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At what point in the process does one make it obvious to the school that help would be appreciated. After acceptance?

My son has apps out to 4 state school-I think he will be admitted to at least 3. Then what? Dont many schools at least give small monetary awards for SAT scores in a certain range? Ive only seen one school put this in their info and it was a small private school.

Do we apply for financial aid after acceptance? Out EC is 20,000 because we have a fair amount of assets. But i would sure like 1000 bucks for scores or something

Ive totally eliminated private schools from our scope because I personally dont see the merit of the financial difference. Now Im wondering if we should apply and then try the aid route-I read stories on the boards about private schools giving more aid-but with an EC of 20 thous, is that realistic?

By ugh on Monday, February 10, 2003 - 07:41 pm: Edit

Get a REAL comfortable bed so you can sleep well.

By Shennie (Shennie) on Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 12:38 pm: Edit

First of all, Financial Aid apps usually need to be submitted by Feb. 1, but you can probably still submit them. Some schools require you to submit FA apps in order to be eligible for merit awards, others consider all students even if they have not submitted the FA apps. We, too, have a high EFC. Son attends a private. We submitted the FAFSA last year and will again this year. He has gotten $12,000/year in merit awards. We are also eligible for a PLUS Loan if we want which isn't too bad a deal as the interest rate is really low. I don't think you have anything to lose filing the forms other than a few hours of your time.

By woninil on Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 03:18 pm: Edit

Should we have sent this in with the applications?

Thats the first item of confusion?

I know thats water under bridge now but am thinking for next year or next children

By Jenniferelaine (Jenniferelaine) on Wednesday, February 12, 2003 - 10:14 pm: Edit

I hope FA apps don't HAVE to submitted by Feb 1st for 3 reasons.

-my school doesn't have Fin. Aid night until the end of Feb.
-my colleges don't have the Fin. Aid deadlines until May.
-we're waiting on a form for a hog co-op, and we won't have it until at least the end of this month (but we're lucky, the co-op isn't required to release them until April).

It's better to have them submitted by Feb., but not necessary unless the school requires it...