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I am trying to scholarship negotiate with the University of Miaimi (well actually get a scholarship from). I know that many have said that they are not giving any scholarships, but many people have withdrawn and I think that it is worth a try. Below is what I am planning on sending out to the school. I got some help from others on TLS to get my letter going and then added the rest myself. I was wondering if anyone would be willing to look over it and give me suggestions before I send this out. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Also I was wondering who I should send this to. I figured financial aid but should I send it to anyone else?

Here is what I am planning to send to Miami:

Dear XXXX

I was recently accepted into The University of Miami School of Law’s Class of 2012. I would like to start by thanking you for allowing me this great opportunity.

The University of Miami is one of my top choices due not only because of its national prestige and well established legal tradition but also because of its immense pool of diversity. As an aspiring Entertainment attorney, I believe that the University of Miami's entertainment program can lead to many oppurtunities in the near future.

Despite these very attractive benefits, I am concerned as to how I will finance my legal education. There a several factors that are currently effecting my decision, primarily monetary offers from other law schools. Marquette Law School has awarded me a $19,000 renewable scholarship with no requirements. I have also been admitted to the University of St. Thomas Law School in Minnesota with the Presidential Scholarship. This grants me a full-tuition scholarship and a possible opportunity to receive more depending on how well I do in my first year of law school. These options are viable because it would permit me to focus on my legal education without having to wonder how I will be able to pay for school.

Due to these circumstances, I would like to respectfully request your consideration for a merit based scholarship. I do understand that the budget allocation for merit-based scholarships is typically filled by this time but I ask that if a spot becomes available that you think of me.

Thank you very much for taking the time to review my request and please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. My phone number is XXX-XXX-XXXX and I can be reached by email at XXXX@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

Me

hotshotdre wrote: Despite these very attractive benefits, I am concerned as to how I will finance my legal education. There a several factors that are currently effecting my decision

It is "affecting" my decision.

I would send it to both admissions (who typically decides schollys) and also to FinAid (who decides grants/loans).

Dear XXXX

I was recently accepted into the University of Miami School of Law’s Class of 2012. Thank you for allowing me this great opportunity.

The University of Miami is one of my top choices due not only because of its national prestige and well established legal tradition but also because of its immense diversity. As an aspiring Entertainment attorney, I believe that the University of Miami's entertainment program can lead to many opportunities for my future.

Despite these very attractive benefits, I am concerned as to how I will finance my legal education. Several factors are currently affecting my decision, primarily merit-based scholarship offers from other law schools. Marquette Law School has awarded me $19,000 per year, renewable for three years, with no stipulations. I have also been admitted to the University of St. Thomas Law School with the Presidential Scholarship. This is a full-tuition scholarship with the opportunity to receive more money based on my academic performance. These options would permit me to focus on my legal education rather than finances and loan repayment.

Due to these circumstances, I would like to respectfully request your consideration for merit-based financial aid. I understand that the budget allocation for financial awards is typically filled by this time, but if funds become available, I would like to be considered for a merit-based award.

Thank you very much for taking the time to review my request and please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. My phone number is XXX-XXX-XXXX, and I can be reached by email at XXXX@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

Me

Some corrections/suggestions, if you think they work. I would also add something in the next to last paragraph about how you would definitely choose Miami if only they could offer you some money. Hope it helps

hotshotdre - If you don't mind me asking what did you get on your LSAT? I'm interested in St.Thomas but only if I get close to a full ride. So, wondering what LSAT would be needed to get a full ride there.

Thanks!