Negotiating the Offer?

[Omega Glory]

Is it advisable to negotiate for a higher stipend or more benefits? If so, how best to do it?

Edited March 3, 2011 by Omega Glory

[Zencarrot]

I've been advised that yes, it is OK to negotiate for a better offer. However, regarding how to go about it eloquently, I'm at a loss. I doubt saying "School A gave me $28,000 a year in support for the first 4 years... think you can match it Quincy?" is gonna fly.

[anonaccount]

I have the same question. My adviser strongly encouraged me to say something like "hey I like your school, but I have other offers that I will have to consider the financial aspects of before making a decision," but I'm still confused about what to say exactly...

[wordshadow]

In my case, the school that offered me the comparatively worse offer of the two emailed me first, telling me to inform them of admissions elsewhere and the financial aid I am being offered elsewhere so that they can try to make their package more competitive. I also talked to the graduate director on visiting day and made sure to make a point of saying that this school definitely seemed to be my top choice in terms of research fit, but that I also had a better offer elsewhere and asked what he could do about that (he specifically told us to come talk to him after one of our sessions if we had such concerns).