Exceptions and Appeals
Exceptions
There are special circumstances that would allow consideration for aid outside of the stated deadlines. These circumstances are as follows:
- Unexpected loss of parental employment of six weeks or more.
- Unexpected serious family illness or disability.
- Unexpected separation or divorce of parents.
- Death of a parent.
Any student making an application under one of these conditions would need to submit supportive documentation. Members of the financial aid staff are available to advise students who are affected by these special circumstances.
Appeals
Aid applicants may appeal their aid decisions by writing a letter of appeal. Additional information regarding special family circumstances should accompany this letter.
Generally, this would be new information not previously included in the aid application. Students should submit their appeals as soon as possible after receipt of their financial aid notification. Pomona College strives to treat its students fairly and with consistency. We will review special circumstances individually, but with a sense of how they compare with other students at the College.
If you have unusual circumstances that require addition explanation, please visit our Applications & Forms page to download the forms which may apply. If you feel that your situation deserves further explanation, please feel free to write a letter to clarify your situation.
A Parent Monthly Income and Expense Statement may be used to communicate an appeal based on a drop in income. Also, the Unusual Medical and Dental Expense Statement can be completed to inform the Office of Financial Aid of a hardship created by unusual medical and dental expenses. If either of these circumstances exist and affect your family’s ability to pay, we advise you to complete and return these forms as part of your application for financial aid.