Am I out of luck? (Withdrawing question)

[Salt Salt]

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I'm accepted at NYU and was hoping to have a shot at one of their full-ride scholarships. I'm also accepted to another, comparable school with a smaller scholarship.

I didn't get a scholarship at NYU the first time around. The FinAid office at NYU said that, after April 30th, they're expecting a lot of these scholarships to go "back on the market" as students who originally received them withdraw. However, by then, I will have had to withdraw from NYU, precisely because I can't choose it over my other school unless I get that scholarship.

Am I just out of luck in that respect? It's an unfortunate catch-22: I need to find out before April 30 or I am forced to withdraw, but have to wait for the withdrawal deadline to see if any scholarships free up.

 

[Willy38]

call NYU today or tomorrow and tell them your situation. If you will only attend upon receiving a full ride then say so and they will either say yes or no. It can't hurt.

 

[amad01]

i hate this process


i'm in a similar situation with 2 schools that I just have to withdraw from. It would be too much of a gamble to hope for any scholarship IMO.

 

[Salt Salt]

call NYU today or tomorrow and tell them your situation. If you will only attend upon receiving a full ride then say so and they will either say yes or no. It can't hurt.

Thanks. I should have made something more clear in my original post, though, which is that I originally emailed them explaining the situation with the other scholarship and requesting the possibility of a scholarship at NYU. They basically told me to wait until financial aid info went out first to see if I got one in the first place, and when I followed up after they had been extended (and I hadn't got one), they said they had nothing to offer until the scholarships were "freed up" after April 30th. Which, obviously, makes no sense on their part---"Wait to see if you get one anyways first, then we can talk!" then "Oh, it's too late, sorry..." (If this is their way of saying "No," I wish they would just say... well, "No.")

 

[Mad Jack]

i hate this process

We should replace it with some sort of Match...

 

[amad01]

We should replace it with some sort of Match...

Or just have some financial aid traffic rules.

 

[Salt Salt]

It would be too much of a gamble to hope for any scholarship IMO.

This exactly.

It's weird to think that someone currently on the waitlist has a better shot at getting a scholarship at NYU then me, who's already been accepted 😵

 

[Mad Jack]

Or just have some financial aid traffic rules.

Too much potential for unintended consequences, such as hardballing acceptees with aid offers, etc. I could think of a lot of ways to abuse financial aid traffic rules as an administrator, depending on the way they are crafted, and virtually no way to abuse them as a student.

 

[amad01]

it puts students and schools at a stand still... schools are like, okay where you gonna choose you gotta choose one! and applicants are like, okay how much are you gonna charge I gotta choose one! Enforcing some financial aid traffic rules where students know up front the $ situation would solve a lot of the problem. I haven't even received packages from 2 schools that I was accepted to in OCTOBER.

I called and said dude are you gonna send me a package or what? They said give it a couple weeks,
I replied, "I will be withdrawn by then."

 

[estanton]

To play devil's advocate maybe someone is having the same dilemma and is waiting on your scholarship to the comparable school to "free up."

It sucks though. I don't have my financial aid either but thankfully got into so few schools it didn't matter...

 

[Willy38]

This exactly.

It's weird to think that someone currently on the waitlist has a better shot at getting a scholarship at NYU then me, who's already been accepted 😵

I find it hard to believe that these scholarships have not already been freed up, if indeed they ever will be. I think just being open with the school and telling them that if you get the full COA you will be attending and if not you will be withdrawing is completely reasonable. Even if the process seems a little opaque, it can't hurt to be as transparent as possible as an applicant.

Just level with them once more (call again) and then let the chips fall where they may.

 

[HinduHammer]

Dang, I guess I was lucky to get timely fin aid packages from both schools I was accepted to well before the deadline....

 

[Salt Salt]

I find it hard to believe that these scholarships have not already been freed up, if indeed they ever will be. I think just being open with the school and telling them that if you get the full COA you will be attending and if not you will be withdrawing is completely reasonable. Even if the process seems a little opaque, it can't hurt to be as transparent as possible as an applicant.

Just level with them once more (call again) and then let the chips fall where they may.

I thinks that's what I'll do. The worst that can happen is that they get annoyed and I don't get a scholarship still 😀

Thanks for the advice / encouragement!

 

[Willy38]

I'm right there with ya. Still have to decide myself and have just followed the advice I gave you lol At least when its all said and done you can rest easy knowing you were open about it and made your concerns known. Best of luck in getting the scholly ! But if not, you will still be fine and on your way to becoming a great physician. (Somehow I think a year from now we will laugh about how difficult these decisions are. In the end we still get to study medicine and will likely be very happy/stressed/excited wherever we go! )

 

[TaroBubbleTea]

Withdraw from NYU and just go to the other school. Unfortunately, schools have all the power in this process. If you don't mind me asking, what is the difference in loans after 4 years if you don't receive any aid from NYU?

