How To Ask For More Merit Aid: Maximize Your College Scholarships
Paying for college can be overwhelming, but merit aid scholarships offer a fantastic way to reduce your tuition costs. Merit aid is awarded based on your academic achievements, talents, or other merits — not your financial need. But what if the initial scholarship offer isn’t enough? You can actually ask colleges for more merit aid!
Knowing how to effectively request additional merit aid could save you thousands of dollars. This guide will walk you through proven strategies on how to ask for more merit aid and increase your chances of securing extra scholarship funds.
What Is Merit Aid?
Merit aid refers to scholarships or grants awarded by colleges based on a student’s accomplishments such as GPA, test scores, leadership, or special talents. Unlike need-based aid, merit aid is often guaranteed with strong academic performance but can sometimes be negotiated.
When Should You Ask For More Merit Aid?
Before you start negotiating, consider these ideal times to request additional merit aid:
| Timing | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| After Receiving Acceptance | You have leverage once admitted |
| When You Have Better Offers | Competing offers give you negotiating power |
| Before Finalizing Enrollment | Schools want you to commit and may sweeten the deal |
How To Ask For More Merit Aid: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Gather Your Information
Before contacting the financial aid office, compile:
- Your acceptance letter
- Current merit aid award details
- Offers or scholarship letters from other colleges
- Any new achievements (improved test scores, awards, etc.)
Having this information ready will help you make a strong case.
2. Write a Polite and Professional Email
Your message should be clear, respectful, and concise. Here’s a simple outline:
- Express gratitude: Thank the college for the acceptance and merit aid offer.
- State your interest: Emphasize your enthusiasm for attending their school.
- Present your case: Explain why additional aid would make a difference. Mention competing offers if applicable.
- Request consideration: Ask politely if they can increase your merit aid.
- Close professionally: Thank them for their time and consideration.
3. Follow Up With a Phone Call
If you don’t get a response in 1-2 weeks, politely call the financial aid office to confirm they received your request and to reiterate your interest.
Sample Email Template to Request More Merit Aid
Subject: Request for Review of Merit Aid Award
Dear [Financial Aid Officer’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I want to sincerely thank you for the acceptance and the merit scholarship offer to attend [College Name]. I am very excited about the possibility of joining your community.
After careful consideration, I have received a more competitive merit aid package from another institution. I remain very interested in attending [College Name], but the financial difference poses a challenge for me and my family.
I would greatly appreciate it if the college could review my merit aid award to see if additional assistance might be available. I am confident that [College Name] is the best fit for my academic and personal goals, and I hope we can work together to make this possible.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[Your Applicant ID or Student ID if available]
Tips for Success When Asking for More Merit Aid
- Be honest and respectful: Avoid making demands; instead, express genuine interest and financial concerns.
- Highlight your strengths: If your academic or extracurricular profile has improved since applying, mention it.
- Mention competing offers: Colleges often match or beat other offers to attract students.
- Keep it professional: Use proper grammar and a formal tone.
- Apply early: The sooner you ask, the better your chances before funds are allocated.
What Colleges Consider When Increasing Merit Aid
Colleges weigh several factors before adjusting your merit aid, including:
- Availability of funds in their scholarship budget
- Your academic record and potential contributions to the campus
- Competing offers from other schools
- Your demonstrated interest and commitment
Asking for more merit aid might feel intimidating, but it’s a smart move to lower your college expenses. Many students don’t realize they can negotiate their scholarships — but colleges expect some negotiation, especially when you have competitive offers.
By preparing a clear, polite request and backing it up with strong reasons, you increase your chances of earning more merit aid. This can make a significant difference in managing your college costs and reducing student loan debt.