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So I'm in a bit of a conundrum where I'm getting exactly the same amount of money from Cornell as from Columbia.

While Columbia is undoubtedly the better school, and if I'm getting both for essentially the same price tag I might as well take the better option, the logistics of Cornell (I live in Ithaca already, COL in Ithaca is much cheaper, I'm closer to home, my SO has better connections here for her own career) would make it much easier; I'd basically be adding five minutes to my commute each morning, compared to moving to a completely different city.

The question I want to pose is whether or not it would be feasible to ask Cornell for more aid, in lieu of what Columbia's giving me. Is it possible to negotiate with Cornell and get more money, since I'm getting equal aid from a T6 school? Or would they say Columbia is not a peer institution/ they don't need to give more than Columbia's giving?

It's an unfortunate situation, and I was really hoping they would give unequal amounts in the case I needed to negotiate.

Def talk to Cornell about getting more through CLS.

Theopliske8711 wrote:Def talk to Cornell about getting more through CLS.

This.

Say you like Cornell, Columbia's offering you X, you're having a difficult time deciding between the two, is there any way Cornell could adjust/reconsider their financial aid award to make the decision easier, etc.

They should know that they need to offer more than Columbia to get someone to attend.

Lavitz wrote:

Theopliske8711 wrote:Def talk to Cornell about getting more through CLS.

This.

Say you like Cornell, Columbia's offering you X, you're having a difficult time deciding between the two, is there any way Cornell could adjust/reconsider their financial aid award to make the decision easier, etc.

They should know that they need to offer more than Columbia to get someone to attend.

Letter, email, or phone call? I'm guessing letter?

patfeeney wrote:Letter, email, or phone call? I'm guessing letter?

I've never heard of an actual letter.

E-mail, phone call, or in-person (make an appointment) since you're nearby. I'd be lying if I said I knew which method would be best, but I know people who succeeded with e-mail, so that's fine.

If you call, they're probably going to ask you to send an e-mail with a pdf of the Columbia offer anyway.

I think you will not need to send a copy in your email till Cornell is asking for it.

actexas wrote:I think you will not need to send a copy in your email till Cornell is asking for it.

I don't think they'll see an attached pdf as OP being presumptuous. Better to include it and let Cornell decide whether they need it or not.

riverwater wrote:

actexas wrote:I think you will not need to send a copy in your email till Cornell is asking for it.

I don't think they'll see an attached pdf as OP being presumptuous. Better to include it and let Cornell decide whether they need it or not.

Seconded. Purely anecdotal, but I've included PDFs of my other offers in my initial negotiation correspondences thus far - schools have responded favorably.

any suggestions for how an email should work? I tried to call and I offended the financial aid officer with the request.

patfeeney wrote:any suggestions for how an email should work? I tried to call and I offended the financial aid officer with the request.

lol

I already gave my suggestion, but maybe PM one of the people who succeeded in negotiations this cycle to see how they worded it.

patfeeney wrote:any suggestions for how an email should work? I tried to call and I offended the financial aid officer with the request.

Yea, dude, you really shouldn't call. Email the dean of admissions or something.

Anyone want to read my letter?

I would suggest scheduling a meeting in person if possible. It's easier to show you are really sincere that way.