 

[gettheleadout]

Withdraw from NYU and just go to the other school.

What harm is there is following @Willy38's suggestion to just ask NYU outright?

 

[tenniseagle92]

I thinks that's what I'll do. The worst that can happen is that they get annoyed and I don't get a scholarship still 😀

Thanks for the advice / encouragement!

I know someone who is turning down a full COA scholarship to NYU today or tomorrow. Keep faith!

 

[WingedOx]

I know someone who is turning down a full COA scholarship to NYU today or tomorrow. Keep faith!

Jesus... why would they do that? (unless they had another)

 

[tenniseagle92]

Jesus... why would they do that? (unless they had another)

Less than 40k total debt at a top 5 school that she preferred.

 

[pink/\floyd]

A bird in hand is worth 2 in the bush! No harm in asking, but I wouldn't count on NYU to give you a scholarship later. I would go with the school that is giving me a better deal right now. Unless, I liked NYU wayyyyy more than the other school.

 

[puglet]

In this case, I definitely think a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Unless love NYU enough that you would be willing to pay full tuition if necessary.

I do agree with other posters that you should level with NYU and try to figure out whether they can tell you more about your realistic chances of receiving the scholarship. There's no harm in that and the worst that can happen is that they firmly reiterate that they have no idea.

This exactly.

It's weird to think that someone currently on the waitlist has a better shot at getting a scholarship at NYU then me, who's already been accepted 😵

I find it hard to believe that many of these scholarships will open up. I doubt anyone currently on the waitlist is high enough priority to have a better chance of receiving one than someone who has already been accepted. Unless, of course, almost everyone who is already accepted and would have been in line to receive the scholarship declines their acceptance. Just my musings.

 

[sazerac]

When a medical school acceptance is worth millions in future income, it is almost like the multiple-acceptees are trying to nickel and dime the schools over fixed-cost tuition.

At least when the OP declines the acceptance to NYU, a full scholarship will go to some student who actually wants to be there. Everybody wins.

 

[gettheleadout]

When a medical school acceptance is worth millions in future income, it is almost like the multiple-acceptees are trying to nickel and dime the schools over fixed-cost tuition.

At least when the OP declines the acceptance to NYU, a full scholarship will go to some student who actually wants to be there. Everybody wins.

I find this to be an incredibly judgmental assessment of the OP's sentiments.

 

[puglet]

When a medical school acceptance is worth millions in future income, it is almost like the multiple-acceptees are trying to nickel and dime the schools over fixed-cost tuition.

At least when the OP declines the acceptance to NYU, a full scholarship will go to some student who actually wants to be there. Everybody wins.

It's prudent to take cost into consideration when choosing a medical school. This is especially true if the schools are extremely similar in what they are offering the student.

What do you think the best method of choosing a medical school is? Your post seems to indicate that you think gut feeling should monopolize the decision-making process.

 

[amad01]

When a medical school acceptance is worth millions in future income, it is almost like the multiple-acceptees are trying to nickel and dime the schools over fixed-cost tuition.

At least when the OP declines the acceptance to NYU, a full scholarship will go to some student who actually wants to be there. Everybody wins.

can't tell if serious or not....

But since when is 79k/yr COA nickels and dimes? At 7% interest that's $371k at graduation, $460k at the end of residency, demanding a $5341/month payment for 10 years! On 120k post-tax income giving up every other check won't even be enough to pay your student loan bill. Perhaps the six hundred and forty one thousand dollars in repayment is what is holding OP back rather than he/she doesn't "actually want to be there."

 

[Salt Salt]

I find it hard to believe that many of these scholarships will open up. I doubt anyone currently on the waitlist is high enough priority to have a better chance of receiving one than someone who has already been accepted. Unless, of course, almost everyone who is already accepted and would have been in line to receive the scholarship declines their acceptance. Just my musings.

Haha yes, I understand. I only meant that my chances of matriculating unless I get that scholarship are literally zero (I just can't afford it), but someone on the waitlist's chances are 0.01%, still technically non-zero.

 

[Salt Salt]

When a medical school acceptance is worth millions in future income, it is almost like the multiple-acceptees are trying to nickel and dime the schools over fixed-cost tuition.

At least when the OP declines the acceptance to NYU, a full scholarship will go to some student who actually wants to be there. Everybody wins.

