Negotiating scholarships works!!!!! Forum

[Ernert]

Do you think it is reasonable to ask your top choice school for money if none has been offered?

Interested in hearing if anyone has succeeded at this, but pretty pessimistic about chances.

[Lillyp]

Can anyone send me a copy of their negotiation letter? I have seriously looked at 20+ pages of this and I can't find a letter to help guide my process. I am trying to ask Temple for more money.

Do I just list my aid offers? Also, does anyone know what Temple would consider "peer" schools?

So far my scholarship offers are:
Temple - 3,750 per year
Penn State - 20k per year
Washington and Lee - 20k per year
URichmond - 20k per year
Northeastern - 20k per year
Drexel - 30k per year

I am also waiting for offers from Villanova, and UMaryland.

A copy of letters anyone e-mailed to schools/guidance about Temple's peer schools would be much appreciated. I am in state, but it is seriously a lot less than my other offers even when calculating their in-state tuition. Thanks so much!!!

[HellOnHeels]

Do you lose negotiation power if you submit your deposit to a school, or does it show that you are serious about going there, and you'd really appreciate an increase in money?

[mtyler19]

Do you lose negotiation power if you submit your deposit to a school, or does it show that you are serious about going there, and you'd really appreciate an increase in money?

[bobbyh1919]

Do you lose negotiation power if you submit your deposit to a school, or does it show that you are serious about going there, and you'd really appreciate an increase in money?

You lose power, at that point you have no leverage. Your point is that you're not coming unless they increase their initial offer.

You can deposit at multiple schools though. Deposit doesn't necessarily equal attendance.

[gfj90]

Is it a good idea to ask a school for in-state tuition instead of a $ increase? Is this something schools will negotiate on, or is it out of their control?

[thatkid]

Is it a good idea to ask a school for in-state tuition instead of a $ increase? Is this something schools will negotiate on, or is it out of their control?

I don't know if it's something they'll negotiate on, but it's definitely something they can give you.

[gfj90]

Is it a good idea to ask a school for in-state tuition instead of a $ increase? Is this something schools will negotiate on, or is it out of their control?

I don't know if it's something they'll negotiate on, but it's definitely something they can give you.

Ok thank you. I assume it is like everything else, and the worst they can say is no.

[Sherlock1708]

I received a letter stating that the school was increasing my scholarship by $8,000. Initially they had offered me $12,000. However, the scholarship form they sent me said the award was $16,000. So I e-mailed the dean and he said there was a mistake on the scholarship increase letter that I received and they were only increasing my award by $4,000... for a total of $16,000. I'm glad that I was awarded an increase, but feel put off because I thought I was receiving $20,000 but now it's only $16,000. The dean e-mailed me to apologize for this oversight... how do I respond? Should I just be thankful for an increase and leave it alone? What would you guys do?

[beezy08]

How long should I wait without a response/change before I contact them to inquire if anything has changed. I did get a response saying that my request would be sent to the scholarship committee, but have gotten nothing since then. It's been almost 3 weeks.

[HellOnHeels]

How long should I wait without a response/change before I contact them to inquire if anything has changed. I did get a response saying that my request would be sent to the scholarship committee, but have gotten nothing since then. It's been almost 3 weeks.

I'm in the exact same situation.

[USMCMatt]

How long should I wait without a response/change before I contact them to inquire if anything has changed. I did get a response saying that my request would be sent to the scholarship committee, but have gotten nothing since then. It's been almost 3 weeks.

I'm in the exact same situation.

I think it would be worth a follow-up.

Although, how much longer until your deposits are due? Fine line between pushy and concerned, I would think.

[seahawk32]

Anyone negotiated with UVa? If so, post any relevant details.

I already have a substantial scholly there, but would be sold if it was increased.

[RaiderBlue17]

Anybody negotiated with DU... I am IN LOVE with the area and the opportunity it COULD afford me granted that I do well, BUT I always feel that the first scholarship offer is always the base minimum and asking for more shouldn't hurt.

Thoughts please?

[bobbyh1919]

I received a letter stating that the school was increasing my scholarship by $8,000. Initially they had offered me $12,000. However, the scholarship form they sent me said the award was $16,000. So I e-mailed the dean and he said there was a mistake on the scholarship increase letter that I received and they were only increasing my award by $4,000... for a total of $16,000. I'm glad that I was awarded an increase, but feel put off because I thought I was receiving $20,000 but now it's only $16,000. The dean e-mailed me to apologize for this oversight... how do I respond? Should I just be thankful for an increase and leave it alone? What would you guys do?

Yeah unfortunately you just have to accept their apology for getting your hopes up. I don't think a typo counts as leverage, unless you had dramatically altered your life because of it (aka if you put down a deposit, rented an apartment at the school, etc.).

[bobbyh1919]

Anyone negotiated with UVa? If so, post any relevant details.

I already have a substantial scholly there, but would be sold if it was increased.

This is relevant to my interests.

[DaftAndDirect]

Successfully negotiated a small award bump from UCLA. Wouldn't have thought to try it were it not for this thread. It NEVER hurts to ask so long as you're polite, concise, and professional.

Good luck everyone. This basically ends all active participation in the admissions process for me. Just have to say yes somewhere.

[gfj90]

Is there any etiquette on how long you should wait before sending your request for an increase?

[thesmark]

I was surprised when Duke gave me $16,000 a year; I was floored when UCLA gave me $30,000 a year. I really hop Duke is willing to bump up their offer, as now I have a very tough decision to make.

[gaud]

Anyone mind looking at my draft?

[mtyler19]

Anyone mind looking at my draft?

Sure, bored at work.

[gaud]

Anyone mind looking at my draft?

Sure, bored at work.

Pm'd. Thank you.

[tjos]

Anyone mind telling me what a good recommended time table for negotiating is? Obviously you want to wait until you get your relevant offers in, but is it just an ASAP thing after that?

[punkyg0608]

Yes. Start now if you have some leverage!

[gilkile]

How does one go about asking for a living stipend? I have already received a full scholarship. How should I ask? I don't want to sound obnoxious.

I was thinking that because I have another full scholly offer from a school where I can live at home, I can ask them if they can help me with the additional cost of attending their school, where I would incur more living expenses.

Thoughts?