Playing one school against another... Forum

[robe1300]

I've been offered money at 2 top 20 schools, both in very similar amounts (within $1k of each other). I'm wondering whether I can use the higher-ranked school's (T14) offer to leverage the lower ranked school (non T14) into offering more money, and then taking that new offer and using it to leverage the higher ranked school into a potentially higher amount. Any thoughts/experiences?

[gossipgirl]

I think the non-T14 will make your offer higher. I can't see the T14 doing so; I'm not sure they consider the non-T14 a peer school.

[robe1300]

Oh and also, to whom does one direct scholarship negotiation things? I've seen people talking both about the director of admissions as well as the financial aid office. I'm wondering where I'll have the best chance of getting a better offer.

[roundabout]

Seems like most merit scholarships are controlled by admissions, while need-based are controlled by financial aid. So it probably depends on whether you're trying to up a merit-based grant or need-based grant/loans.