three questions from an international student!

Applying to College
1

<p>hello, i'm looking to study in the US and I have a few questions I'm trying to get answers to on here. can anyone help? ill return the favor!</p>

<p>alright here we go:</p>

<p>1) do more intl. applicants apply to american colleges asking for financial aid or no financial aid?</p>

<p>2) how important is a GPA if one were to apply to top schools (HYPS) without seeking financial aid? cuz mine's kinda bad.... :D</p>

<p>3) what are the key factors to raising one's chances of admission?</p>

<p>thanks a lot and i appreciate it!</p>

2

<p>1) unknown
2) international acceptance rates to the top schools is very small. with a poor GPA, your chances are almost nil. Fin Aid need isn't a consideration in your being accepted/rejected at the very top schools (they're rich enough). However, there are hundreds of US colleges that would still be a positive experience for you.
3) superior GPA in challenging courseload, great test scores, compelling "story"</p>