If you do a lot better after being accepted, you can try negotiating for your first year. Unless you did a binding early decision, you have the card of withdrawing if you don't get more $ so schools typically offer up some money.
The advice that I've heard from friends too is, in situations where a consultant could make the greatest impact, the onus is even more on you to tell a personal story. I know that this is very true for Berkeley.
Also, somebody mentioned Berkeley with a compelling personal statement ... . You are the perfect Berkeley candidate. Berkeley loves high GPA and doesn ...