Scoring More Financial Aid During Summer Melt
It’s not just what happens to your popsicle by the pool! “Summer Melt” is what colleges call the period of time after May 1st when students may change their minds about what college they want to attend or “melt away” after deciding they cannot afford college at all, resulting in some newly freed-up financial aid opportunities.
It’s not just what happens to your popsicle by the pool! “Summer Melt” is what colleges call the period of time after May 1st when students may change their minds about what college they want to attend or “melt away” after deciding they cannot afford college at all, resulting in some newly freed-up financial aid opportunities.
This means you might be able to swoop in and scoop up those unclaimed dollars! Here’s what you need to know:
- Timing is EVERYthing.
We don’t recommend asking for more money immediately after May 1st, or Decision Day. Give it time (late June/early July) for those students who were uncertain to commit to another school choice, leaving their financial aid/scholarship packages up for grabs.
- Turn on the Charm.
Always start off by thanking them for the generous financial aid package/scholarships that the school has already awarded you. Express genuine excitement about attending their school; be enthusiastic! Then and only then should you proceed to ask if there is a possibility that they may be able to offer you further financial assistance.
- Be Prepared to Follow Through.
Make it clear that you are interested in both further financial aid and information about any unclaimed scholarships you may qualify for. Additional scholarships may mean additional applications/essays, etc. If the Financial Aid Office goes through the trouble of letting you know about additional opportunities, make sure you follow through and fulfill all of the requirements!
- Provide Justification.
Has your family’s financial situation changed? Maybe a parent has lost a job, or maybe there are some medical bills or other factors in play that aren’t reflected in your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) documents. Now is a great time to let the Financial Aid Office know so they can better assist you.
10-20% of eligible students “melt away” the summer before their freshman year of college.
