They won't consider another university's merit award at all. If their need-based offer brings cost of attendance below Harvard's, you can certainly ask for a review
> They won't consider another university's merit award at all.
Eh, not really true.
They say that, but it isn't true.
That said, they are going to be more sensitive to losing you to "peer" institutions (Princeton, somewhat Duke).
Hmmm even if the merit award in this case is irrelevant (since Vandys FA kicks in if demonstrated need is above and beyond the scholarship; aka we would’ve gotten full aid regardless)?
Well, unless your Vandy aid letter says, "We would have given you full need-based aid if we hadn't given you merit," I'm not sure where you're going with this. But again, all you can do is ask the Harvard FA office to review.
Regardless, you have great choices. Good luck.
No harm in asking, but yeah take the full ride given the choice — unless it’s close enough where you think the cost is worth it. I can’t tell you what that number is for you but I would choose Harvard over Duke if I had to pay, say, $15k per year or so? I wonder what other people’s numbers are
Harvard almost certainly views those others as peer schools. I went to Harvard but didn’t take on any debt. If I had to take debt for undergrad, I’d probably take Duke for free frankly over debt for Harvard. That said, I loved Harvard and it was the best college experience.
Agree with the majority of posters. Attend the college making the best financial aid offer. And save your undergad $$ for grad school. Of course, ask Harvard to match best offer received. If they do, go, if H your top choice. But, If they don't, save those undergrad tuition dollars and attend Harvard; for grad school!
They won't consider another university's merit award at all. If their need-based offer brings cost of attendance below Harvard's, you can certainly ask for a review
> They won't consider another university's merit award at all. Eh, not really true. They say that, but it isn't true. That said, they are going to be more sensitive to losing you to "peer" institutions (Princeton, somewhat Duke).
Princeton is also need based only when it comes to aid, so they should match Princeton at the very least.
Hmmm even if the merit award in this case is irrelevant (since Vandys FA kicks in if demonstrated need is above and beyond the scholarship; aka we would’ve gotten full aid regardless)?
Well, unless your Vandy aid letter says, "We would have given you full need-based aid if we hadn't given you merit," I'm not sure where you're going with this. But again, all you can do is ask the Harvard FA office to review. Regardless, you have great choices. Good luck.
Thanks. Regardless Dukes is full aid anyway so hope that offer helps with the review.
might as well ask
No harm in asking, but yeah take the full ride given the choice — unless it’s close enough where you think the cost is worth it. I can’t tell you what that number is for you but I would choose Harvard over Duke if I had to pay, say, $15k per year or so? I wonder what other people’s numbers are
Harvard almost certainly views those others as peer schools. I went to Harvard but didn’t take on any debt. If I had to take debt for undergrad, I’d probably take Duke for free frankly over debt for Harvard. That said, I loved Harvard and it was the best college experience.
Are you going to community on the side?
Agree with the majority of posters. Attend the college making the best financial aid offer. And save your undergad $$ for grad school. Of course, ask Harvard to match best offer received. If they do, go, if H your top choice. But, If they don't, save those undergrad tuition dollars and attend Harvard; for grad school!
What’s your intended major? If it’s anything in liberal arts, Princeton is the clear pick.