- PowerScore Staff
- Posts: 9010
- Joined: Feb 02, 2011
- Fri Apr 10, 2020 12:26 pm
#74761
Below is a law school admissions question from a student, and a response by PowerScore CEO Dave Killoran.
Anonymous: "What would you think of including in an application a supplement that’s basically a request for a merit scholarship?
I’ve got T3 stats (175, 3.95), but I want to attend a particular T6 that’s basically just down the street from where I live — ideally with a significant scholarship.
I’m considering including a one-paragraph supplement saying how much I love the area and the school, and that it would be my top choice bar none if they give me a full ride. My general approach in life is not to dance around things — be clear what you want, so that everyone is on the same page and can make the most-informed decision. My hope is the statement would help them overcome any potential yield-protect concerns and also make them more inclined to give their absolute best scholarship offer for my situation. But my worry is that it would come across as arrogant, rude or uncouth — money is always such a touchy subject.
Additionally, what about taking a similar (but not the same) approach to a T40 in the same city? Obviously I wouldn’t promise them that a scholarship would guarantee my enrollment or anything close to that, but I’d like to let them know that they have a real leg up by being located in my current city, and that a significant scholarship differential would make them very competitive vs the top schools. Even more for this school than the other, I think it would be a good way to allay any yield-protect concerns they might have.
I would only take this approach for these two schools, because they’re the only two I can honestly say these considerations apply to.
Any input appreciated!
Best,
Anonymous"
Dave Killoran: "Hey Anon,
Thanks for the message. Some thoughts:
“I’m considering including a one-paragraph supplement saying how much I love the area and the school, and that it would be my top choice bar none if they give me a full ride.” — Save this approach for later, once you see their actual offer. It’s dicey, and if you get the wrong reader it will indeed come across badly. What you should do is express a strong desire for the school and express the rather delicate hope that you will be able to attend as you’d love to do so if feasible. That’s a clear but still subtle signal.
“Additionally, what about taking a similar (but not the same) approach to a T40 in the same city?” — There’s a decent chance they might yield protect here and slow play your app or accept you with a decent but not full scholarship. So, make your interest clear—perhaps a “Why X” essay focusing on how the school is in your city and that you’d absolutely love to continue living where you do, etc. Then see if they come back strong, as you might discover with your stats and local interest they are willing to pony up in a chance to nab you. If the rest of your app is as good as your numbers, you shouldn’t need to send them a message telling them what they need to do; they will already know.
Talking about money before you’ve been accepted is s dangerous line to walk and as you say, can often come off as arrogant, rude or uncouth. So, push that element until later. Negotiating with top applicants is the norm and happens every day. But you need an acceptance and offer in hand in order to do so effectively, otherwise you look presumptuous. Can it be done? sure, but it requires a deft hand, and a careful shaping of your message, and most people don’t execute it well enough and instead end up damaging their overall chances.
Thanks!"
Anonymous: "Thanks Dave, exactly the input I was looking for!"
Anonymous: "What would you think of including in an application a supplement that’s basically a request for a merit scholarship?
I’ve got T3 stats (175, 3.95), but I want to attend a particular T6 that’s basically just down the street from where I live — ideally with a significant scholarship.
I’m considering including a one-paragraph supplement saying how much I love the area and the school, and that it would be my top choice bar none if they give me a full ride. My general approach in life is not to dance around things — be clear what you want, so that everyone is on the same page and can make the most-informed decision. My hope is the statement would help them overcome any potential yield-protect concerns and also make them more inclined to give their absolute best scholarship offer for my situation. But my worry is that it would come across as arrogant, rude or uncouth — money is always such a touchy subject.
Additionally, what about taking a similar (but not the same) approach to a T40 in the same city? Obviously I wouldn’t promise them that a scholarship would guarantee my enrollment or anything close to that, but I’d like to let them know that they have a real leg up by being located in my current city, and that a significant scholarship differential would make them very competitive vs the top schools. Even more for this school than the other, I think it would be a good way to allay any yield-protect concerns they might have.
I would only take this approach for these two schools, because they’re the only two I can honestly say these considerations apply to.
Any input appreciated!
Best,
Anonymous"
Dave Killoran: "Hey Anon,
Thanks for the message. Some thoughts:
“I’m considering including a one-paragraph supplement saying how much I love the area and the school, and that it would be my top choice bar none if they give me a full ride.” — Save this approach for later, once you see their actual offer. It’s dicey, and if you get the wrong reader it will indeed come across badly. What you should do is express a strong desire for the school and express the rather delicate hope that you will be able to attend as you’d love to do so if feasible. That’s a clear but still subtle signal.
“Additionally, what about taking a similar (but not the same) approach to a T40 in the same city?” — There’s a decent chance they might yield protect here and slow play your app or accept you with a decent but not full scholarship. So, make your interest clear—perhaps a “Why X” essay focusing on how the school is in your city and that you’d absolutely love to continue living where you do, etc. Then see if they come back strong, as you might discover with your stats and local interest they are willing to pony up in a chance to nab you. If the rest of your app is as good as your numbers, you shouldn’t need to send them a message telling them what they need to do; they will already know.
Talking about money before you’ve been accepted is s dangerous line to walk and as you say, can often come off as arrogant, rude or uncouth. So, push that element until later. Negotiating with top applicants is the norm and happens every day. But you need an acceptance and offer in hand in order to do so effectively, otherwise you look presumptuous. Can it be done? sure, but it requires a deft hand, and a careful shaping of your message, and most people don’t execute it well enough and instead end up damaging their overall chances.
Thanks!"
Anonymous: "Thanks Dave, exactly the input I was looking for!"