Asking a school for $$

[DellGirl]

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I have been offered a scholarship at one of the schools where I've been accepted. Does anyone have any experience with or advice on asking for additional funds? Is it ok to ask and what's the best way to go about it? Do I just be upfront about how it would really seal the deal for my decision? I'm not trying to be greedy but we can use all the help we can get 😀

Thanks!

 

[nicmc]

I have been offered a scholarship at one of the schools where I've been accepted. Does anyone have any experience with or advice on asking for additional funds? Is it ok to ask and what's the best way to go about it? Do I just be upfront about how it would really seal the deal for my decision? I'm not trying to be greedy but we can use all the help we can get 😀

Thanks!

This is just my opinion, but I think it would be seriously tactless. Optometry schools only have so many funds to give, and they offered you the amount they did for a reason. Very few people can afford to pay for school out of pocket, and I would say the vast majority take out hefty student loans. I do not think that any school would take it well. A lot of schools have additional scholarships they give out closer to enrollment, and a lot of schools have other scholarships you can apply for by writing an essay, etc. Optometry school is definitely difficult to pay for, but I would say look into scholarships you can apply for rather than asking for a handout or special treatment. It is highly presumptuous to ask for more money.

 

[thecgrblue]

I have been offered a scholarship at one of the schools where I've been accepted. Does anyone have any experience with or advice on asking for additional funds? Is it ok to ask and what's the best way to go about it? Do I just be upfront about how it would really seal the deal for my decision? I'm not trying to be greedy but we can use all the help we can get 😀

Thanks!

I'd tell you take it or leave it.

 

[mintyjulep]

I have been offered a scholarship at one of the schools where I've been accepted. Does anyone have any experience with or advice on asking for additional funds? Is it ok to ask and what's the best way to go about it? Do I just be upfront about how it would really seal the deal for my decision? I'm not trying to be greedy but we can use all the help we can get 😀

Thanks!

Sorry, that just comes off as really tacky and lacking in appreciation for the money they've already offered you. You're lucky enough to have that offer of a scholarship in the first place.

 

[shannon804]

I have been offered a scholarship at one of the schools where I've been accepted. Does anyone have any experience with or advice on asking for additional funds? Is it ok to ask and what's the best way to go about it? Do I just be upfront about how it would really seal the deal for my decision? I'm not trying to be greedy but we can use all the help we can get 😀

Thanks!

I respectfully disagree with the posters below. If you ask in a logical, respectful manner, I see no reason why financial aid personnel (not "the school") would be offended. You can't know if you don't ask. College admissions officers encourage students to bargain with schools, and I don't see why graduate school should be any different. I would approach it by having a meeting (in person is preferable, but phone will do) with a financial aid rep and saying that you really want to attend, but the cost is unsettling. Ask if there is any way they can offer you more assistance, and ASK THAT YOUR FILE BE REVIEWED AGAIN. Offer to provide additional documentation. I know that different officers can lead to different aid packages, so if you can find someone in particular who is great (ask current students; they will often know) and personally ask that officer to take a look at your file, do it. You honestly have nothing to lose.

 

[KHE]

I respectfully disagree with the posters below. If you ask in a logical, respectful manner, I see no reason why financial aid personnel (not "the school") would be offended. You can't know if you don't ask. College admissions officers encourage students to bargain with schools, and I don't see why graduate school should be any different. I would approach it by having a meeting (in person is preferable, but phone will do) with a financial aid rep and saying that you really want to attend, but the cost is unsettling. Ask if there is any way they can offer you more assistance, and ASK THAT YOUR FILE BE REVIEWED AGAIN. Offer to provide additional documentation. I know that different officers can lead to different aid packages, so if you can find someone in particular who is great (ask current students; they will often know) and personally ask that officer to take a look at your file, do it. You honestly have nothing to lose.

I too see no reason why you can't ask for more. Of course, you have to be prepared for them to say NO but if you don't ask, the answer is DEFINATELY NO so you might as well ask.

 

[Hoffy]

So for students that get nothing - can they ask for additional funds too 🙂 haha!
I think it entirely depends upon what basis you were granted a scholarship and why the school is pursuing you as a candidate. Good luck - can't get anywhere without asking and if you are respectful and have the balls to ask for it then more power to you. What school are you attending?

 

[DellGirl]

Thanks. SCO.

 

[nicmc]

Thanks. SCO.

If they are seriously pursuing you, then you could allude to having additional funds to seal the deal. However, SCO likes to "share the wealth" (if you remember that from interview day-direct quote). They don't like to give a lot of funds to just a few people, they like to give some assistance to as many people in the class as they can. Also, if you hold a contracted state seat, I would say the chances are pretty slim. They don't like to give more funds to someone with a lower tuition rate already, or that they have already given scholarship money to. Also, you will already paying one of the lowest tuition rates in the country if there is not a public optometry school in your home state. I applied there this cycle and have first hand experience with the scholarship scene. And personally, if they are not seriously pursuing you, I still feel it is incredibly tacky to ask for more funds when you are already going to a school with one of the lowest tuition rates.

 

[cjensen20]

ask for as much as you can....its money that wont come at you with interest if you get it..👍

 

[arahnisarahn]

ask for as much as you can....its money that wont come at you with interest if you get it..👍

cjensen20 is on FIRE!!!!!!