<p>thank you so much for responding. i think that i should probably try to really let the admissions committee see my financial situation, and i want them to know that this is why i haven't had that many opportunities. like i wanted to do habitat for humanity and all this other stuff that costs money to fly to and stuff but i just couldnt do it. i couldnt even do violin workshops this year. i have gotten advice in the past that i should definitely let them know my situation and make it very clear.</p>
<p>i havent researched brown very much but i am starting to and i'm not sure if i like it that much... however i love cornell. i have never visited, but we live in the midwest and it would be almost impossible for me to go there. but i think that if i love a school that much i will be able to handle the rural-ness if everyrthing else about the location is great. is this right?</p>
<p>Yes and it's less rural than some people think from what I hear. There is a giant student body that creates many things to do and Ithaca isn't half bad. When I went up there I got the feel that the student body makes lots of opportunities for you to make friends and experience things, but that it also felt like you WOULDN'T get lost in the crowd. You just have so many opportunities at Cornell. If you love Cornell then apply ED. You have to make sure to REALLY REALLY show ur love for Cornell in ur essays and such. Don't just say it, make them feel it in their hearts and minds that u r great for Cornell. Cornell looks for people who fit with the college and who really want to go there (especially during ED) so make sure to express this. Since you live far away I'm sure they won't penalize you for not visiting (and w/ ur finances). So Good Luck!</p>
<p>ps. What state do you live in? Certain ones could help ur chances</p>
<p>i wish i could visit cornell so i'd have a lot more "love" to show in my essays but i love it so much just from looking at the viewbook and hearing great things about it and researching, and the very high acceptance rate to medical schools....</p>
<p>i actually got a 35 on the ACT, and I got a 620 on the SAT II Biology, not a 650. :( i know, i'm going to take it again... I hope it goes up... I don't think this will significantly raise my chances at all or lower them. just wanted to clear something up.</p>
<p>If you are going to need financial aid, and it appears that you will, it is not a good idea to apply early decision. You just don't know what kind of package a school will give , and you will not be able to compare with other offers when you do this. Even though you can back out of a commitment for financial reasons, doing so is a pain in the neck, and you may not get any more from the other colleges depending on your specific situation. This is even with colleges that guarantee 100% of need. They define "need", not you.
You should be looking at some schools with merit awards and where your stats will give you favorable financial packaging. Anyone who needs a lot of aid should have a few financial safeties on the list along with admissions safeties.</p>