<p>I really want to apply to some US colleges, but I'm worried about the amount of money you have to pay just to apply. Application fees, SAT, toefl, a lot of traveling (I can't do any tests or interviews in my hometown) etc. All in all that is most likely going to be over 400 euros which would be okay if I knew that I'd get in somewhere, but if I don't...</p>
<p>We all know it... it's a quagmire.</p>
<p>Ask yourself if you want to study in the USA. If you're not 100% sure then you shouldn't start with the whole process. </p>
<p>Apparently your from Germany, so I'm sure you could get in any university in your home country you want - without filling out any applications or taking standardized test. If you're not absolutely convinced that you want to study in the USA then you'll most likely have a hard time writing all those essays, aware of the fact that you could easily enroll in any German university. </p>
<p>If you WANT to study in America then you shouldn't feel intimidated by the application costs - don't dream your life, live your dreams ;)</p>
<p>Also, if you don't get in somewhere, just think positive. Maybe the 400 euros were "wasted" but you'll safe yourself huge tuition costs ;)</p>
<p>Besides, I'm sure you'll get in a college, you would love to attend.</p>
<p>Thank you for the motivation :)
German universities are good if you get into a small, exclusive course of study, but if you don't want to specialize that early you have more options in the US, I don't think there is anything like "liberal arts" in Germany</p>
<p>400 euros is nothing in the long run. Some of your friends probably spent that much money on cigarettes during the past six months, or on alcohol during the past three. </p>
<p>And it's not a waste. No matter what happens you will always know that you gave it your best shot, and you will never look back wondering what might have been.</p>
<p>I spent close to $700 on application and testing costs. I spent then 2000 on travel and 500 on insurance. That alone is $3,200 and nothing to do with tuition. The tuition I wil not say how much I paid, but I spent $500 on books. I go to a small LAC on the East Coast. My advice is that many costs only apply for the first year (like app. fees and testing) and that will reduce your spending significantly from the 2nd year on.</p>
<p>Ask for a fee waiver from the colleges.</p>
<p>Have you heard of Jacobs University Bremen? It's a great college in your country and it's very similar to the American colleges. You can even study abroad at Rice if you want. Lots of people I know apply to a lot of universities in US and at JUB.</p>