“You still have time to ask colleges for more financial aid”

"College financial aid officials have discretion to use “professional judgment” to increase aid if a student’s circumstances have changed. Many students are unaware that they can appeal aid offers, but it’s a common practice, said Abigail Seldin, chief executive and co-founder of the Seldin/Haring-Smith Foundation, which funds projects that expand access to public services.

The family foundation worked with FormSwift, a digital document company, to create SwiftStudent, a free tool to help students file appeals. The foundation sought advice from colleges and financial aid professionals to design the tool, Ms. Seldin said. It explains the appeals process and provides templates that students can use to write letters to submit to their colleges.

“This year, it’s particularly important for students and parents to know they can file an appeal, and that it’s not an unusual step,” Ms. Seldin said.

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