Chance me? Fin aid appeal

Classof2015
Fri, 22 Jun 2012 09:46:19 +0000

D finished freshman year at Emory. For 2011-2012 we received minimal fin aid, which I attributed to an unusually robust income in 2010 and the fact that she was accepted off the wait list (I have heard on CC that WL kids get virtually no aid). Minimal aid was specifically: 2 Stafford loans (1 unsubsidized, 1 subsidized) plus work study. Total: $7000.

2011 was much worse, financially. 2011 income was 57% of 2010 income. Assets were depleted to pay for tuition plus living expenses. I applied for aid for the 2012-2013 school year and just got the fin aid award – 2 Stafford loans (1 unsubsidized, 1 subsidized) plus work study. Total: $9000.

I will appeal, but here is my question: does anyone have first hand experience in appealing an award and getting more aid? If so, what do you feel were the key components of a successful appeal?

The fin aid office already has: personal and business tax returns for 2011 and 2010, so they can see the drop in income.

My EFC on the FAFSA for 2012-2013 was $23K.

I realize this does not correlate to the actual aid I will receive, but I am stunned at what I was offered. I am self-employed (so is my husband) and I have learned on this forum that self-employed people get battered when it comes to fin aid.

Any info appreciated.