Current phds: how much can we bargain?

[lfl]

I also think that the "effect of our bargaining" depends largely on the financial condition of the department. Will department give out funding to students who look promising on campus day if the department already exceed its estimated funding budget?

[asquare]

Glad to help I hope funding works out for everyone.

I also think that the "effect of our bargaining" depends largely on the financial condition of the department. Will department give out funding to students who look promising on campus day if the department already exceed its estimated funding budget?

You're right -- if a department doesn't have any money to give, then there's not much you or they can do. Sometimes, the department is able to find more money after initial offers are made, but more often, funding gets shifted around as some people turn down offers. I don't think schools hold much money in reserve, though it would be an interesting strategy to hold some back until after visits are completed. Risky for both principal and agent...

[lfl]

Glad to help I hope funding works out for everyone.

Thanks a lot, asquare. I have another question here. Do you think that the department actually has ranked people waitlisted for funding by the time it send out the letters? If so, how much do you think that the "performance" on campus day will affect the pre-existing ranking?

[asquare]

lfl, I don't know how the waitlisting for funding works. Some departments have formal waitlists for funding and others don't, but I don't know whether or not they have unofficial/internal rankings. I don't want to give the impression that your campus visit is an audition or something you should be nervous about! It's first and foremost a chance to get information about the school and to find out whether it is a place where you want to start your career and spend five years of your life.

I don't know much what happens during your visit matters. Given the lack of transparency, I think honesty, good manners, and careful information gathering are the best you can do.

[stupidolive]

As far as I know in my situation, UMD told me there is no formal ranking as they cannot give me an approximate possibility of me getting funding. It varies across year. I dont know if that is the same answer for other people though

[lfl]

lfl, I don't know how the waitlisting for funding works. Some departments have formal waitlists for funding and others don't, but I don't know whether or not they have unofficial/internal rankings. I don't want to give the impression that your campus visit is an audition or something you should be nervous about! It's first and foremost a chance to get information about the school and to find out whether it is a place where you want to start your career and spend five years of your life.

I don't know much what happens during your visit matters. Given the lack of transparency, I think honesty, good manners, and careful information gathering are the best you can do.

thanks very much!

[elm]

I have a question. I would like to bargain for a better offer in a top-10 university I have been admitted. I think that I might have some bargaining power since I have being accepted with full-funding in two additional top-10 programs. The problem is that I'm an international student so its kind of difficult for me to attend the fly-out. Do you think there is a possibility to bargain without attending the fly-out? Trough e-mail or maybe phone? Any thoughts are welcome. Thanks.

[lyos]

asquare, great post!
Wish I get the "opportunity" to bargain. By the way, just got rejected from the Ford School.

[asquare]

Here's more information about funding that may be relevant to people this admissions cycle. Good luck, everyone

[wind up bird]

Here's more information about funding that may be relevant to people this admissions cycle. Good luck, everyone

You have great timing, asquare. I now face this situation myself (Caltech with great funding, Northwestern waitlisted for funding). Northwestern's letter does say I should let them know if I have other funded offers.