negotiating aid in person? Forum

[2014entering2014]

how would you guys go about negotiating aid in person? how would you prepare for the conversation?

[Cicero76]

Seems awkward

[North]

Just do bring paper and a fountain pen with you and do the thing where you slide your offer across the table to the dean with a wink bro

[bobloblaw0227]

Have you already sent a reconsideration letter in? I've talked to multiple deans at different schools and they have all told me to just send an email attaching other offers. I think it helps to put a face with your name. All the reconsideration letters I sent in without talking to the dean were shot down almost instantly (stips were dropped, but no more money) while the few where the deans have met me are still under consideration (for whatever that is worth).

[Otunga]

Friend lives close to a lower-tier school and he went in person to negotiate from sticker to a half scholarship. He had visited before, did a tour, sat on a class, and has regularly expressed interest in the school. Like the majority of schools, it really needs the students, and it takes bravado to bring up negotiation while sitting in front of an admissions person, so maybe that helped his cause. But I suppose it could be viewed as a bad thing by another ad com.

[HOS]

I actually did this, recently. I happened to be at the school visiting and wanted to raise the subject with the Dean in person. It was awkward, to tell the true, but I'm glad I did it because it allowed me to get my point across and judge the reaction. Also, I made it clear I wasn't there to negotiate; I was there to begin the process of negotiating. In other words, I didn't say "School X has given me more so what you gonna do about it?". I said "I have other offers and wanted to know what would be the right way to go about discussing it".

They know law school is expensive and that finances play a roll in decision making, so don't be afraid to bring it up. Having said that, do come armed with data. What's the difference in COL between the choices you're looking at; how does the school's program play to your goals; etc.?

[SPerez]

This

I didn't say "School X has given me more so what you gonna do about it?". I said "I have other offers and wanted to know what would be the right way to go about discussing it".

Because this

Seems It will be awkward

Dean Perez

[PrideandGlory1776]

Blank stare - um we'll be getting back to you real soon ... awkward silence ... take care ... slowly exit room ... another awkward glance to top off the incredibly awkward exchange. #AvoidtheAwkwardness#UseEmail

[deegol]

Just do bring paper and a fountain pen with you and do the thing where you slide your offer across the table to the dean with a wink bro

I just spilled my coffee!