Should I ask for more aid?

<p>Hi everyone,</p>

<p>I've been accepted at the Boston Conservatory for VP and it's been my first choice for a while. Although, I was elated about the decision, I didn't receive very much aid. Other schools I applied to and was accepted into were much more generous. My parents said I could attend which ever school I wanted to, but I feel so guilty picking the school that gave me the least amount of funds...</p>

<p>Would it be proper to call them and explain that they are my first choice and campaign for more aid? I got an e-mail from them saying that if BoCo was my dream, "they'd help it come true", or something like that. So in short, would it be wroth rallying for? Or no?</p>

<p>Any advice is much appreciated! :-D</p>

<p>We are in this process now…we contacted the head of the vocal department at a school who told us that we should appeal the decision and told us who to contact…Told us to state that it was our top choice school…and to let them know what offers we had received from other schools…names of those schools and what our out of pocket expenses would be at each…At that point it is up to them to decide if they want you bad enough to make it worth you while to attend…If they decide not to offer you more and you still want to go…you still have the original offer.</p>

<p>Good Luck!</p>

<p>I am employed in academia at the university level – not in music. It has become very common for students and their families to do exactly what you are asking about. Indeed, I’d say that it’s the norm. You will not hurt anyone’s feelings, step on anyone’s toes, ruin your chances at the school, etc., etc. Give BoCO the information. Tell them that they are your first choice. Wait for the response. Worst case – if they say no, you’re not in any different a position than you are now. Good luck!</p>

<p>Did you get your full package yet? My D was notified about her merit money but hasn’t seen the rest of it.</p>

<p>I would say definately, yes. Although new to all of this our older son just got a university grant from the school of his choice. the admissions person I spoke to made it clear that they would like to make it work and if we had offers from other schools we should let them know because they “would see what they could do.” So, go for it and good luck!</p>

<p>Not Boston Conservatory, but…</p>

<p>Son sent a letter to Professor basically saying: “Thanks for taking an interest in me. Would love to go to your school. Cost to high. Just wanted to let you know in case I decline to attend.” Didn’t outright ask for more $'s, but why else would we be writing.</p>

<p>Got back a reply:</p>

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<p>Kind of makes you wonder who is deciding FA merit packages. Saga continues …</p>

<p>If you really can’t afford it, ask for more $, just be polite about it. Send them a list of all the other offers you got and let them know you are REALLY interested in the school. If it’s your first choice let them know! I’m pretty sure there are a couple articles on CC about it. College can be EXPENSIVE (with all caps) and if you were accepted into the music school obviously thinks you have some talent/potential. Like someone said, the worst they can do is say “no.”</p>