I would LOVE to go to NYU, but I won't be able to pass up the other school unless NYU can give me a scholarship. My family is not fabulously wealthy. (This is also why 79k/yr for 4 years plus interest is not "nickels and dimes" to me.)

 

[TaroBubbleTea]

What harm is there is following @Willy38's suggestion to just ask NYU outright?

Definitely worth a shot to call up NYU and explain your situation, but I doubt the school would be willing to budge. I don't see any incentive on their part to distribute all of their scholarship funds when there are probably students lining up to pay full COA.

When a medical school acceptance is worth millions in future income, it is almost like the multiple-acceptees are trying to nickel and dime the schools over fixed-cost tuition.

lolwut?

When medical school debt is only getting worse and worse every year, this type of thinking is extremely short-sighted. I think applicants with multiple acceptances should do everything in their power to bargain for more scholarship funds/better financial aid.

 

[DokterMom]

If your situation is that black & white: "NYU is my dream, but without a full/nearly-full scholarship, I will have to decline" then by all means say so, and in those terms. You've really got nothing to lose (except perhaps annoying the other school you've been accepted to by holding two acceptances past April 30)

I imagine NYU won't actually make a decision until April 30 or even shortly after, when they've had a chance to re-assess their yield and scholarship funds status, and having your clear statement of "If this, then that" may help. If NYU is over-full on the 30th, then you're probably out of luck -- withholding financial aid is an easy way to trim the class. But if they've got some open spots that would otherwise go to the wait list, and still have some scholarship funds available, then who knows? Good Luck --

 

[Salt Salt]

This is a dumb question, but what are the consequences of not having picked a school by the 30th? If I wait a few extra days, am I risking having my acceptance rescinded at the other school?

 

[Ace Khalifa]

This is a dumb question, but what are the consequences of not having picked a school by the 30th? If I wait a few extra days, am I risking having my acceptance rescinded at the other school?

Yes. @gonnif has explicitly stated so.

 

[Salt Salt]

Just to reiterate, while this is a very remote possibility, most schools have stated policies allowing them to rescind any offer of acceptance after April 30th if the acceptee is holding another by that date.

In this case the poster should call/email NYU this very minute and explain what he is seeking. The worst that can happen is they say we dont know and leaves him/her is same boat. With luck, they might have some good news. But not taking action is not an option.

Thanks!

I know this is ridiculous, but given that a poster above said they know someone with COA scholarship who is withdrawing today, I was thinking of calling later this afternoon or tomorrow, because one of the coveted scholarships will be back on the market by then. Is this a bad idea? Should I call now?

 

[Glandzburg]

When a medical school acceptance is worth millions in future income, it is almost like the multiple-acceptees are trying to nickel and dime the schools over fixed-cost tuition.

At least when the OP declines the acceptance to NYU, a full scholarship will go to some student who actually wants to be there. Everybody wins.

Aaaahhhh are you serious? Tens of thousands of dollars is still tens of thousands of dollars, which then turns into hundreds of thousands of dollars with interest. Can you really blame people for trying to make a financially sound choice?

And Op never mentioned "not actually wanting to be there" so I'm not sure where you are getting that from. If an applicant likes two schools almost equally, why is it bad for money to be the deciding factor?

 

[DokterMom]

This is a dumb question, but what are the consequences of not having picked a school by the 30th? If I wait a few extra days, am I risking having my acceptance rescinded at the other school?

Technically, there is some risk, but your reasons for holding two acceptances are legitimate and reasonable. Do contact NYU, explain the situation clearly, ask when you can expect a "final" answer (that reflects the 4/30 changes) so you can do the responsible thing and release your acceptance to one school and hope.

 

[Salt Salt]

Technically, there is some risk, but your reasons for holding two acceptances are legitimate and reasonable. Do contact NYU, explain the situation clearly, ask when you can expect a "final" answer (that reflects the 4/30 changes) so you can do the responsible thing and release your acceptance to one school and hope.

The catch is that I will have to withdraw unless I'm actually offered a scholarship on/before April 30th. I can't risk losing the other scholarship because I "hope" to get one at NYU :/

 

[samsunimomo]

The catch is that I will have to withdraw unless I'm actually offered a scholarship on/before April 30th. I can't risk losing the other scholarship because I "hope" to get one at NYU :/

Why not just let both of the schools know what you are waiting for and get some more time out of deciding? Honesty is the best policy, and the worst that the schools can say is no.

 

[Salt Salt]

Why not just let both of the schools know what you are waiting for?

You mean get permission to wait until April 30 to withdraw? Will my other school be okay with that?

