Fee Assistance Program Logistics

[misterwiggles]

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Hey so I was hoping to file for the FAP this upcoming year because I already tried this year and it didn't get approved for the following reason

I live in a single parent home (father being deceased) with my brother. At a family size of 3, 300% of the national poverty level for a family of 3 is $59,370. My Mother (only source of income) makes ~$61,000 which is ~$1600 above that line. Does this mean regardless of anything I wont get a single dime of help from AAMC?

I find it a little ridiculous that this fee assistance isn't given on a scale basis (i.e. 1 application waived for those 500% below poverty or 10 applications for those 300% below poverty) because I'm sure there are many like me that don't meet the requirement by chump change. Is there any way to appeal because the numbers logistically put me 308%? I know the AAMC doesn't really care because they just don't want to give out help as much as possible but are they willing to let a family making 61k pay full cost for applications vs a family making 59k? IDK if this can sink in for you as much as it did for me but I'm hoping there is an appeal system but I am not even sure it's worth it to consider as a legitimate reason. Also, I don't get aid from my mother at all but again I know the AAMC doesn't really care about that. Anyone do this success?

 

[BeMD13]

If it makes you feel any better, they count your student loans as income and they count monthly income for room and board when you are living with your parents. I'm guessing that would be a total of at least 8-10 thousand more over the limit. Sorry 🙁

 

[misterwiggles]

So if you go to a private university and FAFSA only gives so much and you are forced to take loans they hold that as well against you? Something seems off but I guess this organization will do whatever it takes to not help. Ironic if you really think about it. Oh well, this post wasn't meant for me to bash on the AAMC but I just don't think it's right for me to have to take out a loan to apply to med schools.

 

[BeMD13]

They made me submit a copy of my official financial aid award letter and counted that as income along with my parents. I also had to calculate how much my monthly "rent" would be and how much money I would have spent on food each month. That was then added up for the year and counted as "income" it was kind of strange and confusing.

 

[BeMD13]

I forgot to add, it was just the student loan refund portion that they counted as income. They deduct your tuition and fees from your total loan.

 

[misterwiggles]

Interesting...I wonder if there's someone on my campus that can help me figure it out because I really think that's BS.

 

[El-Rami]

I forgot to add, it was just the student loan refund portion that they counted as income. They deduct your tuition and fees from your total loan.

I would say this is fair, to be honest. Many people use refund check money to help pay bills, so it is definitely income.

You guys honestly make me feel a little guilty for not applying for FAP despite qualifying for it. I could have used it, too. Interview clothes, MCAT, and application fees were really hard to come up with.

 

[misterwiggles]

I wouldn't doubt it one bit. I think for me it's piling up because for some weird reason fin aid gave me way less this year and I'm like struggling to come up with rent money now let alone food for each month. I guess I'll just take out another loan though I'm not sure where to even start on that any ideas?

 

[BeMD13]

Private loans are terrible with high interest and absolutely no grace when it comes to financial hardship during your repayment period. However, sometimes they're necessary. I had to take one out one of my last semesters when my parents were declined as co signers. It allowed me to finish my degree and I did not even have to contact my financial aid department to get it.