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Hello, Now that D has been admitted, and I'm getting the FAFSA prepared, is it worthwhile to contact her school to give an update on grades and awards since she's been admitted? Nothing national, just one state award, and a few school awards. Is that likely to make her award higher, or just annoy the adcoms?
Thanks!

By Aparent4 (Aparent4) on Thursday, January 08, 2004 - 09:44 pm: Edit

Did the awards involve getting money? If so, they will only lower her aid.

By Jmom (Jmom) on Thursday, January 08, 2004 - 11:21 pm: Edit

No, no aid involved. Only "Good Job!" kind of things.

By Massdad (Massdad) on Thursday, January 08, 2004 - 11:33 pm: Edit

Jmom, why tempt the fates? Why waste the postage? She's in. The adcoms are VERY busy now. I think they will thank you for leaving them alone!

If you think merit aid is in the hopper, different story, of course.

By Jmom (Jmom) on Friday, January 09, 2004 - 09:11 am: Edit

Merit aid yes, but also hoping to tip the grants-to-loan ratio in our favor, too. She has already received decent merit aid from them and I was wondering if they might up that if she were even more "desirable". Not that I'm greedy or anything! ;)

By Aparent4 (Aparent4) on Friday, January 09, 2004 - 09:37 am: Edit

I don't think they will do this unless they are competing with another school. Was she admitted ED or is she applying elsewhere as well?

By Northstarmom (Northstarmom) on Friday, January 09, 2004 - 09:47 am: Edit

If merit is at all considered as part of the scholarship process (such as if the school gives merit aid or if it gives need-based scholarships, does not guarantee meeting 100% of financial need for accepted students), it would be a good idea for your D to send an update to both the admissons office and financial aid office.
The letter should express her delight at being admitted, emphasize that it's her first choice, tell them about her recent awards, and let them know that costs will be a consideration for whether she can attend.

I had my older son do this when he was applying to college. He was in line for merit aid, and got some very nice offers.

Her getting a state award seems like an especially impressive achievement. Congrats!

By Jmom (Jmom) on Friday, January 09, 2004 - 12:48 pm: Edit

Hmmm, I thought I replied to this thread, but I don't see it. Must have hit the wrong button.

Aparent, She was accepted EA to a couple of schools (not IVIES) but one is her clear favorite.

Northstarmom, Thanks so much! I was hoping someone had some experiences with this.

By Chinaman (Chinaman) on Friday, January 09, 2004 - 12:56 pm: Edit

Jmom do not delay a bit. You need to contact the Adcom and let him know. Last year we were in similar position only for high school. Well a national (State level too - depends on what college think's about it) recognizition is very seduct*** for a school. Make a sales pitch and it may give you some additional money. Hey you are selling kid's strength and they are buying. Similarly they are selling school name and you are paying. So go for it.