<p>Hi. I'm an international applying to about 12 colleges (3 safety, 4 match, 5 reach). The problem is that all the colleges I'm applying to are need-sensitive for internationals (with the exception of three colleges, Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, but I doubt I'll get in there). my dad has a pretty secure job, so i doubt my family's financial situations will change a lot, but with annual income of around $70000 after tax, basically, if i don't get FA, my parents will have to live on $20-30K. It's manageable, but difficult. At the same time, I don't want to jeopardize my chances at my dream schools (all of which are reaches/high matches), so I'm thinking about a compromise between the two. I figured that I would apply for financial aid at my safeties and low matches, while I would apply without financial aid at high matches and reaches. Has anyone done this before? What's your suggestions?</p>
<p>You need to have a long serious talk with your parents before you do anything further. I cannot imagine any parents saying that they can live on $20-30k when they have been used to living on $70k. You need to know to the penny how much your parents really truly will be able to pay for your education. You also need to know where the money will come from to pay for your studies if their income collapses mid-way through your college career.</p>
<p>When you have this information in hand, then and only then should you discuss with them which colleges (if any) you should apply to without asking for financial aid.</p>
<p>Don't forget the school's endowment. If the school is rich and they WANT you, they will give you. It will depends on the family contribution and fin aid paperwork you fill too.</p>
<p>I assume Harvard, Yale, and Dartmouth are three of the five reaches. What are the other two?</p>
<p>I am more interested in what your safeties are...?</p>