What's the best timing here? Forum

[ampersaandy]

Hi TLS-ers!

I'm requesting some much-needed advice on how to best negotiate aid with the offers I have on the table.

So far, I've received $$$ from Michigan, $$$ from UCLA and $ from NYU, and I'm still waiting to hear on financial aid decisions from Penn, Duke, and Columbia. I really, really, really want to go to Columbia, and I'm wondering what the best way to approach negotiation will be. Should I take my current offers to them right away? I think I could get more money from Penn and Duke if I approached them with my offers now, but I'm worried that if I wait for their responses before asking Columbia there'll be less money to be offered. Also, should I try to up NYU's offer with my Michigan offer? I don't think they're considered peer enough for them to match, but the difference in money might cause them to bump me up a bit?

Thanks for any and all advice!