Advice for Appealing Your Financial Aid Award Letter

As I wrote in last month’s blog, most students received news about whether colleges accepted them in March.  This month, many families will sift through financial aid packages as part of the calculus in their final decisions.  And just like  actual calculus, that’s not always so easy.  I’m a college essay coach and college counselor.  I’m not a specialist in scholarships or financial aid.  But, I've used my research skills to collect some great advice here and here.  And I’ve put my writing skills to work, summarizing the main points of Cheryl Winokur Munk's “Biggest Mistakes That Families Make When Appealing College Financial-Aid Decisions” that appeared in the Wall Street Journal  on March 3, 2022, below.

Ask for an appeal

First, Munk recommends that families ask for an appeal.  As a college essay coach, I corroborate this advice: nobody can know something unless you tell them!  Munk proposes appealing especially if your financial situation has changed since filing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).  She quotes Mary Sommers, the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s financial aid director. “’Even if it doesn’t dramatically change a student’s federal award, it is possible the college can use some of its discretionary money, if available, to help out the family.” 

Specify what you want

Second, Munk advises that families specify what type of review they’d like.  A need-based review would be appropriate when a family’s financial situation has changed.  A student’s improved academic standing, on the other hand, might necessitate a merit-based review.  Munk cites the online platform Scholarships360.  (As a college counselor, I like the diversity of colleges that recommend this website.  As a study skills and organization coach, I adore how the cite organizes scholarships into different categories.  And as a college essay coach, I chuckled at the “No Essay” College Scholarship!)

Many reasons to appeal

Third, Munk underscores the diversity of reasons that might qualify for a need-based review.  These include divorce, separation, or death of the parent(s); high medical costs; and homelessness.  She cites Houston Community College’s Teresa Washburn.  “’If you don’t live at your custodial address, you need to be reviewed for special circumstances because it may result in more money.’”

Follow directions

Fourth, Munk counsels following the school’s process for appeals, usually stated on its website.  She notes that SwiftStudent contains free financial aid appeal letter templates.  As a college essay coach, I can testify that many students do not regularly check their email.  Munk advises that students promptly submit receipts and other documents that verify their claims about their financial status.  The author also endorses students checking their email for responses from the financial aid office.

Photo by Wesley Hilario on Unsplash

Follow up by phone

Finally, Munk reminds students to follow up after submitting an appeal letter if they haven’t heard back from the financial aid office within one week.  Because officers can provide information about specific scholarship opportunities within a student’s intended major, for example, in a conversation, Munk prefers the phone follow up.

As a college essay coach and college counselor, I’d add that students should follow up this communication with a handwritten thank you note.  You never know when you might need that person’s help later in your college career – and you’ll likely make that person’s day.  In the world we live in, we need to “pay it forward” whenever we can!

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Got any other tips for families navigating their financial aid award letters? Pop it into the Comments below — pay it forward!