How to write an appeal letter

krhan · 12-31-2005, 02:00 AM

I'm planning to appeal my financial award I recieved from Hopkins, since I still don't think I can afford it. Please help me on writing an appeal letter. How do I start? and what should I write?

kinglin · 12-31-2005, 03:56 AM

Have you gotten into any other schools? If so, have you been offered better financial packages? Call them up, and tell them hey, I'm getting xyz $$$ from this school, and I really want to go to your school, but I don't have the financial status to pay for it. Talk to them and see if you can get some more money out of them. I'd imagine your a bright student being that you got into John Hopkins. Get some second opinions on this site first, see what they say, and if they agree with me, then go ahead. I'd imagine your chances greater when your talking in person compared to over a letter.

suze · 12-31-2005, 07:54 AM

The school's idea of your affording it and your own are often very different. To appeal successfully, you need a GOOD reason thatn doesn't appear in your paperwork. Something like your parents pay $30K/yr to care for a sick grandparent (have proof).

But most people think they can't afford their fafsa and whn the profile is added in many faint. They expect your parents have been saving for years. They expect them to take as second mortgage. They don't expect them to write the checks no problem.

scottaa · 12-31-2005, 10:03 AM

First you need to determine if the package they offered you is reasonable considering their track record.

On average, Johns Hopkins will meet 100% of the family need, with 79% in grants & scholarships and 19% in self-help.

Is this close to the award you received? If it is, your odds of improving the award just got tougher.

So what's your EFC?

emeraldkity4 · 12-31-2005, 12:11 PM

If your EFC is met- and unless you have extraordinary circumstances that have not been disclosed ( like medical care for a relative), your chances of improving your package are slim.
So did you apply ED?
This is why folks- you don't apply ED if you need aid.
You cant compare packages- and you are obligated to attend ,unless you can prove they didn't give you enough help.
We borrow to meet our EFC- that isn't unusual.