<p>Hey everyone!
I decided to apply to a US university some two months ago and took TOEFL and December SAT (yes, I can only do these once, only once.)
The TOEFL result is ok 110 so I continue to look for appropriate colleges. SAT scores will be available in 5 days I think (when practicing my score is about 2000-2200).
The problem are
1. I have no extracurricular activities at all! If there is any student from mainland China, he/she should know my situation. I have never thought about going to universities in US so like everyone else I just do what is required in school plus a little bit of my own pastime.
My recommendations are solid though. But lack of extracurriculars really hurts.
2. I am hard up for money. So without substantial financial aid I cannot really afford education in US. </p>
<p>Now I'm still looking for a "safety" college</p>
<p>Any suggestions?</p>
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<p>Your financial situation is going to affect choice more than your ECs. You can explain that in your application and any knowledgeable admissions department will be aware of this.</p>
<p>I’m afraid there are no ‘safety’ schools if you’re an international requiring financial help. Sorry. </p>
<p>Have a look on both the International and Financial aid forums. Lots of people are in a similar situation. Your best bet would be a small private college, often linked to a particular Christian faith such as Roman Catholic. Not all of these places expect you to share the same faith, or try to convert you. You also want to choose somewhere your academics are almost ‘too good’ for in order to stand the best chance of a scholarship. Think, ‘big fish in a small pond’.</p>
<p>Have a plan b. Consider going to college at home but trying to get the best grades you can . You can reapply for grad school where funding for foreigners is more generous. Or maybe your Chinese university may have an exchange program with an American college. Good luck!</p>