Timing to ask for merit scholarship reconsideration

DINOSAUR

Hi fellow 7sagers!

I'm wondering when is appropriate to ask for merit scholarship reconsideration from schools. Currently I am admitted into school X and Y, both being in the same tier. School X offers me more scholarship money and has higher ranking, but I like school Y more. I am still waiting for most schools I applied to, and I am expecting a higher LSAT score that will be released on March 3rd. Is it appropriate to ask for scholarship reconsideration from one school more than once? If I ask school Y now and they give me more money, does it look bad to ask school Y again in the future if I get a bigger scholarship from another school?

Thank you!

Dinosaur

Thank you JY

hey, not an admissions specialist here, but I don't see a problem with asking for more money now, and more money when you get your score in march. i think an admissions official in one of the podcasts said that they like to hear what other schools in the same tier are giving their students. if i was you, i'd call school Y and tell them what school X gave you and ask them to match or beat Xs offer, and then do it again when you receive a higher LSAT score

DINOSAUR

Hi @LSAT_Athlete Thanks for your reply. I'm asking because I'm not sure whether schools will be annoyed and won't be open to negotiation after I already ask one time.
Btw, is it better to make a phone call or write an email? If you make a phone call you can't show them other schools' offer right? Then why would them believe you? I'm not sure how this whole negotiation process would work. Thanks.

Selene Steelman

Former admissions officer here. Please first carefully review the scholarship reevaluation policies of each school with which you are working. Schools have unique policies and procedures; you should follow their instructions strictly. I recommend that you wait to have a reevaluation conversation until you have the strongest set of offers on hand. Generally, schools do not look favorably upon candidates who try to get two bites at the apple. If and when you reach out for reevaluation, you should be prepared to justify your request. To appear like a serious and informed candidate, you may also want to have an amount in mind and an explanation with numbers (tuition, scholarship, cost of living, your financial contributions, debt, etc.) of why this amount makes sense to you. The school's decision will likely depend on the behavior of its admitted applicant pool and the school's scholarship budget at the moment. Good luck!

DINOSAUR

Thank you @"Selene Steelman" !