<p>I’m wondering. Is anybody’s matriculation at Dartmouth dependant on financial aid. Or are people just going to go no matter what if they get in. I know for me, D-mouth will have to make themselves competitive as far as expense to other schools like Umich and (cross my fingers) P-ton if I’m going to go there.</p>
<p>Any thoughts</p>
<p>Unless you’re talking about a boat-load of money, don’t be penny-wise and pound-foolish: It’s your life, afterall.</p>
<p>I’ll go to the one I desire, not the one that offers the most change.</p>
<p>Kb,</p>
<p>I understand where you ae coming from because $41,000 is a big pill to swallow. One of the problems that I see at the bulk of FA you are getting from UMich is merit aid and as you already know all of Dartmouth’s aid is need based. If you ask, Dartmouth will give you a financial review and will allow you to send in offers you have recieved from other schools. Last year we sent in the offer D got from williams and Dartmouth matched the williams FA offer. It is one thing to compare need to need but comparing need to merit is like apples and oranges.</p>
<p>The upside to need based is that unless you have a major change in your finances, your aid is going to be pretty consistent with the exception of any stafford loans and possible student contributions (which are going to increase each year regardless of the school you attend) . Stafford Loans will allow you to borrow up to $2,625 freshman year, $3,500 sophomore year and $5,500 for each remaining year . </p>
<p>I wish that I could tell you how the FA at Dartmouth changes in subsequent years, but we will not get our aid package for sophmore year until later this year. Maybe WG, Athena , or Slipper can provide some insight when they check in.</p>
<p>One of things that I would look into is what is the criteria for you to keep your merit at Umich. Is it grade based, by term or by year. what happens if you have a bad semester? Is the package you ae recieving renewable over 4 years? Is there any way you can find out the percentage of people that lose their scholarships? There is a thread on the parents forum that addresses this very issue.</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=44038[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=44038</a></p>
<p>Even if you get into Princeton, your EFC may change very little but the only difference will be that Princeton will give you grant aid and work study (no loans).</p>
<p>Look at all of your options both long range and short range and don’t be afraid to ask for what you need. what is the worse that can happen? They say no and it is still no harm.</p>
<p>That is a big issue…the gpa thing.</p>
<p>60K of my merit award at Umich is contingent on my keeping a 3.5 (yikes). I don’t suppose I mind (that is quite the motivator). But still, if I were to have a bad semester…ummmm…yikes!</p>
<p>What I am hoping I can do (when I’m at Dimensions) is explain to the D-mouth people that Dartmouth is by far my first choice, but the cost differential is such that it would be financially unwise (to the tune of 15-20K per year) to attend. Hopefully, I will be able to work with them, through the fin aid appeal, to get the costs more in line. </p>
<p>On a side note, because my non-custodial parent didn’t exactly come through with some forms, I will need to meet with them anyways.</p>
<p>Do you think I’ll gain any headway??</p>
<p>I sent you 2 PM’s</p>
<p>I’m going no matter what… but since we’re not really expecting any financial aid, it will probably be a pinch for four years.</p>
<p>Good luck with your situation, kb54010.</p>
<p>i come from an upper-middle class town in Northern New Jersey, two-parent household, so we didn’t really expect aid. But this past year, both my parents lost their jobs. My dad ended up getting a similar job for a much lower salary, and my mom started a business, which results in a negative income on her part. Do you think that might change any college’s willingness to help me out? lol</p>