<p>Last year my parents received a pretty large inheritance, and my father’s business was doing well. Then his salary was cut in half and my parents have put most of their money into savings accounts. The schools are looking at our account and earnings from last year, and we do not apply for aid at all; but this year, and probably for the next couple of years, we will fall into the aid-qualifying bracket. Is there a way to tell schools that we cannot afford it now even though what they are looking at gives them a different impression? I don’t know if I am explaining this too clearly, but hopefully someone can help. Thanks!</p>
<p>If your family has a lot of money in savings accounts they expect that money to be available to help pay for college. You can try to explain to the college how that money will be required for other uses (like basic necessities).</p>