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I need to write to the school to explain that I need more money... any help would be welcome. Thanks very very much.

By Jamimom (Jamimom) on Tuesday, December 16, 2003 - 11:51 am: Edit

Most schools refuse to haggle, especially ivies, so that is not a word to use ever in discussing this process. What you need to do is come up with a real reason as to why you need more money. I suggest you go to a Borders or other bookstore and get a guide on financial aid for specific ideas.
Since you are most likely an EA candidate, you can still look at other offers as they come in. If you want to tell the school that you would definitely come and would withdraw apps if you could just come to an agreement on amounts needed that may make a small difference. But mainly, you need to go over all of your forms and see where something might have been overlooked. If your parents are able, they should go over the forms with you with any ideas. Is the issue with the FASFA or the profile or the school's own form? You need to pinpoint where they got numbers.
If your parents have assets, however, that they just don't want to use because they are investments, for retirement, for future, that is not going to fly. You and your family are expected to contribute whatever you possibly can and the fact that you may have property that you expect to fund old age is not an issue in financial aid. Congrats for getting in early. Now the the knitty-gritty starts. Good luck.