I am fortunate enough to be holding 2 acceptances and want to see if there is anything I can do to get a chance at a scholarship/aid. I have a few quick questions regarding this. I know that in order to be considered for need-based aid, my parents financial information must be included on my FAFSA. I am a non-traditional student in my mid/late 20s and originally kept my parents finances off of my FAFSA because, with no intention of sounding arrogant, my parents make good money and I did not think including this info would help my financial award packages. However, especially as a slightly older/non-traditional student, I am financially independent and financing my entire medical education myself. Is there a possibility of requesting need based aid in my circumstances if I include my parents finances (a requirement), or should I just consider myself as not having a chance at this despite having to fund my education completely on my own? My main worry regarding including this information is that I will ultimately be awarded less money if I do.
Also, I have read mixed reviews about emailing schools and asking for scholarship/grant money - I know a small number of applicants get merit-based scholarships. I was wondering if it could hurt to email a school and ask for any assistance possible? Since I have not received any financial aid packages from either school yet, I am not in a position to "negotiate." However, I am wondering if it's worth sending an email that explains how grateful and excited I am to attend, but have to take cost into consideration and was wondering if anything could be done. If I were to send an email like this, is there any potential fallout or consequence? I want to be delicate in recognizing how fortunate of a position I am in to have multiple acceptances, but also, as we all know medical school is not cheap so anything I can do to alleviate the burden of debt in the future would be massive.
Any and all thoughts, comments, and experience is welcome and thanks so much for your help!
