<p>If you feel like you have extenuating circumstances that weren’t in your application it is worth giving them a call. They have reconsidered the package for my student at least once. But the profile calculation does take other things into consideration that are not considered in the FAFSA, in particular home equity. Generally our expected contribution has been greater than the FAFSA amount. The self help component can be increased also (so you can take a Federal Loan larger than those amounts if you want) up to $7500 for juniors and seniors. But since there is no merit aid, as a middle class student – you will either have to have the savings or take loans.</p>