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Can you negotiate with colleges for scholarships?

I'm a high school junior looking at some expensive colleges and wondering if it's possible to negotiate on scholarships? How do I go about it, and what do colleges typically consider when deciding to increase an offer? Any personal experiences?

8 months ago

While colleges do not typically use the term "negotiate" when it comes to scholarships and financial aid, it is possible to appeal for more financial assistance through a process often referred to as a financial aid appeal or scholarship appeal.

Here's how you go about it:

1. Get Your Offer: First, you need to receive your financial aid letter from the school. This packet will tell you what the school is offering you in terms of need-based aid and any merit-based scholarships.

2. Research: Look at the school’s official policy and process for reconsideration of financial aid on their website to ensure you follow all necessary steps and fill out any necessary forms.

3. Prepare Your Case: This is where you gather all supporting documentation. It can often depend on the reason for your appeal. For example, if your financial situation has changed due to unforeseen circumstances, you should include proof of this. If merit is your argument, point out any recent accomplishments that might not have been part of your original application.

4. Write A Letter: In the letter, be specific about your circumstances. State what you need in order to be able to afford the college. Make sure to be polite, thank them for their time, and avoid sounding entitled or demanding.

5. Submit: Send your letter to the college financial aid office. Make sure to meet any deadlines set by the college.

When deciding whether to increase an offer, colleges typically consider several factors:

1. Financial Need - Demonstrating a significant change in your family’s financial situation that was not reflected in your original FAFSA or CSS Profile. This could be due to job loss, death, medical expenses, or any other unexpected financial crisis.

2. Competitive Offers - If you received a larger scholarship or financial aid package from a comparable college, some colleges might consider matching or coming close to the competitor's offer.

3. Merit - Some colleges may increase scholarships if you have achieved something significant after your initial application, like winning a national award or significantly improving your GPA.

4. Errors - If you made an error on your FAFSA or CSS Profile that affected your Expected Family Contribution, correcting the error could result in an adjustment of your financial aid.

Remember that every college has different policies, and some may be more open to appeals than others. It's important to approach the process respectfully, and keep in mind that there's no guarantee of receiving more financial aid.

8 months ago

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