Dear Uncle Ezra - Questions for Tuesday, June 20, 2000

Dear Dan,
The University Registrar (and likewise Institutional Research and Planning) do not track or retain an "average" GPA for each class, only for individual students. They would not recommend any attempt to come up with a graduating-class -- or an overall -- average.
The parameters for calculating grade point averages differ from one college to the next. For example, some colleges include all courses taken while in a degree program, whereas others calculate GPA based only on required courses, with electives and/or other courses excluded from that calculation.

Uncle Ezra

Dear Uncle Ezra,
You're always such alot of help, I really hope you can guide me through my current problem. Its about dental insurance.
        My parents live abroad and don't have a medical/dental insurance plan that would apply here in the US. I need orthodontic treatment which will also involve surgery (about $10,000) in addition to the cost of braces. My dilemma is this: I was wondering if there was any sort of insurance which I could get that might cover some of this cost. I do understand that most plans do not cover orthodontic work anyway however, according to the orthodontist the surgery is necessary to prevent loss of jaw function.I currently have Cornell's student health insurance and would like to purchase dental insurance that would cover basic dental stuff (cleanings/fillings etc) in addition to getting something that might help me out with my orthodontic treatment. The individual I spoke to at Gannets insurance office wasnt much help at all and didnt seem to know much about chickering's dental options. Uncle Ezra please help! It seems a little difficult to come up with an extra 15000 while paying Cornell tuition.
        Thanks a bunch

                                     want-to-get-my-teeth-fixed cornellian

Dear Wanting Your Teeth Fixed,
It seems you're probably not be writing about your average orthodontics if you need surgery and expect the cost to be around $15,000. The average cost for ortho runs around $3,000 to $5,000...and the typical "surgery" is the extraction of a few teeth.
        Sometimes orthodontics are in order along with or after orthognathic surgery (which involves jaw reconstruction surgery to correct congenital jaw abnormalities, which affect function).  This can sometimes be covered under the medical portion of an insurance plan, Student Insurance included, according to Jo Molnar, who runs the Student Insurance office.  In order to get approval for this to be covered by any medical insurance plan, however, patient information would need to be reviewed by the carrier...Student Insurance included.
        Not knowing the details of your condition, this is just an educated guess.  It could also be that you got an estimate from a really expensive orthodontist!
        To summarize, some orthodontic or orthognathic surgery might be covered by the medical plan.  Also, a discount dental plan IS offered by Chickering, the administrator of the Student Insurance Plan. However, Jo says her staff wouldn't know how that discount dental plan would pay for your specific situation, and she apologizes that you went away feeling they were not much help.
        Jo suggests that you call her (254-5045) or email her directly (jb58@Cornell.edu).  She can't promise that your situation is covered by the medical plan or that the discount dental plan will be a lot of

Uncle Ezra

Dear Uncle Ezra,
Since you've been so helpful in the past, I hope you can help me clear up a few things regarding Stafford Loans and post-undergrad financial aid in general.
        I graduated from Cornell in 98 and got a decent job in a different city. Now I'm ready to go back to school.  I've been accepted to some programs that I'm very interested in and I've filled out my Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Though I've been working for a couple years, I haven't been able to save too much...for several reasons.  So I'm going to have to rely on some aid to pay for grad school.  I know I'm not unique in this situation.
        So I have some general questions; I haven't been able to get satisfactory answers from the schools I've applied to, nor from the Dept. of Ed.  In fact, when I call them they sound like they've never heard of a Stafford Loan! So I submitted my FAFSA with the names of the schools and I got a statement back with my Expected Family Contribution (EFC).  I understand that the EFC is, as the name suggests, an estimate of what I should be expected to pay out of my pocket.  BUT, and this is my first question, I have no idea what this REALLY means in terms of my financial aid.  This is especially important because I don't have that much saved up!  I know that the maximum Stafford Loan for a grad student is $18,000 per year .. Let's say, hypothetically, that my EFC is $5,000...Does that mean that I can get a maximum loan of $13,000?  Or does it maybe mean that $13,000 of it would be subsidized and if I wanted more it would be unsubsidized? Or is it completely unrelated?
        Also, am I eligible for only as much money in Stafford Loans as my Bursar Bill from the school?  In other words, there are some expenses such as books, fees, and I really need a new computer that I would be willing to take out a loan for, but I don't know if these Stafford Loans are only for tuition expenses or what.  If I got an assistantship that covered my tuition, would that negate any possible loan eligibility even if I needed money for other things?
        Finally, how does the money actually change hands?  I guess I'll get some kind of statement from the school (a package) and then what? DO I get a check for the loan amount?  Or Does it just get credited to my bursar bill?
        I realize these are painfully basic questions and I've been amazed at how elusive the answers have been.  I was lucky enough not to have to take out loans during my Cornell years so I am new to the game.
        Thanks for any info you can pass along...

                                                                  Unsigned

Dear Prospective Graduate Student,
I relayed your question to Susan Stolov, Graduate Financial Aid Counselor (155 Caldwell Hall; 255-5821), who responds:
        "As a graduate student, you have the potential to borrow up to $18,500 in federal student loans during a 12-month period.  Of that amount, the maximum for a subsidized loan is $8,500.  The subsidized loan is based on 'need' and is interest-free to you during the time that you are registered at least half-time in a degree program and during the 6-month grace period.
        "To determine your eligibility for this loan, our office must first calculate your Cost of Attendance (COA).  In most cases, this is the cost of tuition and our estimate of living expenses.  We are required to subtract any tuition support that you may have been awarded as well as your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) to determine if you have eligibility for a subsidized loan.  If your COA still has not been met with your subsidized loan eligibility and tuition support, we can award you an unsubsidized loan up to the $18,500 total limit of both loans.  You will start accruing interest charges on any unsubsidized loan as soon as the money is disbursed. If you decided to accept any federal student loans, you will be required to sign a promissory note.  After signing and after the first eligible date for disbursement, the loan money will show as a credit entry on your Bursar account.  If you have an academic year loan, the money is disbursed in two equal installments (once each semester).  If there is still a credit balance after all Bursar charges are paid, a loan refund check will be generated by the Bursar's office.  You may then use this for your living expenses during that semester.
        "You are welcome and encouraged to phone our office (255-5820) or contact us through email (gfao@cornell.edu) if you would like further information.  We would be happy to discuss the loan process with you and clarify any concerns.  We like to see students planning their financial needs and options well ahead of time, as you are doing."
        Thanks, Susan!

Uncle Ezra

Dear Uncle Ezra,
I graduated in '99 from the grad school, although it already seems like many years. Over the 4 years that I spent at Cornell, I think I read all of your postings and enjoyed them thoroughly. I still read them now that life has pushed me from Ithaca. I remember the posts that I sent you and those that I thought about sending. Reading DUE has always been and continues to be a pleaure.
I had the wonderful opportunity to return to the lovely campus a few weeks ago under the excuse of watching those exciting hockey games. The truth is that the campus, its spectacular collection of people, and the beauty of Ithaca all tease me to return more permanently. I will struggle with this.
        I hope you continue your service, and I hope that as things change at Cornell, they result in only greater traditions.

                                                                   Signed,

                                   Wishing I was Far Above Cayuga's Waters

PS. To any Cornellian who has developed an admiration for Cornell, read Bishop's book. It is wonderful!