<p>My DD has narrowed her choice of colleges down to 2. School #1 is an excellent public university in a neighboring state. Cost for OOS students $31,000. DD received a merit scholarship of $6500 per year. Recently this school sent my DD an out of state scholarship application to complete "in case other scholarship money becomes available for OOS students." DD completed the application and returned it; we are supposed to hear by April 15th if her scholarship will be increased.
School #2 is an excellent private school. Cost of attendance $40,000 per year. DD was thrilled to receive a 3/4 tuition scholarship which amounts to about $22,500 per year. We will not receive any other financial aid from either school except for loans. DD claims to like both schools and says she would be happy at either, but my feeling is that she prefers #1. We do have another child in college at present and one graduating with a Master's degree this May, so finances are important to us. If DD really does prefer #1, I would hate for her to pick #2 simply because of the financial situation. School GC told my DD today that she should contact school #1 and tell them about her other scholarship, hoping if any money becomes available they will give her enough to make the difference in costs minimal.
Has anyone ever done this? Do we just call the financial aid office, or contact the out of state recruiter who she has emailed before, and who sent her the last scholarship application. Thanks in advance for any advice or help you can give me!</p>
<p>Ask D to imagine both schools were free (ha ha) and declare which she prefers to attend. If she prefers school #1, then phone that school and explain her dilemma. Are there any extenuating circumstances or new furnace you had to buy or ANYTHING new to mention, go ahead and describe. If you're an older parent who has fewer years to earn back income to handle loans, say so. Confirm that they have the data that your two other kids are in school, although if they are graduating it may not matter for next year. Still, mention it.</p>
<p>Express how much your daughter prefers that school, and is there any possible way to make the financial choice more manageable for her, given her strong preference for their school. </p>
<p>Whoever is the stronger speaker between the two of you can make the call. </p>
<p>You could also just email the out-of-state recruiter that you will be phoning the financial aid office for this purpose, in case he chooses to chime in with words of glory, but I'd call the finaid office directly so the communication is more direct. </p>
<p>Good luck! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Sometimes it makes a difference. Don't whine (not that you would) that the school didn't give you enough yet; just declare your appreciation of the school and need to close the gap so the answer there can be "Yes." Remember that if they admitted her, they have reason to try to make it happen for her. </p>
<p>Be prepared to answer this question, "How much $ would make the difference for you?" </p>
<p>You might consider, however, that the private school might be able to leverage more funds for her than the public, in which case, call up the private school and ask if this is the best they are able to do. Perhaps they can improve theirs slightly, too. Explain that it's a choice between them and only one other school, and you have to really "sharpen your pencil" to make this decision now.</p>
<p>These are not unusual phone calls at all. Get in line and make your pitch.</p>
<p>Sound words of advice. Thanks! I'll let you know what happens.</p>
<p>I have been trying to frame an email to Carleton fin aid office.
Carleton has given me a generous offer but 4000$ less then Emory which meets my full need in grants.
I don't know how to write the email without sounding rude since i am very thankful to them for giving me the generous finaid they have.
I will go to Carleton with or without the extra $- i'll just take a private loan. </p>
<p>Forgive me if i sound stupid but could someone please tell me how the email should be?</p>