Writing a Strong Appeal Letter for Financial Aid (with Sample)
Use this sample appeal letter for financial aid as a template for your successful appeal letter.
Last updated on December 2, 2023
When financial aid is configured, it goes off of the eligibility to repay the loan using a standard formula. Regrettably, that formulation frequently does not show a true picture of your capability to pay for college. Furthermore, these formulas don’t take into consideration extenuating circumstances.
Few people know that when their college of choice doesn’t offer the amount of financial aid that is needed, you have the right to appeal. Frequently, when this decision is appealed, it is met with good results.
Few people know that when their college of choice doesn’t offer the amount of financial aid that is needed, you have the right to appeal. Frequently, when this decision is appealed, it is met with good results.
Appeal Letter is the Key
The appeal letter is the key to letting the school know what your needs are. You need to make sure to address your letter to the person in charge. If you don’t know who to address the appeal letter to, call the school to find out. It is important to speak directly to the person who will make the decision.
"Dear Mr. Snyder," will get their attention faster than a generic letter with “To Whom It May Concern” on the title. Make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. The last thing you want is to ask for more money for college with a letter full of errors. Show that you are a student worthy of an additional funding.
Always be courteous and be sure to thank the college for the financial aid they did offer, even if it is not nearly what is needed, this should be included in your opening sentence. Let them know that the assistance is helpful, but is not enough for you to be able to attend school and pay for expenses. If you cannot make up the difference and it will financially strap you, say so. Being honest is the key to getting additional funding.
Making the Case
Making the case to the person in charge is critical. Make sure to use actual numbers and also state how important college is to you. If your parents went to college or even this college, be sure to tug on the heart strings a bit and show a drive to succeed. Some students have to go off of the parent’s income and if this be the case, state how your parents simply cannot afford the financial burden of college.
State the amount of money your parents need to have and how this would strap them financially. If there are a great deal of bills, like mortgages, car payments and outstanding medical bills, be sure to include these figures in the letter. It’s important to state your case and to also make sure there is documentation to back up what you are saying. These clerks hear a great deal of sob stories, but making yours verifiable gives you an advantage.
Sense of Urgency
Let the person you’re writing know that you simply cannot attend their school without more money. Be sure to make the wording polite but allow them to feel your sense of urgency. It would be good to say something like, "While I really appreciate your substantial offer, I'm troubled I will be not capable of attending college unless my financial aid offer is considerably increased."
Make sure to keep the letter humble and not come off demanding. A committee will review your letter and make the choice to approve or decline your offer. If there are funds available, you have a good chance of getting what you need.
Strong Appeal Letter for Financial Aid
Name of Applicant
Address of Applicant
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Name of Employer or Human Resource Official
Name of Company
Address of Company
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Name of Employer:
This letter accompanies my resume to apply for the position of day-care assistant in your esteemed nursery school and day-care center. I learned that you were looking for another assistant from my sister, Name of Sister, whose child, Name of Child, attends your center. I graduated last month with a BA degree in early childhood education from Name of University, and have volunteered every summer at Name of Summer Camp for the past three years.
At the summer camp, I assisted Name of Director, the director, in organizing special events such as camp-outs, sports days and nature hikes. I enjoy working with young children because their enthusiasm and sense of wonder inspiring, and I like to facilitate and further their interests. One summer I spent establishing the arts and crafts program, and at the end of the summer, organized an art show for the parents. It is clear to me that children require support and encouragement to realize their fullest potential.
Some of my personal attributes that may make me suitable for the position are:
• I am a very positive and generally happy person, do not anger easily and always look for compromise rather than confrontation.
• I work well with parents and children.
• I am a hard-worker and, in some instances, a perfectionist.
My grades were high in all of my education classes and my professors will provide letters of recommendation. The director of Name of Summer Camp will also send a letter of recommendation.
I hope that you will give me the opportunity to meet you and answer any questions you have. I will call you on DATE to schedule an interview. My phone number is Phone Number and my email address is Email Address. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application.
Sincerely,
Signature of Applicant
Printed Name of Applicant
List of Enclosures: Resume
By Andre Bradley
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