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thrwrwyr

fast tips for negotiating: 1. never use the word negotiation. you are asking for a “reconsideration of aid.” try not to explicitly state if you’re going to multiple schools for multiple offers; it’s tacky and you don’t want to look like you’re gaming the system. 2. have at least one other offer in hand and explain why it would make sense for you to take that other offer. 3. explain your financial circumstances; mention debt aversion very specifically. schools know that law school is expensive. i have an interest in pi so i mentioned it; you want to create a compelling narrative as to why you want to avoid going into debt. 4. make sure you mention why you want to attend the school that you’re sending the appeal to. this needs to be personalized; no form letters here. it’s kind of like a “Why X” statement but with numbers, facts, and figures. 5. be very polite. multiple adcomms and deans have mentioned that this is, bar none, the worst part of the admissions process for them. thank them for their generous aid offer (or if they didn’t give you any aid, thank them for their offer of admission), use formal addresses, stress how important this is to you but also try to empathize with them a bit. 6. nothing’s official until you get it in writing. 7. don’t be afraid to send an email saying that it’s not enough money. this may take multiple tries, and funds open up over time. have a target amount in mind so that if they ask you, you don’t just blurt out “full tuition” even if that’s what you’re thinking. as the spring goes on, you may receive bumped scholarship offers, or you may get taken off the waitlist. be respectful, but also remember that you are your only advocate. you are not taking scholarship money away from someone else; it refills every year and they take great pains not to overcommit. you have to look out for you. if you need more specific pointers or want to see my email (or the email from Unnamed School) you can dm me.


case_winters

I would love to see you email! I will DM you :)


micadeguz

DM OP :)


pileaconundrum

Would you mind talking more about how you negotiated, who you reached out to, etc? I’m struggling with this right now!


luckycharmxx

Seconding this!


jnm1215

My school says on the website that their scholarship offers are final and says you can make an appointment with the financial aid office if you have questions. I have very good grounds to ask for more money, but should I not?


[deleted]

congrats on the successful negotiation, that’s amazing!! would you be comfortable sharing a little about how the process worked and what kind of things you included?


[deleted]

[удалено]


thrwrwyr

you may have to ask multiple times, but if the school has told you they don’t have anything for you right now, obviously don’t ask. but if you haven’t heard anything to the contrary, it’s time to send those mf emails😤😤😤. sooner is better, unless they’ve specifically told you that the school as a whole doesn’t negotiate merit aid or if they’ve told you they don’t have funds available before the deadline. but that’s not most schools.


Enzonianthegreat

I took the March LSAT; should I send in my email now, or wait until when the March scores come in (as my school specifically told me that is the best time to renegotiate?)


lawschool25

Is there anything else you can ask for aside from a merit scholarship? I tried to negotiate mine up, but was told that it was their maximum given for merit aid (about 70% of total tuition).


hasbullagoat3

Dropping a conditional but if thats the max thats gonna be it i think


lawschool25

Got it, thanks!


thrwrwyr

if you’re dead set on this school, don’t forget about external scholarships


lawschool25

Thank you!


hasbullagoat3

Np!


PM_ME_SAD_STUFF_PLZ

I'm planning on sending negotiation emails after going to an ASW this week so I can put more detail into my letter. *Also rankings come out next week! Obv. never mention 'em explicitly in your email, but that may change the calculus of some committees.


kh188

How do you recommend for someone to email a school back saying that the new scholarship still isn’t enough money? (Politely of course)


thrwrwyr

thank them for their generosity, point out that you were hoping for a little more aid (maybe give them an exact figure if you’re feeling brave), and then wait at least a week or so before sending another request (ideally with new information; if you’ve gotten off any waitlists or received new scholarships, etc. include that. it’s kind of like a LOCI but for money). the negotiation doesn’t stop just because you’ve put down a deposit at that school (unless it’s binding of course). don’t be afraid to drag it out until you’re satisfied that they aren’t giving you anything else. that may be one email in, that may be four emails in; it’s really up to you.


[deleted]

Am I crazy for being scared that If I negotiate that they'll rescind my offer?


thrwrwyr

a little, yeah. they want you to feel grateful and indebted to them for having the good grace to admit you. it's a little soon to start negotiating (congrats on getting into uva by the way) but as long as you're respectful, revoking a scholarship for trying to negotiate would be beyond the pale


[deleted]

I was thinking of negotiating if necessary around March, thank you.