Not happy with the EFC (Expected Family Contribution) that was sent to you on your FAFSA? Frequently when families recieve the Student Aid Report from their filed FAFSA, they are amazed at how high the EFC has been set. If this has happened to you, don't despair---you can file an appeal!

If you feel that your EFC is unreasonably high, write a letter to the financial aid administrator of the college to which you are applying. Explain why you think the current package isn't enough to allow you to attend that school--maybe you had unexpected expenses since you filed your FAFSA or there are some other circumstances that have changed since you filed, or possibly the information didn't fit on the FAFSA form anywhere and you want to clarify it for them. Be sure you include some documentation to support your claim (send in tax returns, receipts from medical expenses, pay stubs, etc). You can explain why your family can't afford the expenses as they currently stand.

You can also mention your own accomplishments that might help them understand what a valuable asset you could be to their school. Prove to them that you are worthy of their consideration for more aid.

If you have been offered a better deal at another school, you can also give them that information. It may be enough to encourage them to offer you more money to get you to attend
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This may not get you further aid, but they will know you are serious about wanting to attend their school and they may be able to increase your aid package in some way. It frequently works, so be sure to give it a try!