glasseyes (2013-2014)

10 years work experience paired with some minor success in the creative arena. Theoretically above average softs likely balanced by my age.

Real stats posted now that the cycle is over.

Didn't expect to bleed any cash out of Georgetown, but it worked out in the end. For anyone considering GULC: they make you work to get merit aid, but the rewards are tangible if you put in the effort. If you don't get an initial scholarship offer (I didn't), email and ask for consideration. And don't stop there: negotiate using your existing offers up front and complete the optional writing prompt, double deposit and negotiate again, then ask one last time just before tuition is due. People complain that GULC is tight with $$, but I didn't find that to be the case.

UCLA was my top choice coming into the cycle, but they only offered need-based aid and couldn't (or wouldn't) negotiate for more. The amount listed above assumes I were to continue receiving aid each year, when in fact I would have had to reapply and hope.

Northwestern placed my app on hold and Cornell put me on the reserve list -- which are functionally the same -- before both eventually relegated me to the waitlist in early May and late June respectively, at which point I withdrew.