 

[samsunimomo]

You mean get permission to wait until April 30 to withdraw? Will my other school be okay with that?

No idea, that's why you have to ask. Just ask both schools that you need more time to consider the financial implications of your decision (which is important) and and see whether they will be able to give you some more time after April 30th to make your final decision. Again, the worst they can say is no, and if they do say yes, make sure to get this in writing/email so that you won't be penalized.

 

[Ace Khalifa]

You mean get permission to wait until April 30 to withdraw? Will my other school be okay with that?

You'll never know if you don't ask. Contact both schools NOW. Explain your situation clearly. Good luck!

 

[Salt Salt]

No idea, that's why you have to ask. Just ask both schools that you need more time to consider the financial implications of your decision (which is important) and and see whether they will be able to give you some more time after April 30th to make your final decision. Again, the worst they can say is no, and if they do say yes, make sure to get this in writing/email so that you won't be penalized.

But what if the other school rescinds my acceptance or scholarship as a consequence?

 

[samsunimomo]

But what if the other school rescinds my acceptance or scholarship as a consequence?

They won't do this to you for asking a simple question. For many applicants, this is a tough decision, and remember that they liked you enough to give you a scholarship to begin with. Again, it comes down to the fact that you don't know the range of your decision may be unless you ask for them.

#1 Worst-case scenario: You won't get an extension for either school and you'll just have to rely on gut feeling
#2 Not-very-good scenario A: You won't get an extension for one school and you'll just have to rely on gut feeling
#3 Not-very-good scenario B: You get the extension for both schools but still don't get the Vilcek Scholarship
#4 Best-case scenario: You get the extension from both schools and you get the Vilcek Scholarship

Without asking, options #2-#4 are closed to you. Just ASK the two schools whether they could give you more time to consider your decisions and, if so, make sure that they note on your file that special permission has been granted for you to hold two acceptances until the date agreed upon.

 

[Ace Khalifa]

@Salt Salt, get off SDN right now and call both schools right now. @samsunimomo hit the mark with his comment.

 

[DokterMom]

Be crystal clear and explicit with NYU that you strongly prefer them but can't accept without significant financial aid, but that the April 30th deadline is looming --

For the other school, tell them that you really, really, really like them, but are still waiting for financial aid information from the other school where you hold an acceptance, and because the cost difference is so great, you can't make your final decision until you hear back from that other school -- which they have told you will be by ____.

 

[Vain Brother]

When a medical school acceptance is worth millions in future income, it is almost like the multiple-acceptees are trying to nickel and dime the schools over fixed-cost tuition.

At least when the OP declines the acceptance to NYU, a full scholarship will go to some student who actually wants to be there. Everybody wins.

this is pretty ridiculous. it's free money that's going to someone. why not ask for it?

 

[LJN Ltd.]

How have you still not called

Why did you bother with a thread if you don't do what everyone is saying

 

[TaroBubbleTea]

this is pretty ridiculous. it's free money that's going to someone. why not ask for it?

There's no guarantee that they will award a scholarship to someone else. I mean, why would they. There are probably dozens of equally qualified applicants who wouldn't give a second thought about paying the full COA to attend NYU. From the school's point of view, disbursing one less full-ride scholarship is another 320k in their pocket. Medical schools are not charities.

OP, it is definitely worth a shot to call the schools, but remember to expect the worst and hope for the best. On the other hand, if you DON'T do anything now, you will probably regret it forever.

 

[Salt Salt]

@LJN Ltd. Relax friend! I called them already. 🙂

@TaroBubbleTea As I understand it, the Vilcek scholarships are all given out, every year. This isn't true of some scholarships (the 75% tuition at Vanderbilt comes to mind) but I assume that Vilcek's donations came with the expectation that X amount were given out to help aspiring medical students each year.

 

[LJN Ltd.]

@LJN Ltd. Relax friend! I called them already. 🙂

Whew ok good. Sometimes threads like this make me more nervous than OP him/herself...and it's like WHAT EXACTLY ARE YOU WAITING FOR MAKE A DECISION DAMN IT OMG

 

[ridethecliche]

When a medical school acceptance is worth millions in future income, it is almost like the multiple-acceptees are trying to nickel and dime the schools over fixed-cost tuition.

At least when the OP declines the acceptance to NYU, a full scholarship will go to some student who actually wants to be there. Everybody wins.

@LJN Ltd. Relax friend! I called them already. 🙂

And...?

 

[Salt Salt]

And...?

They said no extensions for the withdrawal deadline but that it's possible offers for scholarships will be made tomorrow. At this point, I would say I'm "out of luck" after all, but I'll wait until the last minute just in case 😉