<p>Shunywing:</p>
<p>Remember some of the expenses that are mentioned in the COA depends on your expenses. Personal expenses, transportation, books etc. depend on your control of expenses. You have received a very good package, meaning that your parents do not have much assets or income. So you need to be frugal and you may be able to reduce the amount your parents need to contribute. Similarly, the COA is based on an average housing and food options. You can choose an appropriate option. If you choose a high cost option, then your COA will be higher. The EFC is estimated, and you have the ability to make it a little lower.</p>