YA: dreams of Ivy League, goes to Univ. of Chicago

[Maura]

All I can remember is the end where the very uptight boy who dreamed of an Ivy School goes to University of Chicago and is happy. It included various POVs, I think of a girl neighbor who had a crush on the above mentioned boy, as well as the POV of a mother.

For some reason it has been bothering me that I can't remember the title, so I would be thankful for any help!!

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

What year did you read it, or when was it published?
Author's gender?
Cover?
Is the boy white, black, other?