Award Letter Process
Since colleges may present their award letter differently, you should have someone compare them with you. This is an example of SUNY Plattsburg.
1. Submit your applications to the colleges on your Final List by your desired deadline. Unless otherwise noted, I recommend submitting ALL of them by the earliest posted regular deadline.
2. Wait.
3. File the FAFSA (form available every October 1) and other financial aid forms required by the college.
4. Open your acceptance letters. Post your reaction on YouTube! (Note: your college acceptance letter is not your financial aid award letter.)
5. Wait for it (not as long as before, but still tough).
6. Review your financial aid award letters. The college will create your financial aid award letter based on the COA minus your EFC (COA – EFC = AWARD). The Cost of Attendance (COA) includes tuition, room and board, books, fees, transportation and miscellaneous costs. Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) comes from your Student Aid Report (SAR). Over 3,200 post-secondary institutions have adopted the Financial Aid Shopping Sheet to make it easier to compare costs.
7. The net price of the college is not the sticker price. It will include potential grants and discounts. Scholarships you receive will also reduce the net price.
8. Review and compare the award letters from each college to determine your best financial fit.
9. Accept or appeal the award letter. I recommend you appeal if you have special circumstances not indicated on the FAFSA. This could have been a job loss, financial windfall, extended hospital stay, etc. that occurred two years ago.
10. Once you've reviewed all award letters, select the best college and let the world know! And the college. Notify let the college and let them know you're coming. Then (very gently, so you don't hurt their feelings), let the other colleges know you will not be attending so they can release your spot.
Congratulations!
2. Wait.
3. File the FAFSA (form available every October 1) and other financial aid forms required by the college.
4. Open your acceptance letters. Post your reaction on YouTube! (Note: your college acceptance letter is not your financial aid award letter.)
5. Wait for it (not as long as before, but still tough).
6. Review your financial aid award letters. The college will create your financial aid award letter based on the COA minus your EFC (COA – EFC = AWARD). The Cost of Attendance (COA) includes tuition, room and board, books, fees, transportation and miscellaneous costs. Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) comes from your Student Aid Report (SAR). Over 3,200 post-secondary institutions have adopted the Financial Aid Shopping Sheet to make it easier to compare costs.
7. The net price of the college is not the sticker price. It will include potential grants and discounts. Scholarships you receive will also reduce the net price.
8. Review and compare the award letters from each college to determine your best financial fit.
9. Accept or appeal the award letter. I recommend you appeal if you have special circumstances not indicated on the FAFSA. This could have been a job loss, financial windfall, extended hospital stay, etc. that occurred two years ago.
10. Once you've reviewed all award letters, select the best college and let the world know! And the college. Notify let the college and let them know you're coming. Then (very gently, so you don't hurt their feelings), let the other colleges know you will not be attending so they can release your spot.
Congratulations!