<p>I went into the college process fairly certain that I would receive basically no money from colleges. I am middle class and while my parents could definitely use some help paying for college (I have a sibling currently enrolled in college too) we are not within the spectrum for aid. But, I just received a $40,000 scholarship from one of my safety schools. Obviously I was shocked and thrilled but I really do not think this school is the right fit for me (based on location, my intended major is not offered, current students' comments, etc). I have heard of people using money awards as... for lack of a better term... bargaining chips. But, I have no idea what this would even look like or if it is even worth attempting.</p>
<p>My dream schools, and current likely choices, are very costly so any financial assistance would be amazing. And my sibling is currently attending a state school because she did not want to be a financial burden - so I am exploring payment options like crazy.</p>
<p>Any knowledge on how to use this scholarship to try and see if any other school will assist me would be greatly appreciated. At the moment I just feel tormented by this amazing scholarship from a school that I just don't think I would be happy at.</p>
<p>Congrats on that great scholarship. From everything I read, schools do not like to be bargained with. Also, if there is any leverage to be had, it’s between peer schools. Williams College, for example, will not be inclined to match an offer from Podunk U. Would they be more open to considering that a very desireable student got an excellent offer from Brown? Maybe.</p>
<p>Also, the way you approach it is, “I’d really love to attend this college, but the finances will make it impossible for my family. [Other Peer School] awarded me a very strong aid package, but I don’t really want to go there. Would it be possible for you to take another look at my aid award and see it there are any other funds I might be eligible for?”</p>
<p>Since you say that the scholarship offer came from a “safety” school, I’m disinclined to think that your “better fit” schools will care… unless you want to “bargain” (don’t ever use that word, or “negotiate,” to colleges) with another of your safeties.</p>
<p>Great scholarship but I would have strongly suggested not to apply to a school that you do not like nor offer interest in your studies. Well it seems like you have other schools you can possibly attend since currently you do not like your most affordable school which I’m not surprise since it doesn’t even offer your area of studies.</p>
<p>I often suggest the great scholarship, but not in your case. If your intended program of study is not offered, it’s not a good option for you. It’s like buying a case of tomato soup because it’s on a great sale … but you hate tomato soup, so you’ll never eat it. Not a savings, is it?!</p>
<p>I would really try to keep an open mind and try not to live an die by an intended major because the vast majority of students change their major. Is the 40k a year or 10k a year over 4 years?</p>
<p>Also…is this possible…go to the cheaper school for 2 years (taking advantage of the savings) and then transferring for your major later? If so, then very carefully select your first 2 years’ classes to make sure the better school will accept the credits.</p>
<p>Also, after 2 years, you may decide that your intended major isn’t “the one”. </p>
<p>I think that if you do attempt to bargain with a school,it would have a better chance of succeeding if that school was in the same athletic conference as your generous school. Why do I say this even if there is no athletics involved? The schools in the same conference do have a bit of a friendly competition among them,and seem to be of a similar culture.
If athletics are involved,and your sport happens to be last year’s conference title holder or even conference runner up… Shop yourself at the other top conference school. If both coaches know that you are undecided between the schools,they will take a walk down the hall to financial aid and do what they can for you. This can work to your advantage even if the schools are DIII with no athletic scholarship involved. When you are in the financial aid interview,just mention that your other top pick is more affordable, and you wish that money did not have to be a consideration when making a selection, but in these economic times…
You certainly have to be careful and not act as if you are entitled to anything. Financial aid people see way too much complaining on a daily basis and you certainly do not need to leave a bad attitude with them.</p>