Read the award letter or declaration of non-award letter completely. Take notes as to the award you've been given, the lack of award, and any reasons behind the decision.
Decide if you would like to make your appeal by phone, in a letter, or face to face. Keep in mind that some decisions might require you to do all three.
Contact the financial aid department, or the department that notified you of the award decision, and ask about the appeal process. They will tell you how to appeal and where to direct your letters, phone calls, or face to face interviews.
Make your appeal by letter by detailing the situation as you understand it and the reason you feel the decision should be made differently. Include supporting documents, such as financial statements or information from the school's application that states what type of aid would be given in what situations. Let the aid office know how to best send a response to you, and address the letter to the financial aid supervisor or to the person who wrote the decision letter to you.
Appeal a financial aid award over the phone by calling the number that was listed in your letter or was given to you in your inquiry. Have all of the pertinent information in hand when you make the call. Be prepared to fill out new forms online, go to meetings or send letters, depending on what instructions you are given.
Appeal a financial aid award in person by requesting a meeting with the head of financial aid or with the person you were directed to in your inquiry. Bring all information about your finances, your applications, and any proof you have that makes you believe your financial aid amount was an error or should be changed.
Continue the appeal process by asking each person who does not agree with you what the next step should be. The College Board says that as long as you have proof to back up your claim, someone will see it and understand. If you keep getting denied, most schools will allow you to bring the matter all the way up to the dean, according to the College Board. However, if everyone else has said no, you will need to make a very convincing argument or the dean will probably say no as well.