Using other schools as Leverage for funding

[ArsVitaAmericana]

So I got into several schools at this point (what an awesome relief), and I'm pretty positive that I will be attending University of Pittsburgh for a Masters in Theatre and performance studies this fall. I'm currently on the wait-list for funding (they don't have a lot to go around at the moment), however my second choice- Tufts- gave me a half-tuition scholarship. How do I tactfully use this as leverage to negotiate some funding? Because I would love to not have to take out as much loans/work hard core.... At UPitt it's likely that the aid will come as an assitantship (and I'm totally fine with that). Any advice on who I should approach with this/ how I should approach this? Thanks!!

[johndiligent]

I think you should write to whoever extended you the offer of admission and tell them that, while UPitt is your top choice, you've been offered X amount of assistance from Tufts. Tell them that before you make your final decision you're wondering if there's any chance that UPitt would be able to approximate or better that offer.

That's what I'd do anyway but bear in mind that this is my first rodeo!

[ArsVitaAmericana]

Thanks, thats what I was thinking. I might wait til I get the official letter... should be here any day. .