Questions worth asking your school’s financial aid office

1Before you ask

Have the offer open. Highlight the line you do not understand and write the question in one sentence. A specific question gets a specific answer.

2Questions about the offer

• Which parts of this offer are repaid, and which are not?
• Is the work-study amount guaranteed, or only an eligibility to apply for jobs?
• What does the cost of attendance assume about housing?
• If my plans change, what happens to each line?

3Questions about keeping it

• What do I need to do each year to keep this award?
• What grade or credit requirements apply?
• What happens if I drop below full time for a term?

4Questions about dates

• What is the reply deadline, and how do I reply?
• Are any documents still missing from my file?
• When will aid be paid to my school account?

5Keep a record

After a call, send a short email: “Thanks for your time today. To confirm, you said…” It gives you a record and gives the office a chance to correct anything.