I know the website says they don’t, but has that been people’s experience? I know other comparable schools DD is looking at will be willing to work with us, so I’m hoping Mac will too.
No school likes to say they will “deal” on FA. The question is pretty offensive when phrased that way. You can appeal and provide additional information if you think the FA package is not sufficient. If you have a better offer from a truly comparable school and Mac really is your kid’s first choice, there isn’t any harm in telling them that. Just be prepared for them to stick to the first offer, which they may do. I wouldn’t worry about it now, since you don’t even have an acceptance yet. But I would also say if the net price calculator shows it isn’t affordable, then don’t expect something different.
I would love to not have to worry about it now, but DD has already fallen in love with the school and if there is no possibility the school will come down to an affordable level, I’d rather she know that now than to continue to dream about something we likely can’t afford. She’s been in touch enough with the Athletic department and her admissions counselor to know that her getting in is not a long shot, hypothetical situation.
My experience was that they didn’t. My daughter received several better packages, one at a better ranked school. My mistake may have been that I had my daughter do the negotiating. (Dumb time to prove I am not a helicopter parent, ha, ha.) That said, the package from Macalester was quite fair, and they considered the cost of travel back and forth at the beginning and end of each semester - we live on the East Coast. So definitely keep it in the mix if your daughter loves it. You can tell her what I told mine - you can apply wherever you want, but whether you can attend depends on the money.
Our experience was also that they didn’t”deal” on financial aid for our son this past spring, and yes he too was accepted at higher ranked schools that offered more money.so he turned them down.