Op lives abroad and certainly wishes he could visit, but that’s just not within the realm of possibility, nor how it works for internationals who need financial aid (they would not be needing financial aid if they could visit).
In addition, for an international who needs a lot of aid, ED is the best bet. Turns 1% odds into 3% (literally).
@DexterTom :
If you’re applying test optional, you need a stellar record (like AAA) AND something they want.
What do you have that they want?
(cricket captain, grand Master chess player, national youth party leader, etc.)