Graduate Program Asking to See Other Funding Offers?

[norangom]

I'm negotiating my funding package at a school and they requested that I send them copies of my other admission letters with their funding offers. My adviser says that this is uncommon. Is it normal for school to ask to see proof of your other funding offers? 

 

I'd really appreciate any insight. Thanks in advance! 

[student12345]

I've only had to tell them about my other offers but it makes sense that thety're asking for proof. I don't see there being anything wrong with sending them the documents. I'd take it as a sign that negations are going well

[norangom]

I've only had to tell them about my other offers but it makes sense that thety're asking for proof. I don't see there being anything wrong with sending them the documents. I'd take it as a sign that negations are going well

 

Thanks kimolas. I just sent it to them. I was just taken aback for a second, since it seemed a bit intrusive. But I sure as heck hope you're right!

[psychgirl77]

Yes, this is normal.  Happened to me when I was accepted and asked for more money.

[Igotnothin]

sounds like they're calling your bluff

[norangom]

sounds like they're calling your bluff

Sounds like your attempt at being rude failed. I sent them my offer the same night and received my official funding offer yesterday, which was far better than the initial offer. Thank you again for the concern, though.

[throwaway123]

Sounds like your attempt at being rude failed. I sent them my offer the same night and received my official funding offer yesterday, which was far better than the initial offer. Thank you again for the concern, though.

[TakeruK]

Glad it worked out. I wouldn't think this meant they didn't believe that you got the other offers, but they probably just need to document the facts so if someone does an audit later on, they have justification on paper why they gave you a higher stipend. Or maybe the Grad School has a special fund that the departments can apply to supplement their good candidates' offers and they needed to prove it to the department

[norangom]

Thanks Throwaway123 and TakeruK. I figured it wasn't something negative, but I wanted to double check that is was normal haha.

[Igotnothin]

Sounds like your attempt at being rude failed. I sent them my offer the same night and received my official funding offer yesterday, which was far better than the initial offer. Thank you again for the concern, though.

 

Haha OK I guess I got zinged? I wasn't trying to be rude. Honestly I have known people who have bluffed to try to get MS funding. Shady thing to do, but people do it. Glad it worked out for you and best of luck.