So, you've been accepted into your dream college, but there's a catch – the financial aid package falls short of what you need. It's a tough spot to be in, no doubt. Do you resign yourself to fate? Settle for a backup school? Or maybe consider starting a GoFundMe campaign? Before you go down any of those roads, there's one more option worth exploring – writing a financial aid appeal letter.
The Power of the Appeal Letter: Real-Life Success Stories
Consider the case of Robin, who found himself in a similar situation with Northwestern University. When he asked for more financial aid, the university came through, making his dream education affordable. Robin's story highlights a crucial point – sometimes, all it takes is a well-crafted appeal letter to bridge the gap between your financial need and the aid package offered by the school.
Crafting Your Appeal: Tips and Tricks
Writing a compelling financial aid appeal letter doesn't have to be daunting. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Introduce Yourself: Begin by introducing yourself and expressing gratitude for being accepted into the college of your choice. Share why the school is a perfect fit for you and why you're excited about the opportunity.
Be Direct: Clearly state the purpose of your letter – to request additional financial aid. There's no need to beat around the bush; honesty and transparency are key.
Share Your Financial Situation: Provide a brief overview of your family's financial circumstances. Include real numbers to illustrate the gap between your resources and the cost of attendance.
Highlight Your Achievements: Take a moment to showcase your academic and extracurricular accomplishments. Demonstrating your dedication and work ethic can strengthen your case for additional aid.
Keep it Concise: Be respectful of the reader's time and keep your letter concise and to the point. Once you've made your case, sign off respectfully and await a response.
When Should I Make A Financial Aid Appeal Letter Request?
As early as possible. Because when the money’s gone, it’s gone.
Example No 1: Financial Aid Appeal Letter
To the Financial Aid Office at UCLA:
My name is Meghan Geller, and I am a 12th grader currently enrolled at Los Angeles Academy. First, I would like to say that I am much privileged to have been admitted into this prestigious school, as the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) has always been my number one choice.
There is just a problem between my dream and it is a financial one.
I would love to be a part of UCLA—it’s near my home, which would allow me to stay close to my family, and the Bio department is remarkable. But, as a low-income student, I simply cannot afford it. I’m writing to request an arrangement for my financial aid award respectfully.
Please have a look at some more details of my financial situation. Currently, my father works as an assistant supervisor for American Apparel Co., and he is the sole bread earner for my family of six, while my mother is a housewife. The pay my father receives weekly hardly meets paying the bills.
My family’s overall income:
Father’s average weekly gross pay: $493.30
Father’s adjusted gross income: $27,022
Our household expenses:
Rent: $850
Legal Services: $200
Car payment: $230.32
Our family cannot afford to have medical insurance, so they do not have a medical bill. My father’s average monthly income estimates $1,973.20 (I’ve attached a pay stub). When our expenses such as rent, electricity bill, gas bill, car payment, legal services are added together, the cost is $1,402.70. Other fees such as the phone bill, internet bill, and monthly groceries also add to the list. But to make ends meet, my father works overtime and tailors clothes for people in our neighborhood.
My family is on an extremely tight budget and sadly cannot afford to pay for my schooling. I have worked very hard to reach where I am and was recently awarded Valedictorian for 2014. My purpose and my aspiration of becoming a nutritionist have helped me push forward despite the difficulties. I acknowledge your time in reconsidering my financial aid award. I’m looking forward to becoming a Bruin.
Regards,
Meghan Geller
Analysis Of The Example No 1: Financial Aid Appeal Letter
To the Financial Aid Office at UCLA:
My name is Meghan Geller, and I am a 12th grader currently enrolled at Los Angeles Academy. First, I would like to say that I am very privileged to have been admitted into this prestigious school, as the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) has always been my number one choice.
See how she talks about;
a) who she is and where she’s from,
b) how much she’s grateful to have been accepted and
c) (significant point) that UCLA is her number one choice. A school likes to know this if it’s true.
There is just a problem between my dream and it is a financial one.
See how she switches her sentence to set up what this letter is going to be about. It’s straightforward, simple, and explicit. Your letter doesn’t have to be fancy; it has to be clear and direct.
I would love to be a part of UCLA—it’s near my home, which would allow me to stay close to my family, and the Bio department is remarkable. But, as a low-income student, I simply cannot afford it. I’m writing to request an arrangement for my financial aid award respectfully.
So, first, she offers two fixed reasons that UCLA is the right fit for her, so the financial aid officer understands why UCLA is her top choice. Afterward, she makes her request clear: give me more money! And she does so in a simple, straightforward, and respectful way. She doesn’t beg; she asks.
Please have a look at some more details of my financial situation. Currently, my father works as an assistant supervisor for American Apparel Co., and he is the sole bread earner for my family of six, while my mother is a housewife. The pay my father receives weekly hardly meets paying the bills.
It is good to give details of your specific family situation even if you have provided these details in your original application, since the financial aid officer may not have your entire application right in front of them at the moment—it is helpful and saves them. Lots of work!
My family’s overall income:
Father’s average weekly gross pay: $493.30
Father’s adjusted gross income: $27,022
Our household expenses:
Rent: $850
Legal Services: $200
Car payment: $230.32
Give the details. No need to worry or feel shy. Give them the numbers so that they can understand what you are going through when they do the math. There just isn’t enough money. And remember that you may be asked to send in copies of your parents’ pay stubs, so don’t lie! And it’s not necessary to give all the details. It is essential to explain certain things—like why she doesn’t include her parents’ medical insurance. She already mentions
Our family cannot afford to have medical insurance, so they do not have a medical bill. My father’s average monthly income estimates $1,973.20 (I’ve attached a pay stub). When our expenses such as rent, electricity bill, gas bill, car payment, legal services are added together, the cost is $1,402.70. Other fees such as the phone bill, internet bill, and monthly groceries also add to the list. But to make ends meet, my father works overtime and tailors clothes for people in our neighborhood.
See how she has included her dad’s pay stub, which, again, saves time for the admission counselor. Additionally, she briefly explains the other costs and how her family is already doing everything they can.
My family is on an extremely tight budget and sadly cannot afford to pay for my schooling. I have worked very hard to reach where I am and was recently awarded Valedictorian for 2014. My purpose and aspiration of becoming a nutritionist have helped me push forward despite the difficulties. I acknowledge your time in reconsidering my financial aid award. I’m looking forward to becoming a Bruin.
More information: She is Valedictorian. A new update in her profile, as she wouldn’t have known this when she applied but did understand by the time she wrote the appeal. You can include 1-2 essential updates. Just keep in mind to not make a mess by saying useless things. You don’t want to seem desperate; you want to close strong with your most important updates.
Regards,
Meghan Geller
No fancy ending, just a simple sign-off.
