By Daniel Kane

The answer is 'yes' for some, and 'no' for others, depending on a number of variables.

But, it is sometimes possible to meet with a college admissions or financial aid counselor and come away with an improved scholarship or financial aid package.

To apply for financial aid, students most complete and submit a federal financial aid form (FAFSA) which consists of questions about family assets (including savings and investments) and earnings. Some colleges, primarily privates, ask students to complete a second such form.

The financial information on a students FAFSA is fed into a formula to determine whether or not he or she is eligible for federal grants and/or subsidized (low interest) student loans. Understand that other kinds of aid, including many scholarships and unsubsidized loans, do not require established need, but federal grants and subsidized loans do. You also need to realize that federal dollars can not be used to award more dollars than required to meet a students full need.

So, unless you make a mistake on your FAFSA, youll only be able to increase your federal financial aid if you can demonstrate to a financial aid counselor that you have suffered financial reversals since submitting your FAFSA or that you are the victim of special circumstances. Generally, a successful appeal requires solid documentation.

Colleges can be much more flexible with their own funds than they can with federal dollars. Many can and do offer academic, leadership and many other scholarships without regard to need. The Harvards, Yales, and Princetons of the world seldom offer any funds not based on need, but they meet the full financial need of every student they enroll.

Other colleges and universities, especially second and third tier privates, often use institutional scholarships to compete with more selective and/or less expensive colleges. Such schools are generally very comfortable using their own dollars to sweeten the pot for high-achieving students.

As a result, students bound for colleges in this category may have some luck in upping their financial aid package if they can point to other institutions which have offered them better packages or make a convincing case that the initial financial aid package presents a difficult financial challenge. These kinds of appeals should be made to an admissions counselor or to the Dean of Admissions.

When requesting more aid…need based or otherwise…remember that you are not buying a car. Ultimatums, rudeness, and aggressive behavior will surely be counter productive. And, you must remember that admissions and financial aid offers do not enjoy unlimited discretion. While I would not encourage anyone to try to save the last dollar on educational costs, there is no harm in requesting necessary help.

Daniel Kane, a veteran director and dean of admissions, has created and maintains websites on online colleges and online education degrees .Click here for other unique financial aid articles.