<p>This is a pretty detailed question.</p>
<p>When applying for either a PLUS or alternative loan, GWU will “certify” that you need a specific amount - figured by taking the COA $56,875 and subtracting the total amount of the financial aid package. </p>
<p>Our issue is this - if D plans to live in housing above the $10,120 allotted for room/board in the COA - there is a shortage in the amount that the loan is certified for. </p>
<p>The rep at financial aid spoke to the folks in the loan dept for me and said that I should just apply for the loan for the COA that I determine we need and, when the loan company contacts GWU to certify the loan, they will check her file and certify an amount that will cover the increased cost in housing.</p>
<p>They also said that GWU will give the loan company a certified amount that will include the 3-5% loan fees for the PLUS/alternative loan, so that the actual amount needed goes into the student account.</p>
<p>Has anyone been in this particular situation?
Does it work they way described above?</p>
<p>That’s exactly what we were told. Application for the Parent PLUS loan is in early June according to FA Office. You will know June 8th the dorm assignment. This will allow you to “add” any “Extra” dorm costs to the COA if needed. Once you figure out the COA. The amt. of the PLUS loan needed = COA-FA. Add 4% to that number to include the origination fees taken out. That’s how much you request. Of course the FA Office will then certify that amt. and your calculations.</p>
<p>GW makes you do more work - Our daughter’s college just says to put “MAX” for the amount needed and they figure it out.</p>
<p>CJ</p>
<p>thanks for the confirmation.</p>
<p>i thought we had to use the published COA. glad we can change it to fit our need. </p>
<p>i was nervous that, if I put too high of a COA, then I’d be asking for more than the amount they would certify… a big no-no! 
</p>
<p>did you read about the change in the gen ed requirements for this incoming class? (Or maybe your S won’t be in CC?) interesting changes.</p>
<p>The changes are for the class entering in 2011, not 2010. Unfortunately, your kids will have the ridiculous requirements that are now in effect if they’re in CCAS.</p>
<p>1sttimemom - Read about the change to the GCR’s for CCAS - My “S” is in Elliott. It’s ashame they will not impact your student - as above - for incoming class 2011. In my opinion, they should have waited to announce this change until after the 2010 had started. It might have lessened the hard feeelings with the class of 2010.</p>
<p>There’s no planned change for Elliott students.</p>
<p>bummer on missing out on the changes… that’s too bad.</p>