TUITION HARDBALL HOW TO NEGOTIATE YOUR AID PACKAGE
Know the Numbers
When it comes to making big purchases like cars and mortgages, negotiation is seen as a regular part of the process. Rarely will we accept the exorbitant sticker price on these items, because we know they’re considered a starting point by the seller. And yet, when it comes to financial aid, most families just end up accepting whatever the school first offers them. But make no mistake, you can and should negotiate this starting figure and save money. Doing so requires smart planning throughout the application process to make sure you have the leverage to bring those tuition costs down.
but they also make them extremely valued candidates for colleges looking to boost the average GPA of incoming freshmen. If your student is in the top 25th percentile of a college’s incoming freshman class, it’s far easier to ask for a larger aid package.
As with any negotiation, it’s best to come prepared with cold, hard facts. Most colleges don’t expect you to know your expected family contribution, which is the minimum amount that the government expects you to pay toward any school. They also may not expect you to take into account the full price of attendance, including books, meals, room and board, etc. By knowing these numbers in advance, you’ll be well-prepared to negotiate aid packages. By putting the work in with your student and leaving multiple options on the table, you can negotiate from a position of strength when those award letters fail to meet your needs. Remember, just like cars and mortgages, you don’t have to settle for the sticker price of tuition.
Play Schools Against Each Other
Part of the reason we encourage our families to apply to 6–8 schools is because multiple acceptances can give a family significant leverage in the negotiation process. If your student gets accepted to two schools of similar academic caliber but one offers a far more advantageous aid package, let the other institution know. The fear your student may be swayed to a competing school can work wonders to bring those grant numbers up. From the school’s perspective, getting some of your money is far better than getting nothing at all.
Study Up
There’s no substitute for good grades. Students, especially juniors, should be doing all they can to prep for the SAT/ACT to get the best scores possible. Higher scores not only increase their odds of being accepted to a top-tier school,
SPICY SALMON TARTARE
HAVE A LAUGH
Inspired by Epicurious
INGREDIENTS • 1 8-ounce boneless, skinless salmon fillet • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice • 1/4 teaspoon lime zest • 1/4 cup cucumber, seeded and finely diced • 1 1/2 teaspoons jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons
fresh cilantro, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons
fresh chives, minced • 1 1/2 teaspoons grapeseed or vegetable oil • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste • Crackers or chips, for serving
• 1 1/2 teaspoons shallots, minced • 3/4 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated INSTRUCTIONS 1. Place salmon in freezer for 20 minutes to make slicing easier. 2. Meanwhile, prepare other ingredients for mixing. 3. Thinly slice salmon into sheets and cut sheets into strips and strips into cubes. When finished, you should have 1/8-inch cubes. 4. In a mixing bowl, combine salmon with all other ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. 5. Garnish with chips or crackers and serve.
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