<p>@finifugal - I’m just another applicant(i.e. applying this year). Till now I have only received acceptances from my safeties UIUC & Drexel. Though won’t be attending there unless I get a good amount of Scolarship $$ !! Waiting on decisions from the Ivies & Northwestern(and I’m sure to get rejected!! 
)</p>
<p>Anyway - nope, being dedicated towards the community is as good an EC as any. Even though it helps to have ECs related to your prospective major - they aren’t necessary if you can adequately use your essays to explain your love for that particular major. </p>
<p>Also use this as a reference for how generous different schools are with their aid:-
[Schools</a> Awarding International Financial Aid](<a href=“http://www.internationalstudent.com/schools_awarding_aid/]Schools”>Schools Awarding International Financial Aid)</p>
<p>[note: Use the browse by state option… ]</p>