<p>I am interested in Washington University in St.Louis and the only deterrent to going there is the high cost. I was just wondering if there are any former students or current students who could answer something for me. By my EFC my family should have no problem throwing thousands of dollars toward my education, but that is simply not the case. There are many things in my family that chip away from that 40,000 dollar EFC that is calculated. Other family members, parental health, bad economy, etc etc</p>
<p>Is there anyone out there that is going to Washu that has a similar EFC and if so what kind of need based aid did they give you. Also, do they take in account of things such as surgeries etc that family members had to go through and pay for.</p>
<p>when you apply you can try and write a letter explaining extenuating circumstances. However, “bad economy” is no excuse because it basically affects everyone…including WashU! You can mention health problems and the costs that accompany those problems, but just don’t use “bad economy” as an excuse. The letter might make them more willing to increase your financial aid, as long as you provide concrete numbers on exactly how much need-based aid you need after taking into account those health costs, etc. After they give you your financial aid package, IF it’s not enough, you can write another letter and ask for more, though it’ll be tough considering the economic climate. You can also apply for merit scholarships outside of the university and take up a work study job that can pay for a few thousand dollars.</p>
<p>I guess so. But the “bad economy” does affect some more than others. Ie. Losing almost all of your retirement. But I can see why they might not want to hear that. Thanks.</p>
<p>Most college use different measures to give you your final financial aid package. That’s why financial aid awards differ from school to school. The FAFSA EFC is a pretty good estimate, but colleges have their own formulas as well. My financial aid package at Wash U was a fair amount higher that my EFC told me I can expect to get. It was definitely more generous than most of the schools I looked at. </p>
<p>It never hurts to apply for a school, and if they don’t give you enough money, then don’t go there. But you’ll never find out unless you apply and talk to the financial aid counselors… the ones at Wash U were always helpful when we had to call them. Others have posted on CC that their initial financial aid package wasn’t very much when they were accepted, but it was increased substantially after they called the financial aid people and told them more information. </p>
<p>Wash U also has some merit scholarships that you can apply for.</p>
<p>Ok thanks. Yeah I’m hoping when I go to apply they will offer me more than I calculated because otherwise there is no way I’d be able to attend. They do have some good merit scholarships…for freshmen. Unfortunately I will be a transfer student. Some people persuaded me I wasn’t good enough to get into Washu with my scores so I stopped my application. That was a mistake. I was accepted into Georgia Tech and Tulane, which are both very good schools so I think I could have had a shot at Washu which is my dream school. Oh well, I’ll give it another go in a year or two and if not I’ll still be in a very renowned school. Thanks a lot.</p>
<p>Just letting you know, Wash U was ranked #4 in Princeton Review’s Best Financial Aid. In my own personal experience, they gave me a generous package but it still wasn’t enough so my mom went in and sat down with the head of financial aid. And he handed her 10k more! All she said was that it would be hard for my family to afford it! You have actual reasons so I’m pretty sure that if you talk to them, they’ll take it under consideration. They’re very nice so don’t rule it out based on cost.</p>