Should I appeal financial aid?

casadelewis
Fri, 17 Apr 2015 17:03:06 +0000

It is worth a try, especially if USC is your preference. I do not know where you are from originally so don’t forget to consider travel expenses in weighing the cost of both programs. If you are from California the flights to and from the east coast several times a year (holiday prices) can add up. In approaching the financial aid office just ask them if they will reconsider your financial aid package. Perhaps the FAFSA does not give a true picture of your family’s financial situation. If that is true, say so. Maybe your family had some unexpected events ($) last year or this year that have not been taken into account. Despite USC’s reputation as being a school for rich kids, they are “need blind” for admissions and do offer quite a bit of financial assistance to families that really need it. There are just a lot of families that really need it (families that earn less per year than the cost of 1 year at the school). I know this from personal experience. Do contact them though!