Cathy Moore Portfolio Sample: Online reference on college financial aid

Online reference sample

This is part of a large web site that helps Indiana University students apply for financial aid. This section is for students who feel they weren't given enough aid. Links within this page originally went to separate pages; other links have been disabled.

Appealing for More Aid
Most aid is based on need
Most of the aid that goes through our office is based on need. Your need is the difference between your

Expected Family Contribution (EFC), calculated by federal staff, and
budget, our standardized estimate of IU costs

See How We Figure Your Aid for details.

We're required by federal regulations to stick to this formula. However, in some cases, we can change a student's EFC or budget. This can increase the student's need and result in more aid.

What's your situation?

My parents won't help pay.
My family and I can't pay as much as we're supposed to.
I have extra expenses.
I'm enrolled in more than the usual hours.
I made unsatisfactory academic progress.
Other situations

_________________________________________

My parents won't help pay

To be fair to all students, we have to base aid on ability to pay, not willingness. Federal staff expect your parents to pay their share if you don't fit the federal description of an independent student. We can't increase your aid just because your parents aren't willing to help.

However, some students in exceptional circumstances can be reclassified as independent. The family breakdown must be irreversible and documented by third parties.

To be considered for a reclassification, you must give us

a Client Appeal Form
a letter explaining why you should be considered independent, including dates and details
a statement showing how much support you received from your parents this year and the two previous years
a letter from your parents, if possible, or a description of your attempts to get this letter
a letter from an adult not related to you
a letter from a professional, such as a high school counselor or minister, confirming the breakdown between you and your parents. A letter from others, such as neighbors, is acceptable if no official knows your family's circumstances.

Our decision on your dependent status is final. You can't appeal to the Dept. of Education.

If you're granted independent status, you'll have to renew it each year by filling out a recertification form. You'll also need to bring in your FAFSA before you submit it to the federal processor, so we can override your dependency status.

_________________________________________

My family and I can't pay as much as we're supposed to

If you or your parents will have trouble coming up with the EFC due to unusual circumstances, such as a loss of income, ask for a Client Appeal Form. A successful appeal can lower your EFC and increase your aid.

The Client Appeal Form covers the following circumstances and might require documentation:

Dependent students:

your income has dropped since last year
your parent's income has dropped
a parent has unusually high uninsured medical expenses
your parents have gotten divorced, or a parent has died
your parents have nondiscretionary legal payments

Independent students:

your or your spouse's income has dropped since last year
you and your spouse have gotten divorced, or your spouse has died

_________________________________________

I have extra expenses

If you have unusual expenses, such as child care or tutoring bills, ask for a Student Special Expenses Form. If we approve the expenses, your aid could be increased.

The form covers the following expenses and might require documentation: unusual uninsured medical expenses

costs of having a job

books and other educational expenses

child or other dependent care

costs of a disability

legal costs You must face these costs during the current enrollment period. If your costs aren't included in this list, contact us to find out how to enter an appeal.

Costs we won't cover:

purchase of a car
cost of a computer, unless you're an MBA or law student
housing costs beyond the standard budget

_________________________________________

I'm enrolled in more than the usual hours

Our standard budget bases tuition costs on 17 hours for full-time undergraduates, 9 for part-time. We use 11 and 6 hours for grad students. If you're enrolled in more hours, contact us. We'll increase your budget, which could increase your aid.

_________________________________________

I made unsatisfactory academic progress

We will deny you aid if you don't meet the academic progress requirements. If you receive a notice in spring saying you've been denied aid for next year, wait until your spring grades are posted. If your progress has improved, we'll automatically reconsider your aid application. If you haven't improved and we continue to deny you aid, we might reinstate you if you can document one of the following situations and show the situation won't affect your future performance.

You suffered a long-term illness
Give us a letter from your health care provider verifying that an illness caused you to perform poorly and that your health has improved enough for you to succeed now.

The death or life-threatening illness of a close family member occurred during or immediately before the semester that caused your aid suspension
Give us a letter from a health care professional substantiating your statement.

Other circumstances occurred that your academic department can verify
Write a letter explaining what happened and how you plan to meet the standards; also give us a letter of support from your academic advisor.

_________________________________________

Other situations
If your situation isn't included here, contact us. If an advisor agrees you should make a request to the appeals committee, you'll need to write a letter explaining why your situation warrants an exception to the usual policy. You might have to provide other documentation as well. The advisor will give your letter to the appeals committee, which usually meets twice a week, then contact you with the result.

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