Is Your Financial Aid Strategy Working?

Question 1

Has your family filed the FAFSA, or do you have a clear plan to file it?

Accepted Answer

Yes — FAFSA has been filed and we've confirmed receipt; Yes — we have a plan and are in the process of filing; We plan to file but haven't started yet; No — we haven't addressed it, or we don't think we qualify

Question 2

Are you aware of the CSS Profile, and do you know whether your target schools require it?

Accepted Answer

Yes — I know which schools require it and we're prepared to complete it; I've heard of it and am researching which of my schools require it; I've heard of it but don't know if my schools require it; No — I've never heard of the CSS Profile

Question 3

Do you have schools on your list that are known for offering strong merit aid to students with your academic profile?

Accepted Answer

Yes — I've specifically researched and added schools where my profile is competitive for merit scholarships; Some — a few schools on my list offer merit aid I may qualify for; I'm not sure which schools offer merit aid I'd be competitive for; No — I haven't considered merit aid when building my list

Question 4

Do you have a 'financial safety' school on your list — one your family can definitively afford to attend?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we have at least one school where cost is fully confirmed and manageable; We think so, but we haven't verified the actual net cost; Not really — we're hoping financial aid will make our schools affordable; No — cost was not part of our list-building process

Question 5

Do you know your family's Expected Family Contribution (EFC) or Student Aid Index (SAI) — the number that drives how much aid you're offered?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we've calculated it and understand how it affects our aid eligibility; Roughly — we've estimated it; No, but we plan to find out before applications are due; No — we don't know what the EFC or SAI is

Question 6

Do you know that families can appeal financial aid award letters — and what typically makes an appeal successful?

Accepted Answer

Yes — I understand the process and we're prepared to appeal if our award doesn't reflect our actual need; I've heard you can appeal, but I don't know the process; No — I haven't thought about appealing aid offers; No — I assumed financial aid award letters were final