<p>So UChicago is my #1 choice and it's definitely where I want to go. However, I got great offers of financial aid from other schools...UChicago, not so much. Basically, this appeal decides whether or not I go.</p>
<p>Thus I am appealing my aid. I'm wondering if anyone knows how long it takes to get an answer back from the Office of College Aid and how much appealing actually has an impact on the aid package.</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>They will reply in 10 days. The appeal letter should contain new information that was not available at the time you originally applied for aid (or perhaps a better, more in-depth description of why you cannot pay the expected amount).</p>
<p>Be specific – "University of Chicago is my choice for university, however, the FA package requirements will prevent me from attending for these reasons… I am asking for… (reduction of parent contribution, addition of work/study, increase in loans, etc).</p>
<p>Give specific amounts that will make the package work for you and be realistic – if your parent’s make $100,000 and own 2 cars/home/retirement savings/etc, don’t tell them that you are too poor to contribute anything.</p>
<p>the appeal has to be in the form of a letter and must be signed – fax, scanned attachment or mailed letter are all fine.</p>
<p>Don’t expect much of a change just because other schools offered you more – Chicago doesn’t play a bidding war as far as FA is concerned. If your circumstances do make it difficult for you to pay the amount indicated in the award – that is different.</p>
<p>as a a parent of a second year, I have appealed twice in two years. Show them in writing and they will consider it seriously. Both times we received more aid.</p>