Asking for larger merit package

calmom
Sun, 15 Jan 2017 00:15:29 +0000

If it is merit, it is the admissions office, not FA.

It depends on the school. Years ago, my daughter’s offer of a merit award from one school arrived from the university’s “President of Enrollment Management” – I gave them credit for their transparency in stating their agenda. The award was not sufficient but the school was a backup so we never followed up after my DD was admitted to her top choices schools.

@novicemom23kids – the fact that your daughter thought she was such a close fit with the school might be why she was given a lowball offer. She may be perceived as the type who will enroll anyway without much incentive and/or the school could be prioritizing its aid dollars to diversify by attracting different types of students. From the schools point of view your daughter fits within a category – one that may be certainly filled by other students if she decides not to enroll.

In other words, when kids seek a good fit, they want a school that offers what they want and seems to have a lot of students who are like them. But colleges are asking a very different question – “what does this student bring to us that the others don’t?”. So the big money offers may very well go to students who seem like poor fits – the whole point is that the college is spending money to entice a student who otherwise is unlikely to attend.

Visiting again right now might send the wrong message as far as money goes – it is telling the school that despite the low offer, you are still interested. I say “you” because you are the source of the funds - so when you “all” (dad, mom, daughter) go back for a visit, it’s a pretty strong indication that your daughter’s desire to attend might outweigh financial concerns. If in fact you have the ability and willingness to pay regardless - that’s fine – but if you really want a more generous award, you have to send the message loud and clear that your daughter has other options and will not be attending unless the school can match (or come close) to whatever is the best offer you have from a peer level institution. (You are allowed to bluff and give in anyway – but you at least need to play the part of being ready to walk away).

Wait until spring and get all offers in hand. In the meantime, if the GC is willing to make the call suggested by @sybbie719 suggested, have her do that. The GC will be able to make a pitch for your daughter and also may get some more insight into what has gone into the decision as to the current offer.