Utilizing multiple acceptances for potential scholarships/increased aid?

[Drew28982898]

Hey! So I have 4 MD acceptances currently: UNC, ECU, GW, and OUWB (if any current students). UNC is my top choice right now. My MCAT wasn’t great with a 504, but my GPA was 3.9, and I had strong ECs + essays for what’s it’s worth for merit-based scholarships.

The only package I’ve received so far is GW which did offer a $20,000 per year need-based scholarship but this CoA is still is higher than my instate schools (UNC/ECU) at 250k/210k.

Does anyone have experience or advice from successfully negotiating or emailing financial aid/admissions/deans for scholarships or more aid? I don’t think I’m late to the process yet but would really like to gauge negotiating possibilities or any general advice. Thanks so much!

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[KnightDoc]

The only advice is to take your shot and see what happens. Public schools tend not to have a ton of money to throw around, and since their COA is already lower than what a private school determined you can afford after giving you a generous need-based award, you really don't have an argument to make with them. You could ask GW to match your COA at UNC or ECU, but don't be shocked if they wish you luck at one of your state schools after already giving you $20K/yr.

Your two public COAs are already very modestly priced compared to most schools in the country. You clearly had a great application to get 4 MD As with a 504, but, if these schools don't have a budget for merit scholarships, or won't give them to you with a 504, there is nothing to do but ask. Worst case, you are going to be a MD and will able to pay off your debt, with interest, just like the vast majority of med students.

Unfortunately, the success stories from the SDN superstars creates an unrealistic expectation that most people can do this. They can't.

The key to a successful negotiation is leverage. That's created by multiple schools competing for you based on price (multiple merit or need based scholarships that you could try to play off each other). It doesn't work with one expensive private school offering you a need-based discount that still puts its COA above your IS public options.

UNC doesn't need to throw money at you, since it's already less expensive than GW. You could try to get them to match ECU, but they already know they are better, and likely your preferred destination. They also knew what ECU's price was when they set theirs. They know $10K/yr is not going to drive a decision for anyone one way or the other, so you have no leverage. Doesn't mean you can't ask, but it does mean you are lacking the key ingredient to a successful negotiation. Good luck!!

 

[Drew28982898]

The only advice is to take your shot and see what happens. Public schools tend not to have a ton of money to throw around, and since their COA is already lower than what a private school determined you can afford after giving you a generous need-based award, you really don't have an argument to make with them. You could ask GW to match your COA at UNC or ECU, but don't be shocked if they wish you luck at one of your state schools after already giving you $20K/yr.

Your two public COAs are already very modestly priced compared to most schools in the country. You clearly had a great application to get 4 MD As with a 504, but, if these schools don't have a budget for merit scholarships, or won't give them to you with a 504, there is nothing to do but ask. Worst case, you are going to be a MD and will able to pay off your debt, with interest, just like the vast majority of med students.

Unfortunately, the success stories from the SDN superstars creates an unrealistic expectation that most people can do this. They can't.

The key to a successful negotiation is leverage. That's created by multiple schools competing for you based on price (multiple merit or need based scholarships that you could try to play off each other). It doesn't work with one expensive private school offering you a need-based discount that still puts its COA above your IS public options.

UNC doesn't need to throw money at you, since it's already less expensive than GW. You could try to get them to match ECU, but they already know they are better, and likely your preferred destination. They also knew what ECU's price was when they set theirs. They know $10K/yr is not going to drive a decision for anyone one way or the other, so you have no leverage. Doesn't mean you can't ask, but it does mean you are lacking the key ingredient to a successful negotiation. Good luck!!

Very fair and realistic points, definitely keeping that in mind. Expecting nothing, just hoping maybe something works out. Thanks a lot!

 

[GoSpursGo]

Locked since you've previously asked this question within the context of asking about which school to go to. You don't need a separate thread to ask about strategies: UNC vs ECU vs GW