<p>Hello - I'm an international student accepted to Columbia College, which I am attending starting fall 2006. I have a small dilemma - Columbia College's policy with regards to international students is that if an applicant demonstrates need for financial aid, his or her application will be read in a more selective process. Hence I did not apply for financial aid as I did not wish to jeopardise my chances. </p>
<p>Further, Columbia's policy is that an international student accepted without financial aid will not receive financial aid for the entire four years. My family cannot afford to pay for my entire undergraduate education without resorting to extreme measures like selling the house, and so I've decided that a good way out of this situation is to transfer in fall 2007.</p>
<p>I've decided to apply for transfer to Harvard, Yale, and UPenn</p>
<p>My question is: how strong/valid is such a reason for transferring to Harvard? Do I need to demonstrate some sort of extreme accomplishment/genius? I know it is very difficult to be admitted as a transfer. I'd really appreciate any other help you could give me on transfers : )</p>