Can I call a university and ask for more merit aid?

[Anonymous]

When you’re talking $100k or more, money is a parent thing, not a student thing. So many DCUM posters think everything about college is a student thing, but good luck with that. Our experience is that high school seniors, despite their age and appearance, don’t have the judgement, experience, and perspective of an adult.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When you’re talking $100k or more, money is a parent thing, not a student thing. So many DCUM posters think everything about college is a student thing, but good luck with that. Our experience is that high school seniors, despite their age and appearance, don’t have the judgement, experience, and perspective of an adult.

Maybe spending $100k/year on college isn’t a wise choice?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When you’re talking $100k or more, money is a parent thing, not a student thing. So many DCUM posters think everything about college is a student thing, but good luck with that. Our experience is that high school seniors, despite their age and appearance, don’t have the judgement, experience, and perspective of an adult.

Maybe spending $100k/year on college isn’t a wise choice?

All 4 years. College is a $100k-$300k decision.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When you’re talking $100k or more, money is a parent thing, not a student thing. So many DCUM posters think everything about college is a student thing, but good luck with that. Our experience is that high school seniors, despite their age and appearance, don’t have the judgement, experience, and perspective of an adult.

Maybe spending $100k/year on college isn’t a wise choice?

Don't pretend every student who goes to a state college for 30K a year knows how to ask for more merit aid, PP. You've made your point, people don't necessarily agree with it, and someone in a financial aid office said they get calls from parents, not students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes, schools are prepared for appeals and usually have a specific process. Call and ask what the process is to appeal for more aid. Parents can definitely do that, this is one area where the student doesn't need to take the lead.

But why not? My kid called and asked for increased merit aid. And was granted it. Sure we practiced with her but this is her education. She needs to learn to advocate for it. It also gave her a huge confidence boost when she figured out she is more than capable of having this conversation. Why would you take that opportunity away from your kid? I am no admissions counselor but I imagine I would be more persuaded if the student called me herself.

Why not? Because the adult is likely more savvy/prepared for follow up questions and it saves the time of back and forth. But obviously, if your kid was able that's amazing! The point is that FA/money is the one area where it is definitely OK for the parents to discuss, there are ample opportunities for students to self advocate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes, schools are prepared for appeals and usually have a specific process. Call and ask what the process is to appeal for more aid. Parents can definitely do that, this is one area where the student doesn't need to take the lead.

But why not? My kid called and asked for increased merit aid. And was granted it. Sure we practiced with her but this is her education. She needs to learn to advocate for it. It also gave her a huge confidence boost when she figured out she is more than capable of having this conversation. Why would you take that opportunity away from your kid? I am no admissions counselor but I imagine I would be more persuaded if the student called me herself.

Why not? Because the adult is likely more savvy/prepared for follow up questions and it saves the time of back and forth. But obviously, if your kid was able that's amazing! The point is that FA/money is the one area where it is definitely OK for the parents to discuss, there are ample opportunities for students to self advocate.

So practice with your kid. Throw some curveballs at them. I promise you that if your kid is able to get into one of these fabulous colleges, they can have this conversation and come out well. Trust your kid. They will surprise you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When you’re talking $100k or more, money is a parent thing, not a student thing. So many DCUM posters think everything about college is a student thing, but good luck with that. Our experience is that high school seniors, despite their age and appearance, don’t have the judgement, experience, and perspective of an adult.

Maybe spending $100k/year on college isn’t a wise choice?

Don't pretend every student who goes to a state college for 30K a year knows how to ask for more merit aid, PP. You've made your point, people don't necessarily agree with it, and someone in a financial aid office said they get calls from parents, not students.

Most advice suggests that students should advocate for merit aid, not parents. Parents ask for need based aid.

https://money.com/college-financial-aid-appeal-for-more-money/?amp=true

[Anonymous]

He shall ask, may or may not receive. We tried and one school gave extra $5K, other said no, it is what it is. They are usually more flexible for aid eligible students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Either one of you could call or email. While the kid should contact the school for other issues, it is acceptable for the parent to ask for more aid. Check out Paying for College 101 on Facebook and do a search on merit appeal or aid appeal. There has been much discussion and many people are successful. Some are not.

NP. When mine appealed, FA office only wanted to deal with the student.