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[Christine Fellows]

Hello,

I applied for financial aid for my son at a state university in the U.S. My
financial situation has changed dramatically several times since my first
application. For this reason I was allowed to apply for a re-evaluation
resulting in slightly more favorable tuition terms. However, things got
even worse due to a job loss, etc., and the financial aid office allowed me
to apply for yet another re-evaluation.

I have inquired on the status of the second re-evaluation, but the manager
is no longer there, and one of the counselors informs me that they just
don't do more than one re-evaluation. I am trying to press the issue. As
far as I was concerned, I was in the middle of an fincial office-approved
re-evaluation process.

How can I find out more about due process? The financial aid office does
not return my calls or answer my e-mails.

Thanks.

Christine Fellows

[Steve Blank]

By federal law, the student's eligibility for financial aid is based
upon the information you provided on the FAFSA, which must reflect your
income in the prior year (2003).

When there are special circumstances you may ask the school to take them
into consideration and if they agree they can exercise "professional
judgement" and make changes, which you say they already did once. But
they are not required to.

You certainly may ask for another evaluation based on newer
circumstances, but again it is entirely up to the Director of Financial
Aid whether they will do so. There is no higher level that you can take
this to. If they choose to make no further adjustments, their word is final.

You say that you have called and emailed, both of which may never have
got beyond a counselor. You want to get to the Director of Financial Aid
and if you can't do so by phone then send a letter (not email) addressed
to that person by name.

Keep in mind that you are asking for a special favor, so do not become
combative. Simply lay out the facts of your new situation and ask for
further help.

Steven B. Blank
College Financial Aid Consultants
29 Ives Hill Court
Cheshire, CT 06410
(203)250-7761


Christine Fellows wrote: