<p>As of right now... im deciding between Duke and Columbia. I just got my financial aid from Columbia today and it's about a $11,000 less than Duke. In fact, Columbia's aid is less than those of Amherst College and WashU in St. Louis as well. I know that my other schools aren't HYPSM, but do I have any leverage with the financial aid of my other schools?</p>
<p>It depends if other offers are also need-based or merit-based. They say they consider appeals if other need-based are higher. But you should really hurry !!</p>