Should I negotiate or not, really struggling Forum

[Ngoblue2014]

I feel extremely uncomfortable negotiating, I am very grateful for the acceptances I have and for the scholarship amounts I have been offered. But in the case of Boston Univeristy (20k/yr) my scholarship is considerably lower than that of other "peer" schools, or those that are actually higher ranked. For instance:
Minnesota: 25k
BC: 30k
Wake: 35k
Iowa: Full
Illinois: Full
Indiana: 30k
Georgia: About 85% (Instate equalizers + money)
UNC: About 80% (Instate equalizers + money)
Alabama: 25k (and lowest out of state tuition in entire top 40)

Do you guys think BU would care about any of these offers? Should I go for it or leave it alone?

[papercut]

Go for it. Nothing to lose. Good luck!

[twenty]

Only if you're planning on leveraging BU/~30k against a different (better) offer. Like getting rid of those stips on the full rides or upping UGA/UNC.

[Ngoblue2014]

you're not a big fan of BU? I had sort of narrowed things down to Gw, BU, BC, and emory (deposits at multiple obviously) have i made a mistake?

[papercut]

I think most people would tell you to retake and avoid going to any of the schools you listed.

[Ngoblue2014]

right unless my school is already paid for (which it is) which changes things usually.

[papercut]

Yeah I think it changes things too, but I'm not sure by how much, since you're still looking at mediocre employment prospects.

[papercut]

I should add, if you're looking to do PI-ish work, then I'd take the full scholly in whichever city you'd prefer working.

[twenty]

I really like BU, BC, and GW, but only if they're reasonably priced. When you say "they're paid for", by who, you? Your insanely rich parents? The GI Bill? All of these schools are in tremendously different locations, and you're basically committing your legal life to living in the area you go to law school in.

[twenty]

Okay, I read your other post in your other thread for background's sake, and I'd say go to whatever school in whatever area you want to practice in. BC/BU/GW/Emory for free are solid choices.

[snagglepuss]

Of course you should. At the very least, bring you BC offer to BU's attention. If you have the time, drive your BC offer up by showing BC your full rides; then, bring the increased BC offer to BU.

If you're short on time, show them the offers you find most compelling/alluring and ask for more money (or even name you're golden number at which you would attend.)

Also, read this: Negotiating Merit Aid (Guide)

[TheSpanishMain]

I think most people would tell you to retake and avoid going to any of the schools you listed.

I think all of those schools are defensible at the right price for the right person with the right goals. My hesitation would not stem from the quality of the schools but from the fact that they're geographically scattered. They're regional schools, and are going to be most effective in putting locals into jobs in the local area. OP needs to consider where he actually wants to work and how sensitive to ties that area is.

[Ngoblue2014]

thanks very much for the input! my only issue is i haven't yet negotiated and don't really know how to go about it. I have read the negotiation thread, seems really bold that some people go back time and time again. they can't rescind my offers can they?

[papercut]

thanks very much for the input! my only issue is i haven't yet negotiated and don't really know how to go about it. I have read the negotiation thread, seems really bold that some people go back time and time again. they can't rescind my offers can they?

They can put a flaming bag of poo on your front porch, but they probably wont.

Many schools will be happy to get the opportunity to stay competitive.