The applicant is then allowed to list all desired clothing, which must be approved by the financial aid office before the money is awarded, Donahue said.

Although no money has been given yet this year, in the past students have received between $200 and $400 on average, Donahue said.

"The [$1,500] list was meant to cover all the bases," Donahue said. "We don't say that you can get funded for all of it. We don't want people getting an extravagant outfit."

She added that since many students have no experience with winter clothing, a more exhaustive list gives them a better idea of what they will need.

When purchasing the clothing, the financial aid office encourages students to shop at many stores and look for the best deal, Donahue said. The financial aid office presents each eligible student with a list of stores in the area.

Although some students said they were surprised at the amount of money donated for clothing, Scott F. Goldman '04 said he believes that spending between $200 and $400 on winter clothes is not unreasonable.

"It's a good program as long as students don't abuse it," he said.