<p>Well awards are crucial. But not having them can be compensated through your essays - if you are able to show passion for them.</p>
<p>Either way, applying only to Ivies may not help you as even though your grades/scores are on the upper side - you need that something extra to be confident of getting into any Ivy.
Which is why I suggested Rice, etc. There are a lot of colleges in the US which are just below Ivy/MIT/etc. level but are still great univs with worldwide repute, such as Rice, WUSTL, Vanderbilt, etc - that offer aid to Intn’ls. Even though they have need aware admissions, I’d say you have a better shot at these places than the super competitive Ivies you have mentioned. I feel this is something worth considering.</p>
<p>As far as LACs are concerned, you’ll get a job placement out of college but in USA. You’d probably have to get work experience before moving out to someplace else. Or you could always complete your masters degree from a top univ and make yourself more marketable for jobs?!! :D</p>
<p>Ohh and I keep replying because I was in a similar situation last year!! 
So just trying to help out with the little knowledge I have.</p>
<p>Galiforce is right though - Cornell is need blind but not full need. However, I’d say there’s no harm in trying!!</p>