Scholarship negotiation Forum

[Jolly_J88]

Hey guys I'm completely clueless when it comes to scholarship negotiation. I've read a couple of stuff on here, but have some additional basic questions. How would one go about initially trying to get an admissions officers attention to start this negotiation? Through email, call? What are some common reasons people cite to ask schools to give them more money...my numbers are average for this school I got accepted into, they offered me a small scholarship, but I would def need more to attend as it is a private school and a very expensive city. I just don't want to sound way ahead of myself with median numbers, asking for much more money...please help, offer advice, maybe some tactic suggestions..thanks guys...Oh yeah, and if anyone can PM me a sample letter (successful or not) asking schools for more money, I would greatly greatly appreciate it.

[chem]

Hey guys I'm completely clueless when it comes to scholarship negotiation. I've read a couple of stuff on here, but have some additional basic questions. How would one go about initially trying to get an admissions officers attention to start this negotiation? Through email, call? What are some common reasons people cite to ask schools to give them more money...my numbers are average for this school I got accepted into, they offered me a small scholarship, but I would def need more to attend as it is a private school and a very expensive city. I just don't want to sound way ahead of myself with median numbers, asking for much more money...please help, offer advice, maybe some tactic suggestions..thanks guys...Oh yeah, and if anyone can PM me a sample letter (successful or not) asking schools for more money, I would greatly greatly appreciate it.

Say something along the lines of "my finances are a consideration for attending any law school. I was wondering who I should contact in order to ask if there is any additional merit scholarship available

[WWAD]

I did my research and then was honest with them. They are not going to be mad if they say no and you still go. Know what you need to go there and tell them. It is best to have some reasons for them to want to give you the money too. If it is the place you really want to go and this is the only thing holding you back then tell them that. I did that and was in a position to get nothing and they helped me out. They pretty much matched the $ I was getting at a lower ranked school. You did not say that you have been offered more other places, but if you have mention it and be ready to show the letter. I started it through e-mail, but then went and saw the financial aid guy.

[Jolly_J88]

Thanks guys. WWAD, how much did they help you out? Did you tell them that if you didn't receive aid, you wouldn't be able to attend? Were any of your numbers above their medians?

[WWAD]

I think I was at the median or a little above, but with a retake in June. I applied very late and came off the wait list right before school. I am no where near T-14. I got about half off, but I started with nothing and I think it works the same no matter what. I told them my decision would be effected by the $ and it would make it hard to attend if I did not get $. I had gotten $ from a school in the same town, ranked way lower, but they were interested in hearing about it and almost matched it. I would bring it up at first the way you feel most comfortable. I think I e-mailed first. Then set up a tour and meeting with the financial aid office. You are in already so asking is not a problem as long as you are honest and tell them what you want. Right now I think telling them you will attend is a plus, because they are having tough times too.

[Jolly_J88]

Thanks for the advice everyone..

[gaud]

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