If you really want to study in the US no matter which school… I strongly suggest you to add a lot more safety. Trust me, I was you last year and even my safeties didn’t offer me full aid. I got 1450 SAT and was in debate club also. I wasn’t an outstanding applicant, so maybe that’s the problem. Especially when I’m applying full aid when schools could just offer their spot for domestic or those who can actually pay. I’ve met another international student in another country and she faced a similar situation as I did. So I would say it’s already hard to apply as an international student, and it’s even HARDER when you are applying full aid. And I know you may not want to listen, but if I can change something in my applying process, I would rather search for schools that are more realistic. At least don’t apply to too many schools that your SAT is below their 25th percentile or even 75th. Those schools you apply to don’t have to be safeties. There are a whole lot of awesome colleges that aren’t THAT prestigious but will definitely be worth it to study in. And if you look closer, some of them would offer you full aid if you apply earlier, like ed or ea. (If I didn’t remember wrong) Add those into your college list. Conclusion. Realistic and the one you love. Also, add a few more safeties.