<p>OP, being full pay will help. But I think being full pay is more helpful for someone with maybe a 3.3 trying to get over the hump. But, for someone who is likely in the bottom half of their class, it is just a little far fetched. Money matters, but you aren’t a developmental case that would be bringing in a few million per year for the school. I know you said you are closer to the middle, but I just can’t buy that seeing that 3 days ago, you said otherwise. When you evaluated your performance and it seemed like you are at the bottom, that’s probably true and they won’t admit someone grossly unqualified. These elite schools want students who work hard and play hard. Students who will crunch when the time comes and who will do their work, but will engage in student activities. </p>