No. 24: FAFSA Walkthrough, Essay Writing, and Appeal Letters

Quote of the Day

“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.”

– Robert Frost

News & Notes

1. FAFSA Webinar: We hosted our annual FAFSA walkthrough last Thursday. You can access the recording on our webinars page.

2. Attention Independent Educational Consultants:?As you’ve shared with us, many of the families with whom you work are unprepared for the financial realities of college after getting their children into the schools of their choice.

We are happy to announce that we will be hosting a special?Little-Known Secrets of Paying for College?workshop specifically for your communities. The event will take place on Wednesday, February 5th, at 7:00 PM EST. Please share this?free registration link with your families.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our Director of Educational Programs, Bernadette Boyle.

3. February College Essay Workshop: We are excited to announce a collaborative essay writing workshop with Ivy League Potential on February 11th. Learn how to find your unique voice, write powerful essays, and get into a top college. Save your seat now!

4.?Dealing With College Rejections: Check out this article from Wealth Management on how to deal with college admissions disappointment. Hint: Be open to the idea that you can thrive at multiple schools.

5.?Create Your College Funding Gameplan:?Do you lack the time, expertise, or energy to navigate the world of college funding?

Let us help you determine the most efficient strategy for your family to save and pay for college while safeguarding your retirement.

Schedule a free consultation with one of our coaches to organize your finances, reduce your college costs, and determine the best financial pathways for your family now.

Financial Advisors Needed

Families across the country are desperately seeking guidance on how to afford college without jeopardizing their retirement.

They need a financial advisor who truly understands their challenges—someone who can offer real, personalized strategies.

That someone could be YOU.

By becoming a college funding expert, you’ll fill a crucial gap in the market, providing solutions that parents can’t find anywhere else. Imagine the impact of helping families achieve their college dreams without sacrificing their financial security. Learn more today: https://www.thecollegefundingcoach.org/membership/

College Essay Workshop

Event Title: Your Story, Your Voice: College Essays That Open Doors

Date & Time: Tuesday, February 11th, 7:00 - 8:00 PM EST

Details:

Learn to find your unique voice, write powerful essays, and get into a top college.

Sonia Lal (founder of college admissions firm Ivy League Potential and former Harvard admissions interviewer) will provide strategic guidance and practical tips on how to:

● Overcome writer’s block and unleash your creative writing juices

● Create a compelling personal statement

● Answer the question, “Why do you want to attend our college?”

● Write about community and identity

● Approach supplemental essay questions

● Recycle essays intelligently

● Find inspiring sample essays

Parents and students will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end.

REGISTER FOR FREE NOW

Upcoming Private Scholarship Deadlines

Direct links to a handful of smaller private scholarships. Pulled from Scholarship Owl.

January 30: Public Service Scholarship

January 31:?ACIS Travel Scholarship

January 31:?Sallie Mae No Essay Scholarship?

February 3: National Conscience Month Essay Contest

February 7:?Harris Law Injury Scholarship

February 7:?National Geographic Slingshot Challenge

New Blog Post!

How to Write a Letter of Appeal for More Financial Aid and Merit Funds

Author: Brian T. Weber

It’s exciting when you get into that first college. However, it’s also the moment when many families face the reality of affording the cost of higher education.

If your financial aid package or merit scholarship offer isn’t as generous as expected, don’t despair – you can appeal the decision. Writing a well-crafted appeal letter can increase your chances of receiving more financial assistance, but it’s essential to approach it carefully and professionally.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write an effective letter to request more need-based aid or merit scholarship money.

1. Understand the Appeal Process

Before you start drafting your letter, make sure you understand the college’s specific process for appeals.

Some institutions have a formal appeals procedure, which could involve submitting documentation like updated tax returns, additional financial information, or other supporting materials.

Check the financial aid office’s website or contact them directly for clear instructions on initiating an appeal.

2. Assess Your Reasons for the Appeal

There are various reasons why a financial aid package may need to be adjusted. Here are some common situations that might warrant an appeal:

• Change in Financial Circumstances:?If your family has experienced a significant change in income due to job loss, illness, or other unforeseen circumstances, explain the situation in detail.
• Unforeseen Expenses:?If there are unexpected family expenses (medical bills, funeral costs, etc.) that were not reflected in your original financial aid application, it’s important to share this information.
• Higher Costs of Attendance:?If you’ve received a more generous aid package from another school or if you’re attending a higher-cost school, this may justify a request for more funds.
• Merit-Based Appeal:?If you have new academic achievements (honors, awards, or high standardized test scores) that occurred after your original merit scholarship was awarded, you may request an increase in merit aid.

CONTINUE READING

Other College Funding Content to Chew On

A carefully curated selection of the newest college funding articles on the web

College Admissions in 2025? Buckle Up... (Yahoo Finance)

Why You Should Check Your College's Financial Health (Kiplinger)

How to Align Your College Goals With the Fastest-Growing Careers (Forbes)

America's Best College Degrees If You Want to Avoid Being Underemployed (Forbes)

How Wealthy Universities Favor the Rich (Inside Higher Ed)

Want to bring our free Little-Known Secrets of Paying for College workshop to your school, business, or community organization? Find out more.

The College Funding Coach?, 8444 Westpark Drive Suite 900, McLean, Virginia 22102, (800) 969-2362