And yes. They do a deep dive. For example, if a college wrongly awards you federally funded aid like a Pell Grant, they are required to claw back that award if they find it was awarded in error.
How much more aid do you need to make Cornell affordable? $2000 or $20,000…because your chances on the lesser amount are better than on the larger amount…unless Cornell made a calculation mistake.
What is your plan if Cornell doesn’t get back to you by April 30?
One would think. But we’re unclear on the status and timing of communication. My gut tells me if there was a timely appeal in January, Cornell FA would have responded. So by April, it is what it is
All you can do is keep working with Cornell FA and because of the late date, I would elevate your concerns to a higher level admin person.
Have they told you how they calculated the most recent FA offer? And is that’s what is in dispute, or do you still not know why/how the FA packages changed? This really has gone on such a long time, I feel like we are missing part of the story (again that’s ok, you need not share everything!)
Make sure your S deposits at another school by May 1 if Cornell details aren’t worked out by then, he doesn’t want to lose his other acceptances.
Also…if you don’t have clarity with Cornell by May 1, I would formally ask them to extend past the May 1 enrollment deadline, and get that in writing (but your S still needs to deposit elsewhere.)