ClumsyAlluringManatee '23–'24 app cycle Class of 2027 class year

Received 0 dollars from Berkeley during initial gift aid process, then used Duke scholarship to get them to match. In my reconsideration request, I highlighted what common things drew me to both Berkeley & Duke, truthfully mentioned that I intended to choose Duke absent a Berkeley scholarship, and then indicated that I would almost instantly accept if they matched.

Guess the lesson is to apply to as many schools as you have a decent shot of getting into, so you can then negotiate, though this worked because I extensively demonstrated why Berkeley was my top choice, but also why I would actually go to Duke without a competitive scholarship from Berkeley.