…and you need to know…some do NOT do this at all. The best thing to do is contact the college for their process.</p>
<p>Also…you should gather all of your documentation for the professional judgment consideration and be prepared to submit it to the college(s) ASAP after receiving your financial aid award.</p>
<p>When we did one a few years back we submitted the data before we had received any sort of FA award. You need to contact the school and ask them what they require and when they want it. We started putting everything together pretty much as soon as we had submitted FAFSA. Would have done it earlier but I had not discovered through CC that such a thing was possible. We were told to provide documentation for everything - medical, dental, prescriptions, - took a while to get it all together - I think we had the medical insurance company sent us a print out for some stuff. We had a really thick bundle of paper - I did a little summary sheet on the front showing totals for everything.</p>
<p>Ask the school what they need. Earlier is better, especially if you may qualify for any funds that are limited. Once FA awards are processed those funds may already be exhausted.</p>
<p>Earlier is better, I agree, I send everything in mid February after the FAFSA’s, PROFILES are completed & income tax returns are completed. </p>
<p>Copies of medical expenses with a summary sheet on the top, any documentation explaining “One time income” or “loss of income” or “loss of bonus” (it won’t occur in 2011 for example, but it did occur in 2010 with a letter from employer etc.) Everything should be documented. I send everything with my own letter via certified mail, with return receipt requested, (that little green card) then you know the college(s) received it. </p>
<p>Any piece of paper you send should have your child’s name on it if she is an applicant & if the college assigned her an ID# in the application process, use it as well. </p>
<p>So send everything before you even receive a FA package! Some schools have “Special Circumstances” forms on their websites, so look for that. Some schools do not have a “Special Circumstances” form & will just accept your letter and all supporting documentation. </p>
<p>I take our medical expenses to a copy shop with my “master copy” as it is cheaper than using our ink and paper. Plus they have the heavy duty stapler! :)</p>
<p>Thank you all very much for the advice!</p>