Hi everyone. I am 23 years old. I passed my 12th grade in 2013. In 2015 I started attending college. But I didn’t like my experience and my family was in financial hardship at that time. So in 2016 I dropped out. I had to work to keep thing rolling. It wasn’t possible for me to attend college due to financial reasons. But I think I got the credentials to attend a college and obtain a degree. I was a academic top achiever most of my 12 years study but for some unfortunate circumstances I could not carry out my education further. Now I am approaching 23, I feel like starting my higher studies again. I work as a private tutor and saved up an amount that will cover application process of 4-5 colleges including the SAT tests. I intend to take the SAT exam and one or two SAT subject test (physics or Math level2).
What are my chances to get into a US college with full funding. Because on financial terms, I will never be able to pay the tuitions of 4 year college. Is age a barrier that will hinder my chances of getting into a US colleges? What are the scholarships I should target for. I am hoping for a guideline from folks who can help me with valuable information and suggestions. It will be a huge help. Thanks in advance.
Farhan
International students need very, very strong credentials to get a full ride to a US college. I assume you are an international from your post. Age isn’t really a big issue. But your previous college experience (transcripts included) must be provided to US colleges when you apply.
What are your options in your home country?
If you are international, as well as a transfer student, that is the most difficult situation of all to find financial aid here. It will be almost impossible to get enough aid. Check the websites of AMIDEAST.org and EducationUSA.state.gov to find the advising center closest to where you live. The counselors there can help you determine what is possible.
Is community college a good option? Is it worth the money and time?
Are you in the US now? If so, then your own local CC is probably your best option for restarting your studies. Bring your transcript from your first university or college when you met with the admissions counselor, and discuss your options.
If you are an international student, there won’t be any scholarship money for a CC, and your chances for significant aid whn you do transfer will still be bad.
I think that people need more information to give useful advice.
What can you afford?
How strong are your stats (GPA and test scores)? How far have you gone in school? Do you have some college courses? What is your major?
What country or countries do you have citizenship or permanent residence in?
I don’t consider your age to be an issue at all. Finances are more likely to be an issue, or perhaps “the” issue.
My secondary and Higher secondary results are pretty good. I am from Bangladesh. My secondary and Higher Secondary Results are pretty good, Actually, it is the highest possible result one can get. I scored GPA 5 out of 5 from Science stem with A+(highest grade achievable, from 80/100 marks and above) including all the science subjects (mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology). I am currently considering applying abroad since opportunities here in my home country is getting scarcer every day because of my turbulent life. I am considering Germany, England, USA, and Russia amongst many other options. I intend to take the SAT and two SAT subjects tests. I am confident I will be scoring above average in these tests. But I don’t think they will be sufficient enough. So I will be pushing my boundaries to as best as I can score on these tests to stand a chance.
My College experience was awful because I didn’t like what I was studying their namely Economics and Public Health. At that point, my family’s financial condition was getting worse. So it affected my results aswell. I am not really interested in applying as a transfer student. I want to start from the beginning. So I will be applying as a freshman. I think I need to take the SATs first and after getting my score I shall decide whether to go for US college or not. I think this is perhaps the right place to get answers of my queries.
You don’t seem to understand – it is NOT YOUR CHOICE if you apply as a freshman or as a transfer. You need to understand the rules and follow the procedures set forth by each college. You cannot pretend that your prior college record does not exist. You are REQUIRED to send transcripts from any school you attended. If you don’t you risk having any acceptance, any scholarship rescinded and possibly being expelled from the country.
It sounds to me that you are a transfer student.
I wonder if you posted under the non traditional student forum if you could get more advice. But Happy1 is right that you can’t just pretend that you don’t have a partial college transcript.
If I apply as a freshman not mentioning my previous 6 months at a University and demonstrate the reason behind my leave from the studies, will it suffice?
See post #7.
If you studied one semester in any country, you never will a freshman again in US College system. In other countries if you start a new degree o you change university, can start from first semester, you are considered a freshman again, in US not.
You will need to provide an official transcript from your first university. You also will probably be required to have that transcript formally evaluated for equivalence. All colleges and universities that I know of in the US accept evaluations performed by www.WES.org
Depending on the number of credits you are considered to have, it is possible that some colleges and universities here might allow you to apply as a freshman applicant. However, that is something you need to address directly with each of the admissions offices.
You’re not getting it. That’s called lying. A huge no-no in the US university system. The admissions application has you electronically sign that you are being truthful on your application. If you defraud the universities, you are at risk for a number of infractions including never entering the US.
You are not ALLOWED to apply as a freshman.
If you ignore this and try to enter as a freshman, the college will find out. They always do.
Once that happens, you will be expelled and your record will be red flagged for other universities in the university clearing house system. No university will accept you.
You will also be charged for any expenses that a university has provided to you.
The consequences are dire.
You may not be caught by the school. You may be thinking it’s very remote that a random East Asian uni will connect with your US school. But they may.
But you will be caught in any case.
Someone who you’ve angered. Someone who is envious perhaps future ex wife or partner. A friend who has an ax to grind. Someone. And it may not be when you’re in school.
But when you are up for a big job or political appointment.
And also you will have displayed the type of personal character that will follow you throughout life. You will have it as a lingering doubt like a cloud that follows you. When you counsel your children you will be a fraud.
You are better than this I would hope.
And there are so many great US schools that would be open to your story and what you can add as a student. Focus on the positives. That you will bring with you a superb effort level forged by your experience. It may not be a top 50 USNWR school. Who cares. That’s marketing not results. Find the school that wants you and the. Go prove them right.