<p>At this point, I have heard back from all of the schools to which I have applied. Peabody is definitely my top choice, but a few of the other schools I have been accepted to have offered a lot more money than Peabody has. Does anyone have any experience trying to "bargain" with Peabody for more scholarship money? The other schools I have received offers from are comparable to Peabody, so there's not a huge discrepancy between the overall level of playing at each school. Any advice would be appreciated!</p>
<p>I tried this a few years ago, with offers from comparable or more competitive schools. They had a specific appeals process, and my daughter had support from both the teacher and the department, but the appeal was denied. Maybe you will have better luck-- since they do have an organized process, I assume they sometimes grant appeals.</p>
<p>We also went through Peabody’s appeals process and got no change in the award offered. Hopefully you will have better luck!</p>
<p>We went through the appeals process and were successfully able to get additional funds. So it is possible… within reason.</p>
<p>While I can’t speak from personal experience just yet, I know someone who was able to get their financial aid reevaluated. That being said, the extra money was entirely in loans and this occurred in the early 90’s.</p>
<p>I’m going through the appeal process right now; I should hear back in the next day or two. I’ll post to let you know what happens. I’ve included other offers and a case for the appeal. In addition to this, my assigned studio teacher has written a letter to the financial aid office in support of the appeal.</p>
<p>To be honest, I’m not all that hopeful after reading the above posts. The income of my family is half that of Peabody’s cost of attendance; if they were going to offer aid I would think they’d have done it with my acceptance. As for scholarships, I’ve been told that (due to their limited funding) they provide merit scholarships first and foremost to students that will create a balanced ensemble within the conservatory. Pianists, composers, violinists, and other common majors are less likely to get funds than a bassoon player.</p>
<p>Is that true that some schools provide merit scholarships to students based on what they need to balance ensembles. I’ve heard this before but was skeptical. Now admitted on basis of harder to find good players instrument I believe , but funding as well?</p>
<p>Sorry to hear about the limited about of funding at Peabody. I do know a bassoonist who was admitted about 6 years ago there, but received no funding. My daughter has been offered a considerable amount of scholarship, and she’s a sax player–no orchestral playing there. And saxophonists are a dime a dozen now–the instrument is now even more popular than flute. She also is an oboe player, but didn’t audition on that.</p>
<p>Just thought I’d post an update- my appeal was approved, and they granted me more aid! I was lucky to have the teacher fighting for me, which probably made a huge difference.</p>
<p>Congratulations, ekviola.</p>
<p>Like I said - it is possible. Congrats! Does that mean your student will attend?</p>
<p>Yes, this extra scholarship will mean that I can attend in the fall!</p>
<p>Congratulations on it all working out! One of my studio-mates will also be attending next year - I suppose everyone’s in Victoria Chiang’s studio.</p>