I'm an international student applying ED to Penn. Should I apply for aid/LSM? (description below)

Paying for College
1

My parents ear around USD $232052 per annum. I want to apply for a small amount of aid, maybe 5% to 10% or 15%, but Penn is not need blind for international students. I am the only child. Should I apply?

Also, is my app enough for LSM or should I apply for CAS only?

Here’s my app:
ACT: first attempt 32 with 36 on essay, 2nd attempt in October, expecting around 34 maybe 35
AP: 5/5 in Macroeconomics
A levels: Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics
approximately AAA predicted (school doesnt officially reveal predicteds but approximation)
AS levels:
Physics a^ 92
Chemistry a^ 88
Biology a^ 94 (topped biology)
Mathemations a^ 89 (retaking)
IGCSE: 7 A*s in 7 subjects, topped 2 subjects
SAT 2s: taken in October/taking in November
Expecting around 750 or above in Math 2, taking Biology M in November
5-10%ile of class
Intended Major: Economics

My entire application is Health Economics-centric
Things on my app:
-Warwick Economics Summer School
-King’s College London Leadership Programme
-Vice President of student government
-Founder of an organisation on organ donation awareness, receiving signups in remove areas
-Worked for a well-reputed international child rights organization in the policy sector, provided free immunisation, menstrual pad distribution and health checkups
-3 research papers: Dementia and Economics (2 sub research studies: Dementia costs and Economic indicators), International Law, Biology (Ethology)
-Director of Model UN Society
-Organized several Model UNs, also a keen debater
-Started my own printed and online journal on Science and its relation with Economics, distributed nationwide
-Singer and ukulele player, have made covers online and performed for around 3-4 events professionally, sang for a documentary
-Writer for two online magazines, specialising in law for one and dementia for the other
-Core Committee member for school quizzing society
-Scholar Badge holder
-Founding Member of 2 startup organizations
-60+ hours of community service teaching underprivileged students

-Took part in a foreign exchange programme

Personal experiences
-battled anorexia nervosa
-battled a stammering problem

2

If your parents earn $232k per year and you are an only child, I find it very hard to believe that you will qualify for any need-based aid from any college or university in the United States. Also, if you do apply for need-based financial aid, you don’t apply for a specific amount, whether by percentage or dollars. You submit the financial aid application materials as requested by the school, and the school determines how much aid you are eligible for.

3

Thank you! I’m not an American so I had no idea whether or not $232k/year is considered a substantial amount of money accounting for currency exchange rates. Could you also let me know if you think it is a good idea to apply to LSM/Wharton instead of CAS? If I apply to LSM and give CAS as my second preference, will that reduce my chances of getting into CAS in case my app is not considered good enough for LSM?

4

Your best bet is to ask these questions in the Penn forum:

http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-pennsylvania/