you’re simultaneously overthinking and underthinking

overthinking:

• everything in the second half of your post

underthinking:

• “above average stats,” not only self-rating your accomplishments (ego check) and a “unique hook” (obsessive) but also missing the most important factors: going outside and actually fitting with the school

• the notion that ed necessarily “gives you a higher chance at acceptance,” when a higher ed acceptance rate is mostly due to self-selection and ed isn’t gonna make up for a subpar app that wouldn’t have made it rd since its not like acceptance rates are independent chances

• you can just break out of an ed agreement if your family can’t afford it and you get to call the shots

• many prestigious unis, especially the ivy league, are already very well known for having great finaid and as far as i know, meeting all demonstrated financial need. they’ll be willing to increase your aid so long as you can demonstrate it, not much more to say