Negotiating Scholarships Forum

[BruinOB]

Two questions:

1. Is it better to show that I have bigger scholarships (from lower ranked school) on the table, or to show higher ranked schools (although less money offered) have accepted me?

2. How to go about making the request for a bigger scholarship. Phone call, email? How should I phrase my request?

Thanks in advance for the help!

[thelawguy777]

1. If the schools are not considered at least "peer schools" it is less likely that they will match.

2. I think it is always best to do it in person. If you can do it good over the phone (which is harder to read people) then that is 2nd best IMHO... Email could be good as well, but be tactful.

I got into some of my top choices and received some large (90K+) scholarships from schools ranked below them. The higher ranked schools made it clear (at a preview day) from the question of another student that they would not match...

But remember. It never hurts to ask. Especially if you do it politely. My friend walked into W&L and had a scholarship match (from half tuition to full tuition) that same day! This is obviously the exception, but it goes to show you never know!

[beach_terror]

The worst they can say is no, so give it a try. I used a waitlist at a very good T2 to negotiate more money out of a T3. Similarly, I used T3 money to negotiate money at what will be a T2 when they get ranked (pending full-accreditation). Just be sincere and polite and you'll have nothing to lose.

[cl13]

Now, how exactly did you guys go about soliciting these offers? I've had no contact with any of the schools I'd be acting on up to this point, is email the right way to go about this? I think I'd be a bit weak on the phone sell...

For instance, I've got a full-ride offer T10, and a CCN Half-tuition, any chance at CCN increasing their offer from an appeal based on cost-of-living and whatnot? I know, I know, doesn't hurt to try, just curious what you think before I do.

[JohnnyDarko]

I am currently in the negotiating process, or at least about to start it. What exactly is considered a peer school and/or how do I go about determining this?