Negotiating Scholarships on Phone? Confused, what's next? Forum

[WindyCityDreams]

I was accepted at a lower Tier 1 in older rankings, now somewhere around there- I don't want to say it as you will see. I had some outside negative experiences which were explained adequately in my application. I was accepted and given ~15% a year with in-state tuition. It's a smaller school, and, obviously, smaller endowment. I sent a negotiation letter as my LSAT score was more in-line with higher scholarship allocation at this school than my GPA. (3.16, 160). I also applied via Early Decision. I know that takes some leverage away, but I honestly was not getting in anywhere else in the general area with a similar ranking. The Director of Admission/Fin Aid emailed me back saying he re-evaluated my file and found that my intial offer was sufficient in his opinion, but that he wished the school had a bigger endowment. He offered his phone number and said we could personally discuss the issue further on the phone if I wanted to.

What do I do? I feel like another negotiation might push too much, and I should just accept it. However, the fact he offered more conversation on the issue, rather than closing it, makes me feel like I still may have some room to expand my scholarship.

Sorry for format and whatnot, I am rushing to get some ideas today as it will be the last chance I personally will be able to call him in about a week. I have to reserve my seat by that time. Thank you!

[WindyCityDreams]

Long-winded.

Should I call and negotiate more, or simply accept it as-is?

[Geetar Man]

Long-winded.

Should I call and negotiate more, or simply accept it as-is?

I doubt that they would rescind the offer because you called and tried to negotiate. I do, however, believe that in this economy, you should try to get as much money as possible, by doing whatever that entails.

Just be honest, and be nice. It's part of human genetics to try and understand someone who is being genuinely nice and considerate. Good luck!

[Geetar Man]

Whatever action you take, you should provide feedback on what action you pursue. It would help contribute to the wealth of knowledge TLS graciously provides.

[LeDique]

What leverage do you have?

[WindyCityDreams]

EDIT: The only leverage I have is what they gave me.

Unanimous acceptance of my file by board

External factors affected grades and LSAT. This was, I assume, vouched for in my recommendation letters. The admissions director also mentioned this.


Neeko, sorry I was not editing and formatting perfectly- my explanation for that is in my first post.

[neeko]

What?

[LeDique]

EDIT: The only leverage I have is what they gave me.

Unanimous acceptance of my file by board

External factors affected grades and LSAT. This was, I assume, vouched for in my recommendation letters. The admissions director also mentioned this.


Neeko, sorry I was not editing and formatting perfectly- my explanation for that is in my first post.

So you're negotiating with no leverage? I guess it doesn't hurt to try but uh, good luck.

[WindyCityDreams]

I ED'd. By doing that I knew I would have less leverage. That is why I came here. I wondered how I might go about negotiating my scholarship amount. I really do think they and I both agree I fit into the group of students getting significantly more than me (per LSAT score), but my GPA gives them a cop-out. I believe LSAT is a better indicator of future law school success than undergraduate GPA, should I say that and only that?

[splitbrain]

Just make the call and talk to them.

They already said they felt they felt they underfunded you, right?

[sunynp]

You have nothing to lose, but you also have no leverage. Don't be afraid to try to get as much as you can. Everybody needs money- the school should understand that. And don't think that lack of endowment has anything to do with scholarships. Merit scholarships come from other students tuition- not from endowment.