<p>"need-based scholarships"</p>
<p>I think you mean need-based aid. The problem with need based-aid is that it can mean a substantial amount of loan. I don't think that's what you want or what you should have to settle for with your HS performance. There could well be merit-based aid available that works out better for you than need-based aid. Perhaps even CWRU. Try to find schools that limit the amount of loans in their FA packages. There are some like Princeton that have eliminated loans altogether in favor of grants.</p>