Monday, August 01, 2005

Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines...

We all have deadlines for something. Whether it be bill payments (don't remind me), assignments, grading, or an infinite number of other things, time is a pressing issue for all.

Why is it then, that Financial Aid departments across the country think it's ok to sit on student files?

It does not take 3 weeks or more to look at two pages of information and decide a student's entire next year of finances. Really people, just let it go.

I understand that fin. aid has lot of files to go through, but with a more effecient system, we could all go through less pain. Really, hire more people or get a more efficient system.

The small U I attend is known, among the student population, to have a crummy (to say the least) fin. aid department. Why do we return? It's not because of fin. aid, I can guarantee you that.

On top of getting a not so great package, I have been selected for verification* for 3 years in a row (this is my last year, I am jumping for joy here) and I expect to be selected again this year. I have been calling about that, no one is answering my questions at Fin. Aid, and the validation** deadline is this Wed (I know, I know, I suck too. But they suck worse).

I will be so happy when this is all over.

*Verification is where they ask you for your tax returns (they prefer originals and have a hissy fit if you can't get those to them) from both you and your parents (eventhough I don't receive any financial support from them, Dept. of Ed (gov't) believes I should still supply them with the information. It's a BIG hassle and slows down the process immensely.
**Validation usually takes place in person (I'm not near small U.) but they have recently streamlined the process for online use. You have to sign a piece of paper saying, "yes, I'll pay you and break off both my legs and one of my arms to go to your institution."

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