<p>I have my other colleges decided, but want to decide between these two (Stanford/Brown). Both are need -sensitive for internationals, so I only want to apply to the one that is comparatively known to be more generous. Any insight?</p>
<p>stanford is more sensitive to need. i'm pretty sure about that. the exception of course is if you're a stellar student who stanford really wants. </p>
<p>there are always cases of people being THAT kid that everyone wants. if you're say HYPM material, and if stanford recognizes from your app that other schools might want you, then obviously stanford isn't going to let you go so easily. however, if you're not exceptional (and i can't emphasize the exceptional enough), stanford is going to have a thousand variations of you applying to them, many of them not even asking for financial aid. i come from a country in which tons of people have stanford as their first choice and i can tell you that as an international asking for aid, your competition at stanford will inevitably be tough. so if you're looking for a 'safer' choice then pick brown (unless of course you fulfill the aforementioned exceptionality criteria). </p>
<p>whatever it is, let me share my personal suggestion as a sidenote. if you're applying to a college of brown's or stanford's caliber, then chances are you are a good student with good grades, ECs and stuff. personally i don't think it's prudent to let that go to waste. for what, 70 dollars additional (please remember that this is a one-off investment that may be worth more than almost anything in your life so far) and a bit more time writting one additional app may be a pretty good idea. however, the choice is completely yours but if i find myself in your situation i'd apply to both and see what sort of deal each school cuts me. (though it's only hypothetical, i'm not applying for aid)</p>
<p>Here's some actual data. According to data gathered by Doug Thompson of the Overseas Association for College Admisisons Counseling, the average amount of need-based aid awarded to international students at Brown is $30,163; at Stanford the average is $26,190. Those figures are based on data from 2005-2007. </p>
<p>A few caveats: obviously, all international students will NOT get these EXACT awards. Financial aid is based on your individual family' financial circumstances and need as determined by the respective institutions. Therefore, your award may be greater or smaller, depending on your family's unique situation and how Brown and Stanford (and other colleges) interpret that data. But, these figures do give you an idea of the averages. By the way, the numbers of international undergrad students receiving need based aid at