Welcome to Student Financial Guide Online

If you want to impress your financial aid counselor and build a positive relationship, take ownership of the financial aid application process and all that it entails. Yes, you have to do your financial aid homework! That means:

If you want to impress your financial aid counselor and build a positive relationship, take ownership of the financial aid application process and all that it entails. Yes, you have to do your financial aid homework! That means:

·        knowing the college's financial aid application deadline;
·        keeping copies of everything you use to complete your aid application forms;
·        checking with the aid office to make sure your file is complete;
·        preparing a special circumstances appeal letter, if necessary, that details your need with copies of federal tax documents or medical bills;
·        informing the aid office early about any outside scholarships you have received;
·        being on time for appointments;
·        calling your counselor if you have to cancel an appointment.

During your financial aid interview, keep in mind that this is your education in which you are investing. Negotiating as if you were buying a car is not the recommended style, but being assertive with a good dash of politeness is accepted. Remember, many colleges will have you working with the same financial aid counselor every year, so being courteous goes a long way. This is a potential four-year relationship - don't blow it!

Gather any supporting documentation to be submitted that will substantiate your current circumstances, and always confirm receipt of your request. Discuss any unusual circumstances. There is nothing wrong with asking your aid counselor if there is any flexibility with the interpretation of regulations - just don't ask him to break them!

Final approval decisions may take some time. Normally, an aid office has an appeals committee that meets once or twice a month to render final decisions on a variety of appeals. Ask your financial aid counselor when you can expect to hear the outcome of your appeal and what adjustments were made, if any.


CHECKLIST

Some Do's

·        Do call ahead and make an appointment; walk-ins may not be assisted immediately.
·        Do make a list of questions for your counseling visit.
·        Do ask if there are certain requirements needed to retain your aid, such as grade point average or minimum number of credits to take and complete.

·        Do compare your expected family contribution as calculated by other colleges and ask your counselor to explain any differences.
·        Do find out about employment programs at your college. A few hours a week can help pay for books or personal expenses.
·        Do respond to your award letter by the deadline.
·        Do ask what changes in your situation can affect your awards.
·        Do inquire about the effects of external scholarships on your aid package.
·        Do thank your counselor for assisting you.

Some Don'ts

·        Don't compare your aid award with others. Each situation is different, and your counselor can only discuss your situation with you.
·        Don't discuss consumer debt. While your finances may be limited due to your family's spending habits, steer clear of thinking that consumer debt will be taken into account by your financial aid counselor.
·        Don't give up - although you may not qualify now, apply again next year.
·        Don't borrow just because you can - loans have to be repaid with interest.
·        Don't be ashamed to discuss your personal finances, such as bankruptcy, child-support issues, medical expenses, etc.