<p>Pomona is need-blind for all students who graduate from high schools in the US. This was mainly intended for undocumented immigrants, but serves students like you as well.</p>
<p>Your application will be read by an admissions officer who knows your high school, so you will firstly compete in the context of your school. Your international status is discussed while divvying up the financial aid budget. I don’t think you should apply ED to Richmond. Although I discourage people from playing games with ED, it can really help internationals. From my experience and from what I know, there are schools that consistently defer internationals who apply early and for aid (such as Kenyon and, perhaps, Richmond), but certain schools, like Middlebury, Vassar, Trinity College and some others have shown a certain proclivity for admitting internationals in early decision. This is something you need to think about. If you really love a school, you should go ahead and apply ED, but you should also think about whether or not you are a good fit and whether or not the school likes to admit internationals in ED.</p>
<p>I also recommend you strongly consider Reed. It’s not necessary to apply ED, but only a handful of internationals apply early and for aid every year (4-5), and about 2 are admitted. These odds are much better than the 8% in RD. Reed, however, isn’t for everyone, and you should research the school before you even consider applying because there are lots of schools you could apply to and you will, I assure you, have to create a list very meticulously. Another school I recommend that you look into is Hamilton. This school loves internationals who apply ED, and as long as you have good grades, great essays and good test scores, it shouldn’t be nearly as hard to get in ED as it is in RD. </p>