need based vs merit based scholly? Forum

[wygtsmile]

I got 21k need based scholly for 1L from UCLA, but amount not guaranteed for 2L and 3L (since eligibility depends on that year's tax return).

UCLA is my first choice and am very happy with 21k scholly per year, but since it is a need-based scholly, I am concerned about uncertainty of how much I'll be getting in 2L and 3L.

I also received 105k for three years (35k per year) from USC, which I hope to use as a leverage to start up a negotiating conversation with UCLA.

So my questions:
1) Do I have a chance at getting some merit scholly from UCLA with USC scholly as leverage?
2) Has anyone done merit scholly interview with UCLA, and what to expect?