I’ve heard that they give preference to students “ranked higher” on their list, too. But my situation surprises me because I was admitted to their honors college as well. I know that this by no means puts me above every other applicant, but it is a very selective honors program, so I assumed I was toward the top of accepted students. So I’m surprised to see that their “preferential packaging” didn’t apply AT ALL to me (again, NPC predicted $45k grants and I was awarded 0 loans or grants). I guess even despite the honors acceptance I am not high enough on BU’s list for aid even with evident family need 
how kind.