@sadpotato I think it’s absurd your results last year were not closer to 5 admits, 4 waitlists. I know this is a very competitive game, but you sound like a stellar candidate. You are probably right to concentrate on a smaller set of schools and make them feel loved. Is a visit possible? Even if you’ve done your skype interview that might demonstrate interest.
You mention your financial aid application played a role. Is that an inference (understandably!) or did something more concrete happen to give you that impression?
Good luck this year.