<p>If I called up Dartmouth's financial aid office and told them I couldn't attend on what they gave me, would they reconsider the offer?</p>
<p>Can You?</p>
<p>If not, then you have less to loose. Otherwise, even if it next to impossible but you might go anyway, that is much to hostile.</p>
<p>If you are considering going even with the current financial aid, then don't give such a strong ultimation.</p>
<p>My advice, in EITHER case, would be to write a long letter explaining why it is too expensive and having your parent call a few days after the letter was recieved.</p>
<p>Nickleby is right. Write the school explaining your cirucumstances. In your packet of financial id stuff that comes with yoru admission, the school even says that you should feel free to ask for a financial review even if it means giving them an offer from another school (remember Darmouth does not give merit aid so they will not match your merit offer). They will get back to you in a few days with their response.</p>
<p>Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, I got a $6,200 offer from Whitman (not a competitor, I know). I wonder if I can use that to my advantage.</p>
<p>For Dartmouth's part (or Amherst, Swarthmore) $10,000 a year would probably seal the deal.</p>
<p>The advice above me is good. You've got to show that (1) there is some condition or fact that they ignored in analyzing your EFC or (2) that a competitor has given you a much lower EFC. Go back through your tax returns and look for any prolonged or impending expenses that will be incurred in the upcoming year. Look at the packages of other need-based schools. Then, very respectfully, and very nonchalantly (don't let them know you'll go to Dartmouth anyway, it weakens your hand, and don't give them an ultimatum), ask if they can take this into account. </p>
<p>Finally, do this immediately. As in, tomorrow if not sooner. Their financial aid becomes more loan-based the more you draw it out. Get it in ASAP. </p>
<p>That said, it is possible. I know people who have negotiated for several thousand dollars more.</p>
<p>
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I know people who have negotiated for several thousand dollars more.
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We were those people, as Williams gave a better aid package (lower EFC, loans).They will probably not negotiate on the student contribution, because they beleive that studets shoulb e active participants in their own education. S if you don't have a summer job- get one as the $2200 is not hard to earn.</p>
<p>Dartmouth raised the scholarship by approx, 4,000. WG is correct, as there is an allocated budget for aid. Yes, ask nicely, thank them for the offer, let them know that D is absolutely your first choice, explain your tale of woe, ask them for a financial review. (also have supporting documentation to send in with your revew) the information can be faxed to the FA office. Then call to follow up.</p>
<p>Do Not Use The Word Negotiate.</p>
<p>You want to "re-evaluate" your financial aid award.</p>
<p>The word negotiate is like a trigger to the fin aid people, because it suggests that you are trying to bilk them for more. Thier goal is to make Dartmouth AFFORDABLE...not cheap.</p>