Hello, I’m an international student with above average essays, recs, ECs and ok stats(31-32 ACT and around 3.7-8 UW). The problem is that my family contribution is about 25-30k a year, not including personal expenses. So I will be needing quite a lot of aid. Is it worth it to apply? Do you think I can get the aid I need, or should I not even bother paying for submitting the app and sending scores? Thank you!!
Yes, definitely apply! You can always worry about financing once you get in. More options are always better 
@NYCGirl33, international students get very limited aid and generally cannot get aid AFTER they are admitted.
Most international students are full pay.
@auntbea yes, I understand that, but you can always apply and then decide if the aid is enough after. No harm done!
@NYCGirl33, how will they pay for the 2nd year if financial aid will not fund them in the 2nd year?
@upandup, apply to schools where your stats will give you merit money for all four years. These may not be “well-known” schools, but they might help you financially.
@NYCGirl33 @“aunt bea” According to Barnard’s website, the college is “need aware” for international students and international students must apply for financial aid at the time they apply for admission or they will not be eligible for FA for the entire time at Barnard. What this means is that it is considerably harder for an international student needing financial aid to be admitted. On the other hand, they do commit to meet the full need of any admitted international student.
If you need financial aid to attend, by all means apply for it. Otherwise you will have no way to finance your time there. Just be aware of the increased competition. It’s the same at most other colleges.