hey ML, sorry for the delayed response.
My financial stuff is still kinda up in the air. I made finalist for the mordecai @ Duke, which is full-tuition+stipend, but I turned that out. On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, I didn't get any merit from Chicago, but they said they would give me any amount of loans, to pay for school.
Initially, I figured that I would take out a Canadian Line of Credit to pay anything that I couldn't come up with, but now I'm leaning a bit more towards a loan at the school I attend.
I haven't heard from Columbia, which is my top choice, but I'll let you know what I get. I also have a spreadsheet that might help you a bit with your finances, you can PM me with your email, and I"ll send it to you, or I think someone uploaded it to CLSF ... in the Need Advice board.
hth.
cheeks.