<p>If you want to expand your region I would recomend very much shools in midwest- Knox, Beloit, Lawrence, Lake Forest. Knox and Beloit have outstanding creative writing programs. Those schools have admission numbers that will get you in, Knox and Lawrence do not ask for test scores unless you want to send it in. Lake Forest is near Chicago and uses Chicago sources like museums, interniships and such.
All of them are good with fin aid and merit scholarships and no, it is not only for straight A students. I found that those schools have very wholesome approach to your application and killer essay will go a long way with those schools. Having a geographic diversity on your side will set you apart and may make you more desirable candidate.</p>