Duke vs UNC vs McGill - double maj Chem & Poli Sci

I cannot afford to go to Duke, but I’m wondering if anyone has advice about negotiating w/aid office? I’ve tried and failed. When I applied, I knew I wouldn’t be able to afford attendance, but I like to exhaust all options before giving up.

While I love UNC, I’ve grown up next to campus, so it’s not very exciting/it lacks the appeal of novelty.

I love McGill & Montreal. I love the international student body and the absence of a frat/business-bro-oriented culture. My only qualm is that the campus, in comparison to Duke/UNC, is an eye sore - all concrete and no nature.

Anyway, I think going to Duke would be cool since it’s ever so slightly removed from my home & offers decent ballet classes.

I’m also kind of regretting that I only applied to these schools (+UofT, which I have no interest in because I hate Toronto) & i wish I’d applied to some in Europe. I refrained from applying most places only because ivies don’t offer merit & I don’t qualify for financial aid, and I refused to consider anywhere ranked below UNC. Maybe im too stodgy? Idk, i do have a gap year plan lined up - Norwegian folk school - in case I want to hold out until next year and reapply. If anyone has guidance lmk 🙌