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Hey! I originally didn't get a scholarship offer at a program I am very interested in so I set up an appointment to speak with someone in their admissions and financial aid office. I asked if they had a policy allowing aid applications to be reconsidered. Turns out they have a system where you submit a form requesting to be re-reviewed. I included tons of need- and merit-based considerations with budget of why I needed the aid I requested. I received a scholarship offer after that, but it was still quite small in comparison to other programs I'm looking at, so I reached out to the school again to see if I could chat with someone. I essentially said that I was really interested in going to the school and wanted to find a way to make it work, but was concerned that I wouldn't be able to afford the program at the current offer. They got back to me fairly quickly and offered a higher scholarship. Happy to share more of the details of what I said/what they said if helpful! Feel free to send me a message. I think the main takeaway is that these programs really want us to enroll. You may not come up with anything, but it definitely doesn't hurt to ask. Just (a) be polite and appreciative of your acceptance and any aid already offered, (b) explain your interest in the program/why you think it's the right fit for you, and (c) why you need the amount of aid you're asking for. I'm no expert, but my thoughts are that it's definitely helpful to share if other programs are more affordable options, just be careful to make sure it doesn't come off as if you're trying to strong arm them. One other thing to note (which I believe may have been mentioned by someone before, but I want to reiterate): If you are offered a higher scholarship, the school CANNOT demand you make a decision on whether to accept before April 15. Schools are trying to juggle their available aid right now and it's really helpful for them to have students accept/decline aid ASAP, but as part of the CGS Resolution they must give students until April 15 so it's an even playing field across programs and so that students have enough time to explore all their options thoughtfully. Just a word to the wise in case someone tries to pull this on you.

Thank you!! I can't tell you how much I appreciate this, it's incredibly helpful. I'm leaning towards NYU at the moment but it's all subject to change when financial aid info is released. Fingers crossed. Good luck to you as well!

Hi all - congrats on admissions received so far + good luck to those still waiting! Aside from price, does anyone have insight into the pros/cons of different programs near NYC - specifically NYU, Rutgers, Columbia and Hunter?