International financial aid- please help!

Paying for College
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<p>Okay, so I have my college choices and as usual, it comes down to money.
I got into Colgate University and Smith College (similiarly ranked colleges) but the aid I got is pretty different. Basically, Smith is giving me $10,000 more than Colgate even though both say they meet full need-based aid. One possible reason for this, I suppose, could be that Colgate asks for the CSS PROFILE and Smith does not. However, is this a ground to appeal the Colgate decision? Also, even the Smith grant is a bit less, considering travel expenses. Can I ask for a slight increase?
If none of these work out, my option is SUNY Buffalo, as I have a full scholarship there. Does anyone think that BUffalo might be a better option even if I do get my aid increased?</p>

<p>PS: I was an Alumni Memorial Scholar at Colgate, which means one of the top 200 students in the applicant pool. Will this help my appeal?
PPS: To clarify, I'm an international student from India.</p>

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<p>Also, how do I frame the appeal?</p>

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<p>I dont know if appeal is the right word, but why dont you just write them an email, explaining how bad you want to attend their university, but due to your family’s annual income you cannot cover the entire cost of attendance, and if it is possible to apply or be considered another scholarship. Something close to that. You may write about recent awards or anything you have done recently. Maybe sometime later after this email you can write them that you really want to attend university X, but since university Y is more affordable you are leaning to it. I am not quite aware of mentioning you scholarship award at Y to X, there are some honor codes, I think, hah</p>

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<p>Thanks. Another take? I need to make a decision soon, so help is appreciated.</p>

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<p>Are the LACs worth the cost?</p>