How to ask colleges for additional scholarship funding?

I feel like I received less scholarship money than needed. Is it appropriate to ask the colleges for more, and if so, what’s the best approach to request additional financial aid or scholarships?

It's entirely appropriate to request more financial aid if you feel that the current offer isn't adequate for your needs. Financial aid offices understand that families' circumstances vary widely and they're usually open to reconsidering aid packages.

1. First, understand your financial aid package: Ensure that you understand your current financial aid package. College financial aid offers can be complex and often use different formats, which can make them hard to read and compare.

2. Write a formal appeal: You can request more financial aid by writing an appeal letter. Start by addressing the financial aid director and briefly explain your situation and why the current package won't work for you. Maybe your family's finances have changed recently, or there was an error on your FAFSA. Be polite, direct, and clear about what you are asking for.

3. Use concrete examples & details: Be specific and use details. If you're facing financial hardship, explain why. If there's been a sudden change in your family's income, document it. There may be circumstances not accurately captured in the FAFSA or CSS Profile that you think the college should know about.

4. Include necessary documents: Any verifiable documents you can provide will be helpful in reinforcing your case, such as job loss documents, medical bills, or other pertinent financial documentation.

5. Be sure to mention if you've received better offers: If you've received a more generous package from a comparable institution, you can mention it — but do so in a respectful not confrontational manner. Also, keep in mind that different institutions have different available budgets. A smaller college might not have the same capacity to increase an offer as a larger one.

6. Follow up: After sending the appeal, make sure to follow up with the financial aid office after a week or so if you've not heard anything back.

Remember, your request must remain respectful and professional - you are essentially asking for a favor, after all. And it's also important to know that while your request may not always be granted, you're not going to be penalized for asking. Many students have successfully negotiated their financial aid packages. It never hurts to give it a try!