Columbia Class of 2017 Forum

[jdapplicant]

I asked CLS if they could speed up my financial aid decision due to an upcoming deadline and their response was to ask me send in my competing offers. I feel like this is some manipulative ploy on their part to force me to show them my hand because I don't see how it's relevant to the timeline. Or maybe i'm just being paranoid because I spend too much time on TLS...

I'm not quite sure how to proceed at this point, should I send my NYU offer or wait patiently?

In the meantime, I'm going to request an extension from NYU.

We're all a bit high strung at the moment, but I don't think there are any dark motives on CLS's part here.

I sent them my competing offer letters too. I got the sense that they used them in an unofficial "matching" program. They just want to give you a competitive offer.

It'll all be over soon.

+1

If you are on a tight deadline then they understand you don't have time to negotiate. They might just want to make their first offer competitive, rather than lowballing you first and expecting you to try and negotiate up. Also, then they know specifically what your deadlines are so they can move your app through accordingly.

You should definitely try and extend the NYU deadline regardless, so you have more time to negotiate. Also, at this point you might need to send them the NYU offer so they know you weren't bluffing.

[papercut]

Something I forgot to add also, the way they know your deadlines are legit is by look at your competing offer letters, which should include their respective deadlines.

[MyopicVisage]

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[milkandcheerios]

I asked CLS if they could speed up my financial aid decision due to an upcoming deadline and their response was to ask me send in my competing offers. I feel like this is some manipulative ploy on their part to force me to show them my hand because I don't see how it's relevant to the timeline. Or maybe i'm just being paranoid because I spend too much time on TLS...

I'm not quite sure how to proceed at this point, should I send my NYU offer or wait patiently?

In the meantime, I'm going to request an extension from NYU.

I'll probably request an extension from NYU as well. Would you PM me if NYU gets back to you? Thank you!

Yeah sure! I already sent the e-mail to NYU but I haven't gotten a response yet.

And to the above posters, you guys are probably right, i'm probably overthinking this financial aid stuff. I should just fax everything over tomorrow

[a.sleepyhead]

Question: I have a big UVA aid package, but the seat deposit is due on Apr 21st. Aside from losing the seat and the scholarship option, am I also losing it as an effective bargaining chip in 6 days? (I haven't gotten my CLS aid offer yet)

I have already sent CLS the award letter and received an acknowledgment, but I am really wondering if my position in any subsequent negotiations would be weakened by that deadline passing.

[Humbert Humbert]

Question: I have a big UVA aid package, but the seat deposit is due on Apr 21st. Aside from losing the seat and the scholarship option, am I also losing it as an effective bargaining chip in 6 days? (I haven't gotten my CLS aid offer yet)

I have already sent CLS the award letter and received an acknowledgment, but I am really wondering if my position in any subsequent negotiations would be weakened by that deadline passing.

Not necessarily. As far as CLS knows, you may have gotten an extension from UVA.

I am waiting on initial offer from CLS, and an appeal response from NYU. I used a large offer from [MVPD] to try and bring up the NYU reward. If this works, I will then send both [MVPD] and (higher) NYU offer to CLS. I'm just hoping to timing works out.

[Gucci Mane]

Where are ya'll sending the financial aid questionnaire and other forms? Email or traditional mail?

[EvMont]

Where are ya'll sending the financial aid questionnaire and other forms? Email or traditional mail?

IIRC the first page of the questionnaire as instructions on how to submit it.

[Gucci Mane]

Where are ya'll sending the financial aid questionnaire and other forms? Email or traditional mail?

IIRC the first page of the questionnaire as instructions on how to submit it.

It says to submit to FAO but I'm not sure if that means through email or mail

[Leo]

Where are ya'll sending the financial aid questionnaire and other forms? Email or traditional mail?

IIRC the first page of the questionnaire as instructions on how to submit it.

It says to submit to FAO but I'm not sure if that means through email or mail

They recommend fax or snail mail for security reasons (remember, your SSN is on there).

[EvMont]

Where are ya'll sending the financial aid questionnaire and other forms? Email or traditional mail?

IIRC the first page of the questionnaire as instructions on how to submit it.

It says to submit to FAO but I'm not sure if that means through email or mail

They recommend fax or snail mail for security reasons (remember, your SSN is on there).

