@jakedog13 – that was kind of my understanding too, based upon a MEFA (MA Educational Financing Authority) talk that I attended. The “unmet” need, after all is said and done, may or may not be met by the school. That’s why they suggest shopping around. A former coworker who has gone through this same thing says that it is a good idea to call and talk to FA people. Some will budge, some won’t, and they appreciate hearing that their school may be a top choice.
In our case, one school already sent what seems to be a standardized form, which outlines the what I imagine the NPC to be like – it was a list much like what @ILMom13579 posted above. Although it was the first time that I had seen such a form, I imagine that any outside scholarships would factor into the sheet, changing everything.
That’s the funny conundrum, I think, about the “unmet need” part. EFC is allegedly what you can afford. The NPC sheet shows merit aid, and loans and such. Then the balance is unmet need. Well, how do you fulfill it? If you think it is with outside scholarships, then the numbers on the sheet will probably change (grants, loans, etc). It’s complicated!