On friday last week amidst the preparation for the big organizing day I found my bill from Boston University and noticed that it was a month late. I promptly mailed a check in the full amount to Boston University. On Monday night I opened my mail to find that the accounting department had asessed a ludicrous late fee on me. Although the course costs $1,080 they charged me $150 for being one month late in paying the bill.

At over 10% for less than a month they are operating late fees at criminal levels. The only places I can think of that charge the high of a percentage are the mafia and Blockbuster, both of which ultimately lead to broken knee caps. Even the government only takes about ten percent per year for late taxes.

The remedy to this is to send a written complaint that explains the extenuating circumstances why you were late. Apparently they don't encourage haggling over the amount. It will be a battle and while I may not win I will fight for my money.