<p>My son accepted admission for 2012 at a D2 school. Recruited to play soccer but given no athletic funds. Received academic scholarship and told to get loans for rest. Then, we have to get loans for the rest! What if we don’t qualify for these Parent Plus loans?</p>
<p>He signed a letter of intent (not an NLI) to play and an Academic Award letter and paid deposit. But, we want to still meet deadlines and requirements at other colleges’ financial aid offices. Just in case we don’t qualify and can’t pay for this one.</p>
<p>Is that legal?</p>
<p>thats a toughie- theres a helpful lady in the Financial Aid forum, kelsmom- she is the finaid expert and if you pm her she may answer your question. the only thing i can share with you is that financial reasons are typically acceptable when changing course in the college process. but again, im no pro. all the best.</p>
<p>SoccerRecruitMom,</p>
<p>Your son would possibly lose his deposit if he wanted to go to a different school. He is in no way bound to that first school. However, the grass may not be greener at the other school in terms of financing, academic scholarship(s). and he would probably have to tryout to be a walk-on. Academic scholarships vary by school because these schools want your son’s academic credentials to enhance their profile. I’m willing to bet your son is in the top 25% of their incoming class at the offering school…you may have more leverage (with the Financial Aid office) than you think IF he is top academic performer. Go to the FA office and ask to meet with someone. You have nothing to lose especially if he is a top student.</p>
<p>If you have some spare time, I recommend reading “The Financial Aid Handbook: Getting the Education You Want for the Price You Can Afford”. It was the best $11 bucks I ever spent. I will be applying these principles for sons #2 and #3.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>SoccerRecruitMom, A letter of intent is explicity for the purpose of accepting Athletic Money. I don’t know how they could have him sign if they did provide athletic funds. I don’t believe your son is obligated but I am sure there would be some burocracy to clear up the situation. The NCAA rules explicity state that the “Letter of Intent” only applies to Athletic Scholarships</p>