Chances of getting merit-aid off waitlist? Forum

[sims1]

I was wondering if anybody knew what kind of merit aid one could expect coming in off a waitlist. Specifically schools Penn/Chicago where class size forces them to YP/waitlist a lot of (numbers-wise) qualified candidates. I have a solid offer from another great school, wondering if its worth it to even wait these out if I won't get anything.

Obviously its all speculation, just wondering what TLS consensus is on what these schools might offer. On the one hand, obviously they weren't ecstatic about my app or I wouldn't have gotten waitlisted. On the other hand, people with lower/similar numbers have gotten money so maybe there's a chance...

[arklaw13]

You've already done the work to apply. I don't see what the harm is in waiting it out.

[sims1]

Well yea more concerned about the mental waiting out... I'll sit on the waitlists regardless since there is no downside at this point.

I just want to satiate my curiosity and feed my TLS neurosis.

[Phil Brooks]

I got $30k from Penn, in July. I was a splitter (4.0, 169).

Unlike you, I did not have any other offers. Definitely milk that for all it's worth, and negotiate once they let you off.

Good luck.

[Phil Brooks]

Also, be politely persistent. They told me there was no merit aid left. I asked them for a reconsideration.

[Clearly]

I got $30k from Penn, in July. I was a splitter (4.0, 169).

Unlike you, I did not have any other offers. Definitely milk that for all it's worth, and negotiate once they let you off.

Good luck.

In what solar system does this qualify you as a splitter exactly?