How do I ask for funding?

[sheabutter]

Is it more appropriate to send a cover letter? or should I send an email to possibly meet with the chair face to face.  I would rather meet face to face, so how should I go about the email?

[sachincp16]

Email is probably most appropriate. You could go meet face-to-face, but if they say no, then the meeting will end pretty quickly, and it will be sort of awkward. Is it for a PhD or masters program? I asked my PI about this before and she said if its for a PhD, then it is usually frowned upon since it shows that you'll more interested in money than the research. However, though, I have read people negotiating for this and succeeding, though a very few at that. For a masters though, I tried it myself recently and they said no. I think the issue is two fold: one masters is a money maker and two they have plenty of others willing to pay if not you; though if they really want you, they will reconsider so it doesn't hurt trying.

 

So you should state your excitement and all (but no thank you since it is not a personal favor that they admitted you) for receiving an admissions offer and any funding thus far. State in a sentence or two what you like about the program and why you think its a great match for you. Then state why you are writing and for what reason. If you have funding from both school A and B, but B is offering more (and you are appealing to school A) state that you are torn between the two because school is A is the program you really want to attend but financials is big consideration. If it is simply financial difficulties, state that. You may mention and/or attach an offer letter from another university if you wish. Be straightforward. They will know in about a few sentences what the email will be about, so just be straight to the point. 

 

Hope that helps and good luck!

[student12345]

It is absolutely appropriate to ask for funding, especially in the form of a fellowship. It indicates that you intend on focusing on acing your coursework and getting a head start on your research. I was only offered the standard assistanceships at two schools until I visited; during each visit the head of the graduate programs offered to replace my assistanceships with fellowships. So visiting and showing your intent to accept their offer would entice them to fund you. But there are other ways of showing your intent, and writing an email is a perfectly appropriate way.

[sheabutter]

Email is probably most appropriate. You could go meet face-to-face, but if they say no, then the meeting will end pretty quickly, and it will be sort of awkward. Is it for a PhD or masters program? I asked my PI about this before and she said if its for a PhD, then it is usually frowned upon since it shows that you'll more interested in money than the research. However, though, I have read people negotiating for this and succeeding, though a very few at that. For a masters though, I tried it myself recently and they said no. I think the issue is two fold: one masters is a money maker and two they have plenty of others willing to pay if not you; though if they really want you, they will reconsider so it doesn't hurt trying.

 

So you should state your excitement and all (but no thank you since it is not a personal favor that they admitted you) for receiving an admissions offer and any funding thus far. State in a sentence or two what you like about the program and why you think its a great match for you. Then state why you are writing and for what reason. If you have funding from both school A and B, but B is offering more (and you are appealing to school A) state that you are torn between the two because school is A is the program you really want to attend but financials is big consideration. If it is simply financial difficulties, state that. You may mention and/or attach an offer letter from another university if you wish. Be straightforward. They will know in about a few sentences what the email will be about, so just be straight to the point. 

 

Hope that helps and good luck!

 

 

Yes this is for a PhD program.  My advisor brought up funding before I did so that's why I feel at ease about asking. But this definitely helped!! Thanks a bunch!!!

[sachincp16]

yeah, though I respect my advisor and her advice a lot, I don't quite fully agree with her about the negotiation advice. I believe its appropriate to do so (after all its a major life decision and this is an investment in the end), though you can't push it to much, otherwise it becomes ungrateful..which is what I believe my PI was getting at.