<p>At a few of our interviews were told, just like you hear so often, that schools are looking to create a community. I believe that your ability to add to that community is uppermost on a schools mission. If you are an attractive enough candidate a school will try to "work it out" financially. But we were told that the school based it's acceptance decision on your ability to bring "something" to the school. If you are accepted then they offer FA (if needed) based on their desire to have you there. Your acceptance and ability to pay are separate decisions. But let's face it, someone has to pay for everthing and that has be to a major part of any decision. This is what I understood anyway, don't beat me up if you know differently.</p>