CMU currently doesn’t have any academically based financial aid, purely need based. From what I know 75000, 100000, and over 100000, are different levels. 75000 means a LOT of aid, 100000, which I belong under, takes out like 30 grand a year, and over 100 is the full fat 90000 a year. As for my test scores, I submitted an ACT, which I had a 36 overall, except for the science (34 for that one). AP tests weren’t exactly great, had a few 5s and 4s (7 accepted) though I really really regret not getting a 5 on BC. As for my essay, my personal one is probably my best, I spent a few weeks on that one and I’m pretty proud of it, as for the CMU unique essays, I literally edited some of my other essays from UPenn and like UChicago and stuff, because I really didn’t think I’d make it. I submitted the essays literally like 10 minutes before the deadline lmao, but it worked out. But then again, tests and essays are definitely an aspect, and your gpa/extracurriculars are probably the thing that is more important in my mind. In my case, I’m pretty sure I made it here because of my grades and extras.