<p>EFC killed you. Unless Williams or Amherst is need blind for internationals in regular admissions AND for taking kids off the waitlist, I doubt you have a shot. Sorry 
Sucks being poor. Retake the ACT, maybe the SAT next year and work on those ECs. </p>
<p>There’s an inspiring story in the Paren’ts forum about a boy who was rejected from everywhere, took a year off, and got into (i think) MIT. Read it because it may give you some strategies and hope. Also, try talking to Denzera who hangs out in the Columbia forums. I believe he took a year off and reapplied successfully. Best of luck.</p>