<p>I just don’t think you need to go for a “merit” aid school. You’re definitely going to get the best aid from a rich, private school. I think you’re best bet is to improve your stats to give yourself a good shot of getting in. If you’re accepted, a school like Rice, Duke, Emory, Vanderbilt, or Northwestern is probably going to foot 100% of the bill. I’d shift the list a little towards places like this (with Tufts, Wake Forest, Boston College, and others as more match-y schools with decent/ good aid).</p>