Negotiating Scholly from No Offer? Forum

[couchpizza]

So I got scholly offers from WUSTL, W&L and ND, but BC and BU just haven't sent any money over my way. I visited Boston the last two days and paid these schools a visit and was really impressed with what the schools/ the Boston area had to offer. I was wondering if I could use these offers to get BC/BU to give me something? I know there's been a lot of talk on these boards about negotiating higher schollies from the initial ones but how about neogtiating an initial scholly from a no offer? Is this possible?

[Optimist Prime]

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[whereskyle]

Hi Couchpizza. Good news, you are highly likely to get money from BC and BU if you negotiate. Also, keep in mind that there is no down-side to negotiating, the worst they can say is no.

I would suggest a combination of flattery, concern, and commitment

Dear Dean X

I really enjoyed visiting school <X> for <reasons>. Your school is really really great and I would love to attend. However, one of the biggest factors in my decision will ultimately been cost. I've been admitted to <Better school> and although I would rather be at your school, the cost of attending <better school> will be less because of <scholarship>. In light of this I was wondering if you would be willing to re-evaluate my application for merit aid. Thank you and I very much hope to join your community in Boston next year.

Sincerely,
Couchpizza

This looks good to me.