Bad idea to apply for financial aid?

[thumper1]

We suffered losses due to COVID (not reflected in the 2019-2020 tax returns since it was filed last year) and my parents were already reluctant to send me abroad and the price tags aren’t helping. Is there any way to explain special circumstances to colleges?

1. Tax returns are not 2019-2020. They are for the calendar year...so 2019 (when Covid wasn’t an issue) and 2020.
2. There are tens of thousands of college students who have family incomes and such impacted by Covid. I’m not positive that is going to be able to be considered a special circumstance...due to the very large numbers.
3. If your parents have an annual college budget, please listen to them. Many students have had to make compromises because their families have needed to do so. If your family can’t afford a huge annual college bill...please work with them. Find some affordable options.
4. How much can your family pay annually? Do you have sufficiently high grades to get auto merit aid at places like University of Alabama, Arizona, University of New Mexico? With merit, would your net costs be affordable?