As a parent of a music student, I know firsthand how stressful the college application process can be — especially when it comes to figuring out how to pay for it. Recently, I attended a Zoom informational meeting led by Adrienne Thompson, CMPI Program Advisor, where she shared some incredibly helpful advice about the financial aid appeals process. I left the meeting feeling more informed and hopeful about how to navigate this tricky part of the college admissions journey.
If you’ve received a financial aid offer that isn’t enough to make attending a school realistic, don’t panic — you’re not out of options. Appealing a financial aid offer is a common and accepted practice, and schools expect it. If your child has been accepted into a music program and the school truly wants them to attend, they may be willing to adjust the offer to make it more affordable. Here’s what I learned from the meeting and what you need to know to help your child through the process.
Start the Appeals Process Early
Adrienne stressed how important it is to act quickly once you receive the financial aid award letter. If the amount offered isn’t enough to cover what your family can afford, don’t sit on it — reach out to the financial aid office as soon as possible.
Financial aid budgets are not unlimited; schools may have a certain amount of money set aside for financial aid. Starting the process early gives you a better chance of securing additional support before those funds are allocated to other students.
Adrienne also mentioned that appealing early shows the school that your child is genuinely interested in attending. This can work in their favor when the school is deciding how to distribute any remaining financial aid funds.
Knowing what other schools are offering also gives you a better understanding of your options and can provide leverage during the appeal. Having all your offers in hand allows you to compare packages and make a stronger case when asking for more support.
Adrienne, however, warned against using another school’s offer as leverage unless your child is genuinely considering that other school. If you’ve already ruled out a particular school, it’s not a good idea to mention their offer — it could backfire if the financial aid office senses that you’re not negotiating in good faith.
A more strategic way to approach this is to say:
“Another school has offered a more competitive package, but this program is my child’s top choice. Is there any possibility of adjusting the financial aid to make it more affordable?”
This way, you’re expressing genuine interest while giving the financial aid office a reason to reconsider the offer without sounding demanding or manipulative.
Be Honest and Direct
One thing Adrienne made clear is that it’s important to be straightforward and respectful when contacting the financial aid office. A simple, honest request might sound like this:
“My child is very interested in attending your school — it’s their top choice — but we’re concerned about making it work financially. Can you walk us through the appeals process and let us know if there are any additional options available?”
Honesty is key. Schools won’t view an appeal negatively — if anything, it shows that your child is serious about attending. Financial aid offices are used to handling these kinds of requests, and they appreciate when families are clear and professional about their situation.
Inform Schools You’re Not Considering
Once your child has made a final decision, Adrienne stressed the importance of notifying the schools they won’t be attending. This allows those schools to redistribute funds to other students who may need additional support.
It’s also a good idea to keep communication professional and polite when declining an offer. The music world is small, and your child may encounter the same faculty members or administrators later in their career — at festivals, auditions, or professional events. Leaving a positive impression matters.
Get Support from Professors
Adrienne mentioned that professors and department heads can also play a key role in the appeals process. If your child has built a good relationship with a professor, that professor might be able to provide guidance or even advocate for more financial aid.
Professors want talented students to succeed, and their recommendation can carry weight with the financial aid office. It’s worth reaching out to see if they can offer any advice or support.
Stay Professional and Positive
Even if the school can’t increase your child’s financial aid package, Adrienne emphasized the importance of staying polite and professional. Financial aid offices have budget limits, and sometimes adjustments just aren’t possible.
How you handle the conversation matters. A positive and respectful attitude helps maintain a good relationship with the school.
Focus on Finding the Right Fit
While financial aid is a big factor, it’s not the only thing that matters. Your child needs to find a school where they feel supported, inspired, and challenged as a musician. If a school isn’t able to offer the financial support your child needs, it may mean it’s not the best match — and that’s perfectly fine.
Sometimes not getting the financial support you hoped for leads to a better opportunity at another school. Trust that the right fit is out there — even if it’s not the one you originally expected.
Final Thoughts
The information session provided valuable insight into the financial aid appeals process and increased my confidence in guiding my child through it.
Appealing a financial aid offer might feel intimidating, but it’s a normal part of the admissions process. Schools expect these conversations and are often willing to work with students who are genuinely interested in attending. If your child approaches the process with honesty and professionalism, they have a good chance of securing the support they need — and if not, it just means another school might be a better fit.
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