<p>I came here in search of help. My sister is a high school senior and has thus far done everything necessary to be admitted into college. She has a GPA above 3.9 on a 4.0 scale (unweighted), a ton of community service, and she's been a member in a good amount of extra-curricular activities, loads of AP and honors classes. Her SAT scores weren't as high as she expected (still considered above average scores), but she'll be retaking it in about a week and I'm convinced she'll improve. However, there is one HUGE problem - we're undocumented immigrants. I was in the same situation as her last year and ended up at community college. Community college is not glorious by any means but it's much better than not continuing ones education. However, it is completely disheartening to see people who you beat in every single test you ever took go off on their own and get a good chunk of their education paid for while you have to stay at home. I'm not here to whine or moan about my situation, though. I just want her to end up at a 4-year university. Is this a realistic possibility? Should she be looking at the private schools instead of the public schools since they offer more need-based scholarships? </p>
<p>I committed many mistakes (like applying to only one university; and thinking that I HAD to go to that school) in the process and ended up in CC, I don't want her to settle. I need your help. Thank you.</p>
<p>Yes, there is hope. It would be helpful if you could post some info about your sister (not enough to make it personal - just enough so we can give advice). What are her test scores? I realize she is testing again, but it gives us a reference point. What area of the country are you from? Would she want to remain near home? Since you are already in school, do you know your financial aid EFC? What kind of school does your sister want to attend - Big, small, liberal arts, technically oriented, urban, suburban, rural, artsy, conservative, bigtime sports teams, etc.? What are her interests? What does she think she might want to study?</p>
<p>The more info you can give, the more we can give you some ideas of schools that might work. In general, though, there are opportunities at both public and private schools. Much depends on EFC. If it's 0 or close to 0, the opportunities can be very good for a strong student - you just have to know where to look & you have to be flexible in terms of schools. For example, 2 of my state's best public universities award financial aid in the form of grants and work study only (no loans and all need met) to students with low EFCs. Families will still have to pay any EFC they may have, but the student could borrow unsubsidized Stafford loans to help with that, if necessary.</p>
<p>As you know, you and your sister can't get federal or state aid. So you have to look for private colleges that are willing to give a very generous financial aid package. With your sister's grades and accomplishments, this may be a realistic hope, but you'll have to do a lot of calling around to talk to the financial aid offices at individual colleges. I suggest that you try colleges that meet 100% need (or close to it), that are located in areas where there are likely to be undocumented immigrants applying - that way they may have encountered this situation already and have developed a policy for it.</p>
<p>Your sister is smart enough to get by with scholarships. I have a non-student Visa, so I can't apply for financial aid either. If you live In California or Texas, look up the AB 540 law; it GUANRANTEES college education for ANYONE in the state universities. Also there's LOTS of scholarships that do not require Social Security number; they just ask you to be a high school student. I ahve researched for this kind of scholarships since I cant apply to FAFSA and there's plenty out there! This site might help you too:maldef.org they offered a huge list of scholarships that msot fo them don't require social security.
Please don't feel like your status is an inpediment for your education. Don't feel ashamed of beign a community college; my brother had to do the same because he couldn't afford college without FAFSA. I might even ahve to do the same, but at leas tI have CAL STATES her ein Cali, which are not too expensive and more afforadable.
Do your research and don't be afraid to look for options.
Heck, organize a car wash with your friends. You can raise a couple of hundreds!</p>
<p>OP, aside from financing your education, you and your sister need to start thinking about how you will find a job or support yourself once you graduate. As you know, illegal immigrants cannot legally get a job anywhere in the U.S. Employers do check immigration/citizenship status when hiring. Particularly in this economic climate, it would behoove you to investigate universities in the country of your citizenship, and take classes to become fluent in the language of your citizenship, if you are not so already.</p>
<p>^^^ I would not recommend doing that. Stay here and get the best education you can get. There's a pretty good chance that an amnesty program will be enacted within the next 4 years, just in time for your sister's graduation.</p>