Open Question: I need to know how to get grants/scholarships/financial aide so that I have enough $$$ to cover ALL costs?
Ok, so I’ve been in college for 2 years and I NEVER get all of my tuition covered. On top of that, I have to pay out of pocket for my books, living expenses, rent, etc. Whenever I get my award letter from financial aid they put a column w/ expected parental contribution (based on their income) and its always like $12,000! Problem is, they dont help me w/ ANY of it. What the hell is this?! I have many friends that somehow magically have ALL tuition and books paid for through FAFSA and then an extra $3000 on top of that for the semester! My brother went to school in ‘98 and he too had hi rent covered by financial aid. Every time I go to a financial aid office and tell them this (about my brother) and tell them that I need EVERYTHING covered b/c I get NO help, I get the ring around! I understand its mostly bureucratic but c’mon! How the hell do I just get all that I need?!
Another quick Q: Is it possible I’m not getting as much as my bro b/c of Bush’s cuts on fin. aid??
One more important detail is that my tuition per semester is 4000 and I usually get about 3100. So all in all I figure w/ tuition, books, living expenses I need about 6000/semester.