Negotiating scholarships works!!!!! Forum

[ColtsFan88]

I sent a scholarship negotiation request to IUB last Monday and have yet to hear from them at all. Is this normal? Should I send a second email? I understand if they don't want to give me more money, but some kind of email letting me know they received mine and are considering it would be nice.

[punkyg0608]

I sent a scholarship negotiation request to IUB last Monday and have yet to hear from them at all. Is this normal? Should I send a second email? I understand if they don't want to give me more money, but some kind of email letting me know they received mine and are considering it would be nice.

I sent mine that day too, and still haven't heard anything. I'm going to assume they're considering it and wait another week or two. Then again, I'm not expecting IUB to give me more money, so it's not urgent for me. Let me know what you decide and when you hear back!

[ColtsFan88]

I sent a scholarship negotiation request to IUB last Monday and have yet to hear from them at all. Is this normal? Should I send a second email? I understand if they don't want to give me more money, but some kind of email letting me know they received mine and are considering it would be nice.

I sent mine that day too, and still haven't heard anything. I'm going to assume they're considering it and wait another week or two. Then again, I'm not expecting IUB to give me more money, so it's not urgent for me. Let me know what you decide and when you hear back!

Thanks, its nice to hear someone else is in the same boat.

[Sherlock1708]

I sent my negotiation e-mail this morning and heard back from the Dean that he will be meeting with the scholarship committee tomorrow and wants to know what type of increase I would like. (They already gave me $12,000 which apparently is pretty generous for the school. This is his e-mail below) Does anyone have suggestions for responding to this question? This school is my top choice.
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Thank you so much for responding. I will be meeting with the Scholarship Committee tomorrow morning and will share with them the information you provided. Hopefully we will be able to make our offer more competitive, affording you the opportunity to relocate to Portland. I will let you know as soon as possible if we are able to increase your offer. To have a better understanding, what sort of increase would you be looking for, keeping in mind that our funds are limited.

I look forward to hearing from you.

[punkyg0608]

I sent my negotiation e-mail this morning and heard back from the Dean that he will be meeting with the scholarship committee tomorrow and wants to know what type of increase I would like. (They already gave me $12,000 which apparently is pretty generous for the school. This is his e-mail below) Does anyone have suggestions for responding to this question? This school is my top choice.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you so much for responding. I will be meeting with the Scholarship Committee tomorrow morning and will share with them the information you provided. Hopefully we will be able to make our offer more competitive, affording you the opportunity to relocate to Portland. I will let you know as soon as possible if we are able to increase your offer. To have a better understanding, what sort of increase would you be looking for, keeping in mind that our funds are limited.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Wow, this is a tough one. Do you have an amount in mind that would seal the deal for the school? If so, definitely don't tell them anything less than that. You might even want to tell them a number higher in case they bite. It's a tough call though because obviously "full ride plus a stipend" would be an ideal but ridiculous request.

If I were you, I would tell them that anything above X (your minimum amount that would seal the deal) would increase your chances of attending, and anything above Y (ridiculously awesome number) would result in an immediate deposit to the school. That way even your minimum number is above what you require. Also, it's better to aim high because they may still offer something smaller if they can't meet your demands. Does this make sense?

[rahrah]

I sent my negotiation e-mail this morning and heard back from the Dean that he will be meeting with the scholarship committee tomorrow and wants to know what type of increase I would like. (They already gave me $12,000 which apparently is pretty generous for the school. This is his e-mail below) Does anyone have suggestions for responding to this question? This school is my top choice.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you so much for responding. I will be meeting with the Scholarship Committee tomorrow morning and will share with them the information you provided. Hopefully we will be able to make our offer more competitive, affording you the opportunity to relocate to Portland. I will let you know as soon as possible if we are able to increase your offer. To have a better understanding, what sort of increase would you be looking for, keeping in mind that our funds are limited.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Wow, this is a tough one. Do you have an amount in mind that would seal the deal for the school? If so, definitely don't tell them anything less than that. You might even want to tell them a number higher in case they bite. It's a tough call though because obviously "full ride plus a stipend" would be an ideal but ridiculous request.

If I were you, I would tell them that anything above X (your minimum amount that would seal the deal) would increase your chances of attending, and anything above Y (ridiculously awesome number) would result in an immediate deposit to the school. That way even your minimum number is above what you require. Also, it's better to aim high because they may still offer something smaller if they can't meet your demands. Does this make sense?

