Question about "why this school" statements
Hi Jesse, Loren, and Katherine, thanks for a useful session tonight. You suggested we post questions here that we put in chat, but didn't get to. Here's mine:
Should I be concerned that persuading a school that they’re my #1 choice could backfire in terms of scholarship offers?
e.g. maybe they become so convinced I’m going to accept that they don’t think they need to make a good offer? (Assume non-traditional (50s) applicant with strong holistic app, incl. LSAT above school’s 75th%, applying at strong regional school).
I’m definitely going to write a thoughtful “why this school” piece. I have plenty to say that's genuine, compelling, and non-fluff. I’m wondering, though: is there a risk of overdoing it?
Comments
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Hi Jennifer, I'm glad you enjoyed our session last night. We had a great time as well. I would not be too concerned about the issue you raise. While nothing is a certainty, of course, most schools don't try to make these kinds of gambles. If they have a student who is a really good candidate, with strong numbers (that might help increase the school's own numbers), who really wants to attend their school, they are likely to try to create a strong package to make that happen. After all, even if they are your first choice, that doesn't mean if choice #2 does not come up with a much more financially attractive package you won't go there! Also, some schools are open to negotiating your financial aid package if you get a much better offer from a similarly situated school. You usually can only go through the negotiation process with a school once, but I've seen clients get a nice increase in their annual financial aid amounts. Hope this response helps. Loren
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Hi Loren, thank you, this is helpful! Jenny
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