Is anyone of you guys familiar with financial aid negotiation? Please share me some tips. Thanks xx
Most finanical aid officers refuse to “negotiate” and just using the term will get you off on the wrong foot. What they will do is consider other factors that were not in the picture and review to see if there is anything missed or not handled in a way that could be more favorable. If a like school, (in Bucknell’s case, say Colgate, Lehigh as examples)
gave a more generous package (or more selective schools), they will look to see why and if they can do the same.
Usually financial aid is done by formula, so unless there is some situation that is a gray area, some change in situation, or need unmet, it isn’t going to happen that one gets a lot more money.
You can call your admissions officer, thank him/her for your acceptance, and ask for advice about how to approach the school fin aid office. That person might have some insights particular to the school.
Do understand your package or have designated exactly where you don’t understand the package. Run the NPCs. Run them for rival schools.
Good luck. At schools where full need has been met, it’s not usual unless there has been a mistake or some gray area situation that much more money is given. Maybe loans, but not big grants.