Is it a "faux pa" to ask for more money?

Applying to College
1

At this point, I’ve been accepted to three FL universities. They’ve all offered varying degrees of merit-based help ranging from $1,500 (~$6,000 tuition) to $34,000 (~$40,000 tuition). I know I won’t qualify for any need-based aid just on household AGI and because of this, I haven’t bothered to complete the FAFSA.

Academically, I’m not the greatest, but not the worst (4.45 W GPA/1370 SAT). I will have an AA from another FL university going in. My strongest area is definitely in my extracurriculars.

I’m still waiting on two schools, one is my first choice, one I have little interest in attending.

I’m strongly considering emailing at least one of the schools that accepted me and asking for more money. I’m concerned about being off-putting and burning future bridges (law school, etc). Do my fears have any merit? Am I just wasting my time?

Thanks a ton!

2

I would avoid doing that unless it is your first choice school. Don’t waste their time and yours. If they give you more money, that’s less for them to offer someone who is definitely planning on attending. Wait for your other decisions. They are used to requests for more money and will not be surprised.

3

Agree, unless it is for your top choice school I’d wait until you have all your offers in hand. It is fine to try for more money, especially if you have a better offer from a peer institution.