Attending Columbia University without financial aid

[applicantx]

I have just received an offer from Columbia University in Mechanical Engineering Master of Science program. The thing is, I haven't received any financial aid.

I am an international applicant and it will be extremely difficult for me to pay my tuition (about $46,500). The deadline to confirm my offer (by paying $1000) is 12th of March (they gave me only 13-14 days). I have emailed them to request reconsideration of my financial aid award (explaining my situation), but haven't received any reply.

What should I do? Should I submit $1000 and hope that they will provide me financial aid (30% atleast)? or, should I request them to give me more days? This way, I might get admission decisions from other universities as well (they might give financial aid).

Thank you

Edited March 4, 2018 by applicantx

[euronymous_oystein]

Request them to give you more days. You are not a robot and it is not a decision that will last for a few months only.

[applicantx]

4 minutes ago, athan892 said:

Request them to give you more days. You are not a robot and it is not a decision that will last for a few months only.

Should I tell them directly that I want to see what other universities are offering and therefore need more time?

[euronymous_oystein]

4 minutes ago, applicantx said:

Should I tell them directly that I want to see what other universities are offering and therefore need more time?

Yes, be straightforward. If it is very early in general for decisions in mechanical engineering, mention this too.

[applicantx]

7 minutes ago, athan892 said:

Yes, be straightforward. If it is very early in general for decisions in mechanical engineering, mention this too.

Thanks.

By the way, should I wait a for few more days before asking them for more time? I might receive their reply for my financial aid reconsideration request.

[euronymous_oystein]

You can wait for 2-3 more days, but don't wait until the end of the deadline.

[applicantx]

5 minutes ago, athan892 said:

You can wait for 2-3 more days, but don't wait until the end of the deadline.

Right! Thanks