Asking for more

[Norman G]

Most of the programs I applied to have massive endowments (far beyond the billion dollar mark) and I’m considering asking for more funding than a couple of schools initially offered. That being said, what are the rules for requesting more funding from a school? Are schools, divinity schools in particular, accustomed to applicants asking for more funding? Finally, can it hurt to ask?

Edited February 26, 2013 by Norman G

[11Q13]

A schools total endowment is irrelevant for your funding, because it depends on how it's allocated. Mention you have other offers, mention that the other offers are more (if it's true), mention that you would like to attend their program but funding is an issue, ask if they are able to increase the funding award, be grateful and thankful for the award given to you, ask with as much finesse as you can, don't mention the names of the other schools unless asked, don't mention any dollar amounts unless asked. Some schools will increase your offer (eg. Vanderbilt), others will not (eg. Harvard).

[Body Politics]

Welp, just asked for more from one of my programs. We'll see.

[Josh J.]

Welp, just asked for more from one of my programs. We'll see.

Will be curious to hear what the response is.

[Body Politics]

PM'd

[CrisDonlon]

I have a question about this.  I am considering asking for more aid (and am hoping some offers were turned dow by when I ask in hopes that the potential to receive more funding will increase), but I'm wondering who I should talk to?  Do I call financial aid?  Or do I call the person who offered me the current funding situation in admissions?

[Josh J.]

Well, I contacted the admissions director at Vandy yesterday and asked for more. I received a friendly but very firm "no," and was told that while in the past they sometimes have made initial offers that were lower and would bump them up on request, they no longer do this.

I am pretty bummed. My research cohort just received an unsolicited book offer from a major press, and I'll be listed as an author. It really makes you wonder what adcomms are looking for to give you decent funding.