That is why I said almost. But he ain't getting a Ruby.

Thought TBF I'm not sure the placement difference inside Chicago is significant, if it even exists.

So how much money from Cornell do you all think is enough to attend there this cycle? 75K? 100K?

Personal decision. Cornell's awards combine need and merit so hard to say. Id guess that your numbers probably warrant 60-90k maybe.

Update:
UCLA (105K)- assuming my need grant gets renewed all three years

Cornell (30K)- not enough money to consider attending for me

Penn- got the call yesterday gauging my interest... told them I was very interested but was curious about the potential financial aid package if I was admitted. They said they will be getting back to me today.

Will I be able to get Chicago biglaw from Penn? I know on average only about 4% of Penn graduates end up in the Midwest, but is that more self-selection into NY, DC, and Philly?

Should I still reapply next cycle or choose between Penn and UCLA?

Penn can get you Chicago, but Chicago should be your target school. Instead of waiting for Chicago to contact you, consider contacting Chicago & expressing stron interest.

Just sent another LOCI to Chicago yesterday....

So I potentially have 70K at Penn (according to a preliminary financial aid analysis prior to being accepted today). I informed UCLA of this and the admissions dean is going to the committee to raise my scholarship by 30K to 135K total. I'm still thinking Penn, but what do you all think?

I think that prayer works. Congratulations !