<p>You all might be aware of the recession in the US. So do the colleges cut on the scholarships now? Does anyone know what happened in the last recession? I'm really worried :(</p>
<p>The recession has been on since 2008 lawl. And yes while it doesnt influence the policies of the need blind schools which I think by and large havent reduced their foreign intake, the other schools are definitely much stingier with financial aid.</p>
<p>I meant the debt crisis in the USA has come back again, not the recession. Damn this recession!</p>
<p>Anyways, the debt-ceiling deal ‘crisis’ should make no difference to their financial aid budgets for this year, at least.</p>
<p>Also, please pick up an introduction to economics textbook. If you don’t have time, browse through a few Krugman op-ed pieces on NYT.</p>
<p>Hope that helped. :)</p>
<p>Most schools set a target total for finaid well in advance of the next admissions season. Many tried, post-2008, to maintain prior levels or increase slightly, knowing that many of their students’ families had suffered. At the same time, some previously “need blind” schools took a detour into a few years of “need aware.” What we cannot answer is: who gets priority, a needy US kid or intl? There are so many factors that go into putting together a freshman class and funding individual students. But, OP can call and ask what the school thinks it’s aid policy might be for intls, in the coming year.</p>
<p>@iamthebist: You are right to the extent that as a fall out of 2008, many colleges have indeed pulled back on international funding. This makes it that much harder for someone who needs aid to get into college, as a lot of colleges are now using your ability to pay as a deciding factor.</p>
<p>A good way to find out how likely your financial status will affect admissions for ‘need aware’ schools is taking a look at the college’s international aid page, and seeing how the phrase their terms. Some have phrases like “limited funding” and “very competitive”. You want to avoid these if you’re looking for big grants. </p>
<p>Others are more along the lines of “finances are not a criteria”, “well funded”, “the college invests in the best and brightest”. These are the ones to go for.</p>
<p>Of course, this requires you put in some effort and navigate the websites of all the colleges you’re interested in…which can sometimes be quite painful. Anyway, good luck :)</p>