How to use 25k scholarship to Hofstra as a bargaining chip? Forum

[lawfreak]

I was just accepted to Hofstra with 25k a year scholarship. I was also accepted to a number of other schools including Cardozo, St. Johns, Seton Hall and other NY NJ schools.

My questions are:

1) What should my argument or reasoning be to negotiate money at these other schools?

2) How should I negotiate a scholarship at these other schools (by phone or email)?

3) Who from the school do I negotiate with?

4) When should I negotiate? (Is there a best time to go about it)

5) Is it possible to use the 25k from Hofstra to bargain with better schools like Cardozo and what should I say to them?


Thanks guys!

[lawfreak]

Anyone?

[txadv11]

1) http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 22&t=79373

2) Email, some schools will even want copies of your other offers.

3) Typically the assistant dean who let you in or sent you the offer. Most schools have someone with the title of "admissions and scholarship dean" or something like that, but this really varies. It shouldn't be too hard to figure out school to school.... If you really want to know you can always call the admissions office and just ask who is in charge of merit scholarships and get the correct email to contact them.

4) I'd say this can have several good and differing answers. I think that it is best to see when people are starting to withdraw (watch lawschoolnumbers.com). Typically deans get a budget or limit of how much money can be given in scholarships and when people withdraw from safety schools it can free up large amounts.

5) Yes, but I can't give you much more on this one. In my mind it is hard to say that a lower ranked school with some money means a higher ranked school should now let you in...even with no money.
From the little experience I have with this, it seems like its always a good idea to ask for more, the worst thing that will happen is they reply back with "sorry, cant help you", in which case at least you know you have done all you can.

GOOD LUCK, I'm in a similar boat!

[MrAnon]

1) What should my argument or reasoning be to negotiate money at these other schools?

Be very forceful. As discussed in prior threads these are not good schools. the administration is aware of that but most students are just happy to get in. Tell them you want more and will walk without it. With apps being down they will be increasingly desperate for better numbers and might get you want to you. Shoot for guaranteed money with no stipulations about rank.

2) How should I negotiate a scholarship at these other schools (by phone or email)?

You'll get further with phone.

3) Who from the school do I negotiate with?

This doesn't matter. They'll direct you to the person.

4) When should I negotiate? (Is there a best time to go about it)

Probably sooner is better. They are less sure what the class is going to look like and more likely to make their own desperation move.

5) Is it possible to use the 25k from Hofstra to bargain with better schools like Cardozo and what should I say to them?

Just tell them straight out what you want. You think you are going to offend or upset them? If you're going to be a lawyer you have to take control of situations like this.


Remember, these guys are just salespersons and you are not dealing with Harvard and Yale salesmen here. Think of it in terms of buying a car. There are 8 dealers ranging from BMW and Mercedes to Ford to GM to KIA. The KIA dealers' product is inferior. Most people would pass him for a GM or Ford. Mercedes is way out of most people's reach. If the KIA dealer is going to sell his car he has to make some concessions to the buyer.

[lawfreak]

Thanks guys!!! The info you provided me with is very helpful! I'll be sure to use your suggestions.

[gothamm]

MrAnon: I know you are trying to be funny, but someone might get the wrong message. But I guess that won't bode too well with your e-rep

[FiveSermon]

Dozo doesn't care about HofsTTTra.

[lawfreak]

Dozo doesn't care about HofsTTTra.

You're a jackass.] You're trying to impy that Hofstra is a tier 3 school when you know very well that it is middle of 2nd tier and is moving up in its rankings.