<p>I’ve been looking at colleges like UPenn (in-state), UVA, GW, USC (born and raised in Cali),</p>
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<p>Out-of-state publics aren’t likely to give you significant aid, so UVA and USC probably wouldn’t be affordable for you.</p>
<p>???</p>
<p>USC is not public…it’s private. And both USC and UVA give great aid.</p>
<p>That said, as an Asian male, I do think you need to raise your scores for a better chance at ivies that give great aid. </p>
<p>UPenn is private, so it doesn’t matter that you’re “instate”. </p>
<p>That said, since PSU (your instate flagship) is rather awful at aid and merit (most merit is like $5k per year for Shreyers)…you need to apply to a few other FINANCIAL safety schools where your stats will give HUGE merit.</p>
<p>Can I ask you…are your parents self-employed? If so, some of these CSS Profile schools can be brutal with expected family contributions from the self-employed. </p>
<p>Also, your FAFSA EFC will be based on income and savings/investments/etc…not just income…so if your parents are pretty good savers, then you could have a highish EFC.</p>
<p>Run a FM and a IM aid calculator…do both methods.</p>
<p>[FinAid</a> | Calculators | Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and Financial Aid](<a href=“Your Guide for College Financial Aid - Finaid”>Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Calculator - Finaid)</p>
<p>Football, Wrestling, Track athlete</p>
<p>I see that you don’t want LACs…do you want schools with big team sports to watch?</p>
<p>What is your major?</p>
<p>How much would your parents contribute? Ask them. :)</p>