<p>So I've received funding from two PhD programs. One school is ranked lower than the other but has offered me their best financial package. </p>
<p>The other school is in the top 10 and has only given me a little bit above their minimum offer to incoming grad students. I know others have received much better offers from this school. Has anyone had success in asking for a better fellowship than they were initially offered? Who did you talk to? Any help is appreciated!</p>
<p>The person with whom you must speak is the Director of Graduate Studies.</p>
<p>While some programs do not have any "wiggle room" to negotiate awards, others do. </p>
<p>What you must do is this:
Contact the DGS of the program in question, tell him or her of the other fellowship you received, providing details. Mention your preference for his/her program, as well as your financial concerns. (If this is true.) Then ask if your award is negotiable.</p>
<p>If the DGS says it is not negotiable, then it is not. If it is, then the DGS will probably have to crunch some numbers and get back to you.</p>