Hello everyone.
I have previously created a thread on this website, but still have some questions.
I am an Iranian 18-year-old 12th grade student. I applied to some US colleges this year. University of Rochester and Brandeis University rejected me in their ED I and II, but SUNY at Buffalo(UB) and New Jersey Institute of Technology accepted me. However, their scholarship amounts are not enough. Due to current economic situation in Iran, I need at least a full-tuition waiver. SUNY at Buffalo, which granted me 10000 USD tuition scholarship, may consider me for further funding opportunities, but do NOT guarantee that. So now I am thinking of applying for the next admission cycle. But because I intend to get into an Iranian university this year if I couldn’t get more funding opportunities from UB, I have to apply as a transfer student, not freshman. And unfortunately, funding is MUCH MORE limited for international transfer students. I am now considering WashU, Cornell, Case Western Reserve University, University of Rochester, and University of Miami for next year. They offer financial aid for international transfer applicants.
My question is that, if I get ranked below 1000(out of 500,000 participants) in Iranian National University Entrance Exam(Konkoor), which is considered an excellent rank here, and also get a score above 32-33 in ACT, may I get into the colleges I mentioned above, without much extracurricular activities? WashU and University of Rochester award merit-based scholarships, too. Since they are need-aware for non-US citizens, does it increase my chances if I do not request need-based aid and only apply for full-tuition scholarships? CWRU, University of Miami and Cornell only award need-based aid, so I must request need-based aid and have to fill CSS profile for them.
I will really appreciate your help.
Sincerely,
Aria