United World Colleges Applying Direct

<p>Hi everyone! I applied to the UWCs last year, and didn't get in (I'm a junior from the US). I want to apply again this year, but I was also thinking about applying direct to the three schools that let you (SEA, Waterford, and Maastricht). I was wondering if anyone had done this or knows anyone who did? I was thinking that maybe the application process would be easier? I'm honestly not even sure if US applicants are allowed to, because the website is very confusing about it. I've email the UWCs and haven't gotten a response yet. I realize that it would definitely be different to apply directly versus a through national committee (I couldn't get scholarships, etc.), but I think that anything that would help my chances of getting into a UWC is worth a try. Any input?</p>