I like this answer. Just curious, Sherlock where is this?

[Sherlock1708]

Thanks punkyg. This sounds like a good idea. I'm not sure how much more they'll have to give me because the school is so small. I was thinking about figuring out how much scholarship money I would need to avoid having to take out Grad Plus or private loans. FAFSA reports that I'll get the full amount, $20,500, which I plan to use for education and living expenses.

The school is Maine. My apps are in review at a lot of T40 - T50 schools, and I think I'll get into some of them, but I'm almost considering just withdrawing and going to Maine if they offer me enough money. I worked as a litigation paralegal at a top NYC firm after college and have no interest in the big law lifestyle. I'm 28 and my boyfriend and I are nearing the age of wanting to settle down and start a family. I think Portland (one of the few cities we both like) offers much to be desired in terms of balancing family and work.

[CattyPake]

Yes, generally you ask for an increase any time you get a new (and hopefully better) offer.

Also, don't forget--you can easily use an acceptance with no scholarship at a higher ranked school to get money from a lower ranked school. It doesn't always have to be a competing scholarship offer.

I've read through the entire thread and Wamanda has given some great advice but I'm still not really clear on how to do this.
I got into a lower T14 no money and I'm trying to negotiate with UF for more money. UIUC gave me half off tuition and I was just going to mention that to UF but I have no idea how to bring my T14 acceptance into it as well.

[Jaytray]

Yes, generally you ask for an increase any time you get a new (and hopefully better) offer.

Also, don't forget--you can easily use an acceptance with no scholarship at a higher ranked school to get money from a lower ranked school. It doesn't always have to be a competing scholarship offer.

I've read through the entire thread and Wamanda has given some great advice but I'm still not really clear on how to do this.
I got into a lower T14 no money and I'm trying to negotiate with UF for more money. UIUC gave me half off tuition and I was just going to mention that to UF but I have no idea how to bring my T14 acceptance into it as well.

List other schools actual offers, then:

"On top of all this, I have recently been accepted to _____, making my decision even harder." Something along those lines?

[Sherlock1708]

Yes, generally you ask for an increase any time you get a new (and hopefully better) offer.

Also, don't forget--you can easily use an acceptance with no scholarship at a higher ranked school to get money from a lower ranked school. It doesn't always have to be a competing scholarship offer.

I've read through the entire thread and Wamanda has given some great advice but I'm still not really clear on how to do this.
I got into a lower T14 no money and I'm trying to negotiate with UF for more money. UIUC gave me half off tuition and I was just going to mention that to UF but I have no idea how to bring my T14 acceptance into it as well.

In comparing UF and UIUC, you could also look at the top starting salaries of associates for each location. Let's say school A offers you more money than school B. School A also feeds into a market that starts associates at $160K. School B feeds into a market that starts associates at $100K. If school B is your top choice, you could write that if you attend school B, it will not only cost you more to attend, but it will also take longer to pay off your debt.

Also take COL into consideration. Even if the schools generally have comparable COLs, one of them is bound to be more expensive for you due to relocation and/or traveling home to see your family.

I might hold off on bringing up your T14 acceptance. If UF says no or offers very little, then you will have something else to add to your case.

[USMCMatt]

From what I have read, it looks like most of you went the email route instead of a hard letter...?

Did you send the email to FinAid, Ad Dean, or AdComm (generic admissions email)?

I applied to some lower ranked schools in order to start negotiating up.

For instance, I applied to Wayne St in Michigan (although I have no intention of applying) who is ranked 125. They offered me a full ride for all three years (33k/yr).

Pace University in White Plains (ranked 115) I would actually consider attending and they offered 15k/yr which still leaves 25/yr.

Any suggestions on moving this one up?

[Chucky21]

Yes, generally you ask for an increase any time you get a new (and hopefully better) offer.

Also, don't forget--you can easily use an acceptance with no scholarship at a higher ranked school to get money from a lower ranked school. It doesn't always have to be a competing scholarship offer.

I've read through the entire thread and Wamanda has given some great advice but I'm still not really clear on how to do this.
I got into a lower T14 no money and I'm trying to negotiate with UF for more money. UIUC gave me half off tuition and I was just going to mention that to UF but I have no idea how to bring my T14 acceptance into it as well.

