An international student who needs help.

Paying for College
1

<p>First, I'm new here. After surfing the web, I found here a great place. And if you are convenient, I just need some advice about the college.</p>

<p>Before start, as I'm new here, I'm sorry for any mistakes such as posting at the wrong sections or do inappropriate things. If there are any, feel free to tell me or manage (move) my thread as it is your authority. Also, sorry for my English if it's distracting you.</p>

<p>I'm a grade 12 Thai student hoping to get into US college in the year of 2012. Due to my family's financial situation, I expect I will not spend more than 20000-30000 dollars each year (including personal expense), and hopefully it won't result in a huge indebtedness; which is why my biggest concern is financial aids. Second is the quality of education. Now here's a brief important information:</p>

<p>My intended major : Applied Mathematics (General Mathematics is acceptable.)
GPA: 4.00
Top 1 % in the class.
Did not get to go to IMO, the highest International Olympic one. But got other international mathematics competition awards. (IWYMIC or IMC at gold medal and APMO, Asian-Pacific region competition, at Bronze) Several national awards.
My score on SAT and ACT has not been available yet, so I can only give an estimation after looking on sample tests:
Probably able to get 800 Math SAT I and 800 on SAT II Physics and Math 1 & 2. (At least 700+ in the worst case.)
Although I do pretty well in the English class, I probably get only about 500-650 on Verbal/Writing SAT...</p>

<p>Here's the list of colleges that I think may be right for me.</p>

<p>MIT
Harding University
Columbia University
U of Chicago<br>
U of Penn
Cornell University
Johns Hopkins
Wheaton College (I'm Christian)
St. Louis University
Clark University</p>

<p>Now, my main question is: I don't know what my exact competitive level comparing to most candidates is and whether each college is actually proper for me or not. All I can is spending time surfing the web, but many people here probably know more than that. Please suggest me colleges (includng any safety-net colleges), or comment on any of my list.</p>

<p>Thanks for any help.</p>

2

<p>I would repost this in the International Student and College Search forums since you’re asking more about which schools may be appropriate for your stats/major. If your biggest concern is financial, you will want to select schools that offer aid to international students - either need or merit based. You can find that info on the International Students forum or at the Education USA website.</p>

3

<p>Here is the link to EducationUSA [EducationUSA</a> | Study Abroad, Student Visa, University Fairs, College Applications and Study in the U.S. / America](<a href=“http://educationusa.state.gov/]EducationUSA”>http://educationusa.state.gov/)</p>

<p>There are several advising centers in Thailand [EducationUSA</a> - Find an Advising Center](<a href=“http://www.educationusa.info/Thailand#.TppCBXMyL1k]EducationUSA”>http://www.educationusa.info/Thailand#.TppCBXMyL1k) Contact the one closest to where you live, and make an appointment with the counselors there. They will be able to help you a lot with this process.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

4

<p>Thanks for every help.</p>