Need help understanding FinAid Forum

[cwill011]

Took the DEC LSAT and got in the low 170's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Quick Background:

First generation URM (AA). My GPA is 2.83(2.01 my first two years and then almost a 3.7 my last two years).Did my first two years of college as a high school student. Got solid EC's and what I assume are solid LOR's but they are 2 years old so hopefully that doesn't hurt me. Also plan on telling them how I worked in school and how my mom was sick and I had to help raise my brother. It's all true but it feels like I'm begging for pity... whatever it takes though.

Alright So, I'm finally applying for next cycle and I'm not entirely sure how merit schollys work.

If given a merit scholarship, can I negotiate the stipulations?

For instance, as an URM Splitter, can I negotiate the stips at a school that normally gives full tuition scholarships like a St. John's or Yeshiva?

I really want to go to NYC and these school seem to offer scholarships that would alleviate much of the cost of attendance but I want to get rid of the stipulations (all, if possible) seeing as how I'm technically settling.

[gamerish]

Yes, you can negotiate scholarship amounts and stipulations once they are made. Individual schools and named scholarship programs may differ, but in general you're considered for merit aid at schools you're admitted to without having to do anything in particular.

A few words of advice, try to make sure your personal statement doesn't come off as a pity party, nobody likes those. If you're going to discuss a personal struggle, try to frame it in a way that reflects positively on you and your ability to overcome it.

Probably more importantly, as an AA with a >170 score, please apply broadly to the T14 in addition to whatever other schools you're considering. No one can guarantee your outcomes since you're such an extreme splitter, but even if you don't want T14, BigLaw, whatever, I'm quite confident you'd get at least a couple acceptances, very possibly with money, that could put you in a very good spot to negotiate a full ride at whatever lower ranked schools you have in mind (if they don't give you full rides upfront).

[cwill011]

Yes, you can negotiate scholarship amounts and stipulations once they are made. Individual schools and named scholarship programs may differ, but in general you're considered for merit aid at schools you're admitted to without having to do anything in particular.

A few words of advice, try to make sure your personal statement doesn't come off as a pity party, nobody likes those. If you're going to discuss a personal struggle, try to frame it in a way that reflects positively on you and your ability to overcome it.

Probably more importantly, as an AA with a >170 score, please apply broadly to the T14 in addition to whatever other schools you're considering. No one can guarantee your outcomes since you're such an extreme splitter, but even if you don't want T14, BigLaw, whatever, I'm quite confident you'd get at least a couple acceptances, very possibly with money, that could put you in a very good spot to negotiate a full ride at whatever lower ranked schools you have in mind (if they don't give you full rides upfront).

Thanks man... This helps a lot

[Nagster5]

Yeah your sights are a bit low, I would be aiming T6 as an AA male with a 170+ LSAT.