I would seriously consider the T14 school. The opportunities from that school will be better. Even though you may not get any $, you'll be making more in the end. Work hard, make partner, 7 figure salaries.

[kroakstool]

Got my first good news on the negotiating front today. $3k more a year, which is good nut not ideal since I am out of state. However, the email stated that if I qualify for in-state tuition (I'm in the military and can get in-state my first year if I apply for state residency) then I will get a new offer that will give me the same percentage scholarship with in-state tuition. Not too shabby

[gabewatch]

Got my first good news on the negotiating front today. $3k more a year, which is good nut not ideal since I am out of state. However, the email stated that if I qualify for in-state tuition (I'm in the military and can get in-state my first year if I apply for state residency) then I will get a new offer that will give me the same percentage scholarship with in-state tuition. Not too shabby

What school was this for? UGA? congrats on the successful negotiation

[kroakstool]

Got my first good news on the negotiating front today. $3k more a year, which is good nut not ideal since I am out of state. However, the email stated that if I qualify for in-state tuition (I'm in the military and can get in-state my first year if I apply for state residency) then I will get a new offer that will give me the same percentage scholarship with in-state tuition. Not too shabby

What school was this for? UGA? congrats on the successful negotiation

William and Mary. I am a GA resident so I already get in-state there

[USMCMatt]

Got my first good news on the negotiating front today. $3k more a year, which is good nut not ideal since I am out of state. However, the email stated that if I qualify for in-state tuition (I'm in the military and can get in-state my first year if I apply for state residency) then I will get a new offer that will give me the same percentage scholarship with in-state tuition. Not too shabby

What school was this for? UGA? congrats on the successful negotiation

William and Mary. I am a GA resident so I already get in-state there

Virginia is pretty good to us military personnel for getting our residency taken care of...very helpful, especially with the GI Bill.

[vkgarrett]

I sent my negotiation in two weeks ago, heard nothing since... what's the general protocol for this sort of thing?

[bobbyh1919]

Yes, generally you ask for an increase any time you get a new (and hopefully better) offer.

Also, don't forget--you can easily use an acceptance with no scholarship at a higher ranked school to get money from a lower ranked school. It doesn't always have to be a competing scholarship offer.

I've read through the entire thread and Wamanda has given some great advice but I'm still not really clear on how to do this.
I got into a lower T14 no money and I'm trying to negotiate with UF for more money. UIUC gave me half off tuition and I was just going to mention that to UF but I have no idea how to bring my T14 acceptance into it as well.

In comparing UF and UIUC, you could also look at the top starting salaries of associates for each location. Let's say school A offers you more money than school B. School A also feeds into a market that starts associates at $160K. School B feeds into a market that starts associates at $100K. If school B is your top choice, you could write that if you attend school B, it will not only cost you more to attend, but it will also take longer to pay off your debt.

Also take COL into consideration. Even if the schools generally have comparable COLs, one of them is bound to be more expensive for you due to relocation and/or traveling home to see your family.

I might hold off on bringing up your T14 acceptance. If UF says no or offers very little, then you will have something else to add to your case.

Just say that you got into (T14), and given the school's national reach and reputation you're facing a difficult decision (one which could be resolved with a bigger scholarship).

[ACGator2012]

Would anyone be willing to take a look at a letter for me before I send it? PM me if interested! Additionally, has anyone negotiated multiple times and received multiple increases?

[vkgarrett]

HA scholarship negotiation success!! Got a letter in the mail saying my scholarship was upgraded.... yesssssss!

[punkyg0608]

HA scholarship negotiation success!! Got a letter in the mail saying my scholarship was upgraded.... yesssssss!

Congrats!!! Would you mind telling us where?

[tolson1]

Just got accepted into Princeton Law School! Would I be able to use my acceptance to negotiate scholarship amounts with a t2 school?

Thanks!

[USMCMatt]

Just got accepted into Princeton Law School! Would I be able to use my acceptance to negotiate scholarship amounts with a t2 school?

Thanks!

Lol. Smart ass.

[omninode]

Just got accepted into Princeton Law School! Would I be able to use my acceptance to negotiate scholarship amounts with a t2 school?

Thanks!

Lame.

[TheFailboat]

Does anybody know if Tulane is willing to budge? I know they saythat they won't negotiate, but I wasn't sure if anybody has had any luck talking their scholarship up. They gave me $25k, and even a bump to $30k would help out.