As for how long it took, about three weeks from the day I sent in my application to the day I got rejected. In my appeal I asked for the guidelines for which they judge eligability (sp?) and they did not provide it. Here is a copy of the letter I sent to them:
To whom it may concern:
The purpose of this correspondence is to request further evaluation of my AAMC FAP application (AAMC ID: XXXXXXXX). On 04/23/02, I received email notification of the denial of my request for AAMC fee assistance. I feel my application is due further consideration for several reasons beyond what I was able to report initially.
First, the online FAP application requested the monetary amount I have in cash, checking and/or savings accounts. I have no cash or savings accounts; I do however have a $1500 deficit in my sole checking account. In order to finance
my mother's funeral expenses, I incurred a $1500 liability with my bank in 2001. When I entered -$1500 into the appropriate field, the online application would not allow the "minus" character. Therefore, I reported an inaccurate amount in my checking account of zero dollars. I can provide documentation from my bank of the liability at your request.
Additionally, after denial of my FAP application, I applied for a small loan from MBNA to cover my projected 2003 AMCAS application fees. My loan
request was denied based on my insufficient income (considered 2% above the national federally defined poverty line) compared to the inflated cost of living in XXXXXXX, XX. I can provide documentation of this event
from MBNA as soon as they forward the paperwork to me.
Regarding familial contributions, both of my parents as I reported, and all of my grandparents are deceased. I have no personal means of acquiring the money needed for the AMCAS application fees so that I may apply to MD/Ph.D.
programs.
Finally, the $180 MCAT fee I paid in March of 2002 has significantly injured my budget. The FAP is the only resource available to me to afford the cost of the AMCAS application fees save sacrificing additional vital living
necessities. It is my understanding that FAP approval is based on "extreme financial need." I feel I meet this criterion and therefore request you to reconsider my FAP application based on the facts I have presented in this letter. I would also like a copy of the guidelines by which you judge financial need. Please contact me if you have any concerns regarding this issue.
Yours Sincerely,
XXXXXXX XXXXXXXX
And here is the letter they send back to me:
XXXXXXX,
While we most certainly empathize with your situation, the FAP program doesn't take into consideration any debts you may have, nor does it consider any loans you have, or have applied for. The program only considers the income you received in 2001, and any money in your checking, and savings accounts (not your negative balance). If you entered an incorrect income, or non-income amount, please send us a letter explaining the discrepancy, and requesting a review (we cannot take the letter by e-mail because a signature is required), along with the documents (1040 tax form, or statements) showing the correct amount, and we'll review your application again.
ds
So seriously, I don't get it. . . But I am done fighting with them. I finally got a high interest scam loan to pay for my fees and as for AAMC, I snarl in thier general direction.
Good luck to all FAPians, continue the good battle and please post your successes or failures (I hope there are none) here.
Isid
