<p>We got financial aid package from school #1. We are still waiting on school #2. School #2 is son's first choice school and seems to even have a better computer science department. School #1 is closer to home, therefore, I like it better.</p>
<p>The package from school #1 is fine. And, when I spoke to the office to discuss option because we will not be OK with DS taking out tons of student loans (we said max $5000), that office seemed very good about suggesting that we appeal. I had explained that we have a child with special needs who has a lot of expenses. The person I spoke to seemed very kind and told me that the director of the financial aid office also has a child with the same special needs (aspergers) and would be happy to try to work on our package to see what other grants we could find and such. Great. But when I called school #2, they seemed offended when I asked about grants and such, they seemed offended. </p>
<p>The package from school #1 (again, my first choice, but DS's second choice, but he still likes it) seems very workable. It really is within a few thousand of where we need to be. We do not have the package from school #2. If the packages end up the same, would you try again to discuss with the school finding more money? Or would you just work with school #1 because they already seem more workable?</p>
<p>I would wait for the second package and see what you get before making any decisions. If they are similar or you need a bit more then work with School #2 (and you have school #1 package to use as a gentle bargaining chip).</p>
<p>Even peer institutions have differing policies. DD applied to U of San Diego, and Santa Clara University. These are definitely peer institutions, often students apply to both. Very similar demographics. USD would not even discuss their financial aid award. SCU would.</p>
<p>Some schools are unable to bargain - they have set awarding policies, limited aid, etc. The schools where I have worked are not able to adjust awards unless there is a clear special circumstance (and even then, it might not make any difference in aid). On the other hand, my own D was able to get a bit more scholarship by asking a school. It just all depends.</p>
<p>Wait till all of of the offers are on the table, and also find out who these contact people are. Sometimes you are talking to a cranky minion who has nothing to do with any decisions and can be gone by next year. Or a super nice helpful such employee while the head poohbah that has the authority can make Ebenezer Scrooge wince. Also , knowing the school policies is important as Kelsmom says, since you can’t squeeze water out of a stone.</p>