Negotiating a merit award??

jmmom
Sun, 25 Mar 2007 22:29:57 +0000

Hi, LISurfcaster, I think if you’ve got the time (ie, don’t need to get on the phone first thing tomorrow morning), others will show up here with direct experience.

But I know that at my son’s school, there was one top merit award that required a separate application and project, so I don’t think one could negotiate up to that level. However, there were two other substantial ones, offered based just on the regular application, where my S had the higher level, $22K. I know that some students/families who got the lesser asked to be considered for that one and were successful. So one option is to ask if he could be reconsidered for the 1/2 tuition award.

I also think you could certainly let BU know that it is his first choice but offered the least in merit $$ and that he will go there if the $$ are workable.

What others might be able to advise from experience is whether you should name an amount, quote the exact amounts from the other schools, or which school’s award might have the most influence.

Good luck.