The Perfect Time to Submit a Financial Aid Appeal Letter

The Perfect Time to Submit a Financial Aid Appeal Letter

If you’re applying for financial aid for college, we get it: navigating the financial aid maze can be tricky. For example: maybe you read our 10-Step Guide to a Financial Aid Appeal, and know that you can appeal the financial aid package that a college offers you – but what about when is best to do it? Don’t worry – we’ve got your back. Let’s talk about the ideal time to submit that crucial financial aid appeal letter to maximize your chances of getting the help you need.

What Are The First Steps?

To start, most if not many colleges award need-based funding to students who demonstrate financial need. This means that if your financial situation changes or if the initial aid package isn’t enough, you probably want to consider submitting a financial aid appeal letter.

Pro Tip: Start by applying to your colleges of interest, filing the FAFSA®, and submitting your tuition deposit as early as possible. This ensures you receive a financial aid package in the first wave of awards, putting you in a better position to appeal if necessary.

Who Can Appeal?

For every year that you completed the FAFSA® and received a financial aid package, you can appeal your financial aid offer. For most students, that is going to be their freshman through senior undergraduate years – most especially, we stress that underclassmen (freshmen and sophomores) submit for an appeal.

Why? In our experience, upperclassmen tend to receive less additional funding from an appeal. Colleges usually reserve these “appeal funds” mostly for incoming and first-year students who contact the financial aid office claiming they don’t know if they’ll be able to financially pay for that college going forward.

Write From the Heart

When it comes to writing your appeal letter, it’s essential to do so from the student’s perspective. Explain your financial situation clearly and honestly, and make sure to wait until you receive your initial financial aid award letter before submitting an appeal. You need to know what you’re appealing against!

For a comprehensive guide on writing the perfect financial aid appeal letter, check out this fantastic resource on the Going Merry website: A Guide to Writing the Perfect Financial Aid Appeal Letter.

Be Clear and Concise

When you’re asking for more financial aid, be sure to explain exactly what you need in a clear and respectful way. Keep it short and to the point. Remember, your tone matters – stick to the facts and explain how not getting more financial aid will affect your ability to attend school.

A really great way to make sure you’re focusing on the right points is to use Going Merry’s free Financial Appeal Appeal Letter Generator¹ – we’ll prompt you on what to say and how to say it in a way that is personal to you and your situation. (Fun fact: most families that have used this tool have won more money!)

Be Patient and Persistent

Remember, every school’s financial aid appeal committee operates on its own schedule. Some start reviewing additional aid requests earlier than others and meet at varying frequencies. So, a little patience goes a long way.

Did you know you can submit more than one appeal letter to a school? Sometimes, if a college hasn’t met its quota for new students, they might become more generous with the aid they award. So, asking for more funding after a positive initial response can yield even better results.

Perfect Timing Tips

The ideal time to submit your financial aid appeal letter is immediately after you’ve received the financial aid offers from the colleges you’re applying to. The sooner you submit it, the more funds may be available to be offered to you. But really, any time appealing your aid package is better than never!

Here’s a golden nugget for you: Consider submitting an appeal letter just before the school year begins – usually between August and October. Why? Because there are always incoming students who, at the last minute, decide to attend a different school. This leaves some free funding up for grabs, and you could be the lucky recipient if you appeal at just the right time!

End On A Positive Note

Wrap up your letter by thanking the person you’re addressing. Let them know you appreciate the chance to request more financial aid and end on a friendly note, saying you hope to hear from them soon.

Final Thoughts

Navigating financial aid can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach and timing, you can increase your chances of getting the support you need. Apply early, stay patient, and don’t be afraid to appeal more than once. And most importantly, always write from the heart.

Good luck, and may your college journey be as smooth and exciting as possible!

Disclaimer: This blog post provides personal finance educational information, and it is not intended to provide legal, financial, or tax advice.

1 Disclaimer: Submitting your appeal letter does not guarantee an adjustment of your financial aid award. Please consult with the relevant university’s financial aid office for additional questions.

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Daniel Bod

Writer at Going Merry

Daniel Bod is a seasoned higher education professional with two decades of expertise in financial aid. He began his career at Hofstra University in 2004, after completing his Bachelor's degree from Stony Brook University in 2000, where he provided comprehensive financial aid support to families from diverse backgrounds. In 2007, he transitioned to LIU Post and advanced to Senior Assistant Director of Enrollment Services, dedicating over ten years to assisting students and families in various capacities. During his tenure at LIU Post, Daniel also earned a Master's degree in Childhood Education. Transitioning to St. George's University in 2019, he spent over four years focusing on the financial needs of medical students. Daniel excels in advising on loan options and empowering students and families to make informed decisions about educational finances.