Negotiating Merit Scholarships: Is It Possible? When & How to Ask
By cirkledin on Updated:
You received your college acceptance letters and financial aid offers – fantastic! But maybe your top-choice school offered less merit scholarship money than a comparable college. This leads to a common question: can you actually negotiate merit aid? While it’s not like haggling at a market, sometimes it is possible to politely ask for more scholarship money, particularly merit-based aid. Let’s explore when and how to approach this delicate situation.
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Merit Aid vs. Need-Based Aid: An Important Distinction
First, understand the difference:
- Need-Based Aid: Awarded based on your family’s demonstrated financial need (calculated via FAFSA/CSS Profile). Appeals for more need-based aid are usually based on changes in financial circumstances.
- Merit Scholarships: Awarded based on achievements (academics, talent, leadership, etc.), regardless of financial need.
This article focuses specifically on asking for an increase in merit scholarships.
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Can You Actually Negotiate Merit Scholarships? (Sometimes!)
Yes, sometimes you can successfully ask for more merit aid, but it’s not guaranteed and depends heavily on the college and your situation. Think of it less as “negotiation” and more as a polite “appeal” or “request for reconsideration.” Colleges use merit aid strategically to attract desirable students. If they really want you, and you have leverage (like a better offer elsewhere), they might increase your award. This process is often called an appeal merit scholarship request.
When Might Negotiation Be More Likely?
Your chances might be better if:
- You Have a Better Offer: You received a larger merit scholarship from a peer institution (a college similar in selectivity and type). This is your strongest leverage.
- The College Isn’t Your First Choice Financially: You genuinely prefer College A but College B (a peer school) made it significantly more affordable with merit aid.
- You Are a Highly Desirable Applicant: Your academic profile or unique talents make you a student the college particularly wants to enroll.
- The College Has a History of Adjusting Awards: Some colleges are more open to reconsideration than others (especially private colleges trying to meet enrollment goals). Research or ask current students if possible.
- There Were Recent, Significant Achievements: If you’ve won a major award or achieved something notable after submitting your application that wasn’t considered initially.
College scholarship negotiation is context-dependent.
How to Approach Asking for More Scholarship Money
If you decide to ask, professionalism and politeness are key:
- Timing: Wait until you have all your acceptances and aid offers in hand. Do this before the May 1 decision deadline.
- Contact the Right Office: Usually, start with the Admissions Office, as merit aid decisions often originate there. Sometimes they direct you to Financial Aid. Ask who handles merit scholarship reconsideration.
- Format: A polite, professional email is typically best. A phone call might be a follow-up.
- Tone: Be grateful, respectful, and enthusiastic about the college. Avoid demands or ultimatums. Frame it as seeking help to make attendance possible.
- Be Specific: Clearly state your situation. Mention your strong desire to attend, the financial gap, and (most importantly) any competing offers.
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What Information Do You Need?
In your email or conversation:
- Express Gratitude: Thank them sincerely for the acceptance and the initial scholarship offer.
- Reiterate Strong Interest: State clearly that their college is your top choice (or among your very top choices). Explain why (mentioning specific programs, fit, etc.).
- State the Issue: Explain that while you’re thrilled, there’s a financial gap making attendance difficult.
- Present the Competing Offer (Crucial): If you have a better merit offer from a comparable school, mention it specifically. “College B offered me a merit scholarship of $X, making their net cost $Y lower. While College A is my strong preference because of [specific reason], this difference makes the decision very difficult.” You may need to provide a copy of the competing award letter.
- Politely Ask for Reconsideration: “Would it be possible to reconsider my merit scholarship award in light of this information?” or “Is there any possibility of additional merit aid to help make attending College A feasible?”
Focus on making a clear, respectful case for increasing college merit aid.
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What NOT to Do When Asking
- Don’t lie or exaggerate offers from other schools.
- Don’t make demands or sound entitled (“I deserve more money”).
- Don’t criticize the college or its initial offer.
- Don’t ask for more need-based aid unless your financial situation has truly changed (that’s a separate appeal process).
- Don’t involve overly emotional pleas. Keep it factual and professional.
Managing Expectations
Be prepared for any answer. Colleges have budgets and policies. They might say:
- Yes: They increase your merit aid (fantastic!).
- No: They cannot adjust the offer.
- Maybe: They might offer a small increase or suggest specific additional scholarships to apply for.
Respect their decision, regardless of the outcome.
Final Thought: A Polite Ask Can Sometimes Pay Off
While not always successful, trying to negotiate merit aid can sometimes bridge a financial gap, especially if you have a strong competing offer. Approach the process politely, professionally, and with realistic expectations. Clearly explain your situation and ask for more scholarship money respectfully. The worst they can say is no, but sometimes, a well-crafted request can make your top-choice college more affordable.
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