This.

[Gucci Mane]

Okay thanks

[Theopliske8711]

Where are ya'll sending the financial aid questionnaire and other forms? Email or traditional mail?

IIRC the first page of the questionnaire as instructions on how to submit it.

It says to submit to FAO but I'm not sure if that means through email or mail

They recommend fax or snail mail for security reasons (remember, your SSN is on there).

The CIA already has your SSN.

[EquallyWrong]

Where are ya'll sending the financial aid questionnaire and other forms? Email or traditional mail?

IIRC the first page of the questionnaire as instructions on how to submit it.

It says to submit to FAO but I'm not sure if that means through email or mail

They recommend fax or snail mail for security reasons (remember, your SSN is on there).

Damnit all. Sent it by email yesterday. I'll just be sure to delete all these files and emails from my computer and hope for the best.

[sims1]

My understanding is that if you miss out on either a butler/hamilton with your acceptance, all other financial aid is all 'needs based'. Finishing up my apps now, however I don't think I will be eligible on a needs basis due to parental income. I'm at/above both 75ths so I should be eligible for at least some merit based money. Am I out of luck? Anyone in a similar position that got $$?

I just feel weird filling out need-access without showing clear need...

[Theopliske8711]

My understanding is that if you miss out on either a butler/hamilton with your acceptance, all other financial aid is all 'needs based'. Finishing up my apps now, however I don't think I will be eligible on a needs basis due to parental income. I'm at/above both 75ths so I should be eligible for at least some merit based money. Am I out of luck? Anyone in a similar position that got $$?

I just feel weird filling out need-access without showing clear need...

Nah, they do a mix of both.

[mt2165]

My understanding is that if you miss out on either a butler/hamilton with your acceptance, all other financial aid is all 'needs based'. Finishing up my apps now, however I don't think I will be eligible on a needs basis due to parental income. I'm at/above both 75ths so I should be eligible for at least some merit based money. Am I out of luck? Anyone in a similar position that got $$?

I just feel weird filling out need-access without showing clear need...

Yeah well things to consider: first, a lot of people still getting "need based" aid, have previously stated that they didn't think they would qualify. They don't say but it seems kinda quasi-merit based...within bounds. I got more money than I would've qualified for at the UG level. I'd be surprised if you got NOTHING.

[Humbert Humbert]

The post-Butler/Hamilton aid is allegedly need-based only, but the reality is that they factor in competing offers to their award. The fin aid guy at the ASW even said so.

[EquallyWrong]

My understanding is that if you miss out on either a butler/hamilton with your acceptance, all other financial aid is all 'needs based'. Finishing up my apps now, however I don't think I will be eligible on a needs basis due to parental income. I'm at/above both 75ths so I should be eligible for at least some merit based money. Am I out of luck? Anyone in a similar position that got $$?

I just feel weird filling out need-access without showing clear need...

just force it out and see what comes of it. I tried looking around to see if there was any guidance as to what level of personal/parental income gets you immediately laughed out of the room but only came up with the usual answers of people getting more than expected/saying that there is a consideration of one's so-called merit. the waters are really muddied, so the only bad move is to be demure and disqualify yourself. i'm in the same position, if I get anything it would settle the question of their so-called need based grants.

[sims1]

Thanks guys. I believe the fact that you can negotiate your 'need' is a strong indicator that it there is an element of merit involved, since you aren't any more financially distressed by receiving a full ride to NYU or admittance to Yale .

Hopefully I get something . . .

[waferthinmint]

At long last... checking in..
Just when I was 99% set on NYU...

[neprep]

Just got my scholarship offer! Hovering around the Butler, but PM for details. It's not brilliant, but I'm pleased.

[EvMont]

Just got my scholarship offer! Hovering around the Butler, but PM for details. It's not brilliant, but I'm pleased.

Via email or snail mail?

Congrats!

[neprep]

Just got my scholarship offer! Hovering around the Butler, but PM for details. It's not brilliant, but I'm pleased.

Via email or snail mail?

Congrats!

Both actually, lol. FWIW it was mailed on 4/11.

[StructuresAndForces]

Is the FAFSA required in order to receive a financial aid offer? I was under the impression that it wasn't. Still haven't received an offer and I think that I have all the other needed materials in.