<p>Hello everyone! Here is the deal.</p>
<p>I applied to some US universities, but didn't get in. Instead, I got accepted to American University in Bulgaria with a scholarship and I plan to attend (I'm from Belarus). However, this is obviously not my first choice, and I am thinking about transferring.</p>
<p>But there is a problem. Most universities do not give any financial assistance to international transfer students at all (some don't even accept transfers). So it appears that if I obey the rules, I can really apply to only a few colleges/universities, and almost all of them will be at MIT level. I really need financial aid, 'cause even in AUBG I'm on scholarship and wouldn't be able to attend otherwise.</p>
<p>On the other hand, I can apply as freshman and hid the fact that I'm enrolled at a college. That would boost my chances and give me a better choice.</p>
<p>What do you think about it? What are the chances I'll get caught?</p>
<p>Thank you for your answer.</p>
<p>@Pechenka
To me, it does not matter studying anywhere. Actually, Major Area of Interest, Academic level, Careers and also Financial Aid would be very important factors.</p>
<p>As you already mentioned, the most universities (tops) do not offer any financial aid to the international transfer students.</p>
<p>Also, many universities admit very few transfer applicants.</p>
<p>You should consider which university would be a good fit for you.</p>
<p>If you need significant aid in order to study in the US, and you are absolutely hell-bent on studying here, take a Gap Year, make a better list for yourself and reapply. Do not study anywhere during the Gap Year.</p>
<p>If you apply as a freshman to places that would consider you a transfer student, and it is ever discovered, your application could be rejected, you could be expelled from the college/university in question, and a degree that you have completed could be nullified. Yup, things like that do happen every single year.</p>
<p>happymomof1, your advice seems very reasonable. I was thinking about a gap year myself, but my mother is totally against, and I’m still dependent on her, 'cause I’m not 18 yet. Basically, this nullifies most opportunities for the gap year (they require me to be at least 18 years old), and my mother things it will be a waist of time, since I have such a “wonderful” option - AUBG. I can’t even legally leave the country without her and my dad’s permission.</p>
<p>Thank you for the advice anyway.</p>