Specify your case clearly so the college can consider your appeal with clarity.
Most colleges offer some financial aid to students they select to gain admission to their courses. Although this offer is based on the general institutional policy, colleges are often open to making exceptions for candidates who show they deserve more help. When you write a letter asking for financial assistance, it is important to state the specifics of your case with supporting evidence. Along with a firm yet polite tone of address, this will improve your chances of receiving an amount greater than the initial offer from the college.
Instructions
1. Speak to the college administrative office and find out the name of the person heading the financial aid appeal committee. Address your letter to this person by name to draw attention to your case.
2. Use relevant information to present your case. If the college has made you an offer of financial assistance, first thank the authorities for the offer. State in specific numbers the fees you have to pay, the amount the college is offering and the difference. Provide the reference number of the letter you received from the college indicating your admittance. This is important because having all the information together will help the appeal committee make a quick decision. Appeal committees receive letters from many students and you cannot expect them to hunt for information on your case ahead of others.
3. Explain your present financial condition and show how the amount they are offering will not suffice to help you. Don't vaguely state the general poor condition of the economy as the reason for wanting financial aid. Base your statements on the realities of your particular case and make sure you have supporting evidence to substantiate your claims. For example, if you are asking for financial aid because your parents have been laid off from work, you should have an employment status document or a bank statement to prove the lack of income.
4. State firmly your need for greater financial aid than what the college is presently offering. Give exact figures of the amount that you are expecting. Express your inability to take up the course unless the award is higher. However, avoid making false references to better offers from other colleges. At a time when many students are requesting greater financial aid, the appeal committee may reject your application.
5. Read the draft of your letter to ensure you sound humble and polite but clear about the financial realities of your situation. Ensure the letter is less than one page long and check for grammar and spelling mistakes.
Tags: your case, appeal committee, asking financial, financial appeal, financial appeal committee, financial assistance