What To Expect When You Are Expecting to Go to Financial Aid

I recently read an article about the 10 things not to say when you go to the Financial Aid office. I found that quite interesting, but what I wish it would have told me was: what are the 10 things that I should say when I visit the financial aid office? The whole process of becoming admitted and registering for classes, finding your way around campus and how to pay for the classes as well as trying to understand Financial Aid can be very overwhelming. Mix in the strange lingo associated with the college enrollment process and someone can feel downright lost!

Always start with the Admissions office and they will surely be able to provide you with the step-by-step process that your school follows for new students. And shortly thereafter you will need to complete your FAFSA application. Eventually you will probably need to visit your Financial Aid office. Here’s some ideas to get you started in the right direction.

1. Treat your financial aid counselor with respect. They have a lot of knowledge that can be very beneficial to you. Sometimes they know of ways to get through the process quicker or they can make suggestions you would have no idea of otherwise.
2. Ask lots of questions. One which may come up frequently may be…what does that mean? If they say something that you don’t understand – ask them.
3. Ask: What would you do if it were you?
4. Ask them if they know of any other opportunities that could help you. Sometimes they know about interest free book loans, obscure scholarship funds or contacts within the college that can be helpful to you.
5. Probably most important is: LISTEN. They are saying what they are for a reason. The best part about working in Financial Aid is helping students…that’s the payoff for their hardwork. Let them help you.
6. Be persistent. In many cases, Financial Aid departments are understaffed and overworked. They have a ton of work to do and in peak times it can get pretty crazy. They are human and mistakes can happen. Be understanding, be patient and be persistent and you will get results.
7. Ask for the boss if you need to. In 99% of the cases, it shouldn’t be necessary. If you are being reasonable and you understand the Federal Government guidelines for the aid you receive and you believe you are being treated unfairly, take your case to the Director of Financial Aid. And remember, they know the policies and regulations for aid.

Well, I hope this helps even just a little bit. This has been a class project of mine. If you’d like to see more, please visit me at my Squidoo webpage at: http://www.squidoo.com/everyday-stuff-for-everyday-people.

Good Luck!