We are in state from a smaller county, we are not low income; but we do have 2 car payments, mortgage, a toddler in diapers, and 2 family members have large medical bills. Her counselor advised her to write a letter to the SSA office explaining this. She never received a reply but was awarded the Indiana County Fee Remittance 88% of total tuition, Knass family scholars, and 1st year scholars from SSA. Together they totalled an additional 13,500 on top of her 3000 provost scholarship. FAFSA ignores everything and I fully believe writing a letter explaining our situation, on top of her essay and recommendations greatly enhanced her ability to receive more.