<p>Hey all,</p>
<p>I'm strongly considering adding School 1 to my list of applications - I'm a senior - and I'm emailing my admissions rep with a question. I'm technically past their priority deadline for scholarships, but I think I'm a good candidate for merit $$$ at School 1 and I want to see whether I can get some money even after the priority date.</p>
<p>Here's the tricky part: if I don't apply to School 1, I'd probably look at School 2, the state's other big school and a major rival. My scholarship at School 2 would be guaranteed vs. competitive at School 1. I feel like I might gain negotiating power if I casually mention that School 1 is competing* with School 2 in my email. On the other hand, I don't want to be too obvious or have it come across as a total non sequitur.</p>
<p>What should I do?</p>
<p>* I probably wouldn't use that term. Perhaps "comparing"?</p>
<p>I think you are not in a great position to negotiate, having missed the deadline.</p>
<p>^ That’s a fair point, but it does say “priority” not absolute. Not that I know what that means - that’s why I have to email. It was definitely dumb to wait so long.</p>
<p>Anyway, I don’t have a lot to lose. The worst case scenario is that he says no and I apply to School 2, which is the same thing that would happen if I don’t send the email. The only question is whether I gain an advantage by mentioning the possibility of competition.</p>
<p>of course not. that is probably the worst thing you could do. you’re not buying a used car here…</p>
<p>I agree with skyline pigeon. I think the admissions officer is going to say that you should complete an application if you are serious about your interest in the school.<br>
Unless this is a very low tier school, your current suggested approach is more likely to hurt you than help you.</p>
<p>Okay, I guess I’ll just send the inquiry minus any other info. Thanks for the opinions.</p>