<p>The article argues that we can’t negotiate, but people do negotiate regularly. The “problem” is that for most, the school is the one in the position to make the offer, and often the student doesn’t really have much to offer in return. Those that do often start the negotiations long before they get their aid letter. If you’ve known any athletes being courted by Div I teams, you’ve may be familiar with that process.</p>
<p>If your furnace breaks down in the summer, you have time to shop around, and find a replacement you like, at a price you like. If it breaks down in the middle of a winter storm, and it’s below zero outside, you don’t have much negotiating power - you’ll accept whatever price your oil company offers, as long as you can afford it, or risk your pipes freezing, and having additional costs.</p>
<p>Negotiation can work both ways - you want a big screen TV the week before the Super Bowl, and only one place can get it set up in time - and they only have one TV. You’re not in a position to bargain if the guy standing behind you is ready to offer more than the sticker price. </p>
<p>When you apply to colleges, if you are an average student across the board, you’re not in much of a position to negotiate. If you have a hook, and have something specific to offer, that they can’t get from another average student, you are in a better position. If you are a student they heavily recruited, they have already spent money and effort to get you to their school - you can ask, and they may offer more. Clark University is a prime example, and I’ve seen similar statements from other colleges.</p>