<p>I have a relatively high EFC (about 36,000), but my family and I figured that we'd at least be able to get a little bit of aid because that doesn't cover ALL of the cost of attendance and we also have some other things that would make it harder to pay (I have an older sister in college, etc.). But as I'm starting to get my aid packages, I'm finding that many schools, even ones known for being very generous with financial aid, have been saying I don't qualify for need-based aid. At most schools, my package consists of an unsubsidized Stafford loan and, in a few cases, a very small merit scholarship. I have a few friends with EFCs significantly larger than mine who are getting very generous aid packages from the same schools and schools known to not be as generous (and they're not any more academically/personally qualified than me and don't have different circumstances). I really like a lot of these schools, but without better aid packages, paying will be tough. Even though they said I don't qualify, if I appeal, will I be able to get any more aid? Or will it make no difference whatsoever?</p>
<p>You have a lot of info in your post and I'll respond to some of it.</p>
<p>First...will your sister still be in college next year? If so, that should have been noted on your financial aid application forms. I</p>
<p>Your merit aid reduces your financial need. SO...if the need you had was $10,000 after, and you get a $5000 scholarship...that reduces your need to $5000. </p>
<p>Do NOT (let me say that...DO NOT) listen to the tales of others and their EFCs and financial aid. Many times the info you hear from friends is totally inaccurate. For example...we knew someone who told everyone that their daughter got a scholarship from Wellesley. They certainly made it sound like it was an academic merit award. Well...Wellesley doen't GIVE merit aid. We have known folks who have told about their kids' aid, making it sound like it was need based when in fact it was a merit scholarship. ALSO....folks don't necessarily tell the truth when discussing their EFC. What I'm saying is you don't really KNOW what the EFC is for your friends...you only know what they are telling you. Further complicating that is that Profile schools ask for and use a LOT more info than the FAFSA. Many of the most generous schools use Profile. AND there are some ultra generous schools with HUGE endowments where financial aid awards ARE made to folks with higher incomes. Bottom line...you have to be accepted to THOSE schools to get that aid.</p>
<p>When our daughter got her aid packages, she went (and I was with her) to talk to the finaid folks at two very comparable schools (schools where many students apply to both schools). One school offered her Work Study (not on her first award) and a Perkins Loan (also not on her original award). They did not offer her any additional "free money" (grants, scholarships). The other school would NOT discuss her award AT ALL. They told her that they do NOT discuss the awards...you get what you get...and that is that.</p>
<p>So...you can ask and see what happens. You may get a little more and you may not. I don't know the cost of attendance at your school...or your merit award. I also don't know the %age of need the school might or might not meet. You may find they will discuss this with you...and you may find they won't.</p>
<p>IF you have some circumstance that changes your NEED award, you should present this to the finaid folks. Otherwise...they have already assessed your NEED and it's not very likely that they will make huge adjustments...but again...ask.</p>