<p>What is the best way to approach a college asking for better aid? Is it better to call the office right off the bat, or email an inquiry first?</p>
<p>I'm no expert but we had some success getting a small scholarship that hadn't been offered in the many months since acceptancee by e mailing the FA office, the honors college and the engineering school.
The engineering school came through.</p>
<p>"negotiating" with the financial aid office is rather common...However, a few key things to remember while doing this:</p>
<p>1) Have parents call, don't do it yourself (they will likely be paying the bill and usually have more leverage when dealing with fin-aid)</p>
<p>2) Tell your parents never to use the terms "negotiate" or terms like it ("negotiating" is more or less just asking politely for more money in light of extenuating circumstances or, perhaps, a better offer...but when calling make sure nothing is said like "We have a better offer from X school, so match it or we will not attend..."...Dealing with the office in a polite way is the best way</p>
<p>3) Consult a financial aid book or site for more info. on "negotiating for a better deal"</p>
<p>good luck</p>