<p>Michigan has been my top choice for a few years now. After getting accepted in December, I thought that I would enroll by the following May.</p>
<p>Over the weekend, I got into the University of Southern California. Because I am a National Merit Finalist, I am able to receive a half-tuition scholarship amounting to roughly $21,000/year at USC. Recently, I have been worrying about the expensive costs of Michigan out of state, with my sister paying upwards of $55,000 a year (she's a current freshman). We received no financial aid, and I feel as if I cannot afford a Michigan education. Without any financial aid from Michigan, I feel as if I have no choice but to settle with a cheaper USC education (a fantastic option, although it has been my dream to go to Michigan for years now).</p>
<p>Do you think it would be worth a shot to send the Michigan financial aid office an e-mail explaining my situation and asking to "match" my USC scholarship money?</p>
<p>bzong, you lose nothing by trying. If things do not work out, you have a great alternative with USC.</p>
<p>However, do keep in mind that even with the $20k scholarship at USC, it will still cost you $42k/year. Yes, that’s significantly less than $55k to attend Michigan, but it is not a night and day difference. Too bad Michigan did not give you $10k. At that point, the two would cost roughly the same.</p>
<p>They are absolutely right. There is nothing to loose by asking them to review your financial aid. Nevertheless, many financial aids have not been announced yet. UMich’s oos cost is plain ridiculous. I am glad it would be in state for my daughters. ;-)</p>
<p>Doing the math, I would be paying around $38,000 a year at USC, which is a huge step down in costs from $55,000 at Michigan. </p>
<p>Recently a friend of mine sent Lafayette an e-mail saying he got into Cornell, and he received more money. That may not be the case with Michigan since it’s public and they don’t give out much money, but it’s worth a shot.</p>
<p>Even if I don’t receive money, I will still probably end up going to Michigan. I just wish I received a bit more money.</p>
<p>It can never hurt to ask… but I wouldn’t hang your hat on it. They have people beating down their door JUST to get in, and would be happy to pay full fare, so it seems like they don’t have much need to negotiate. Good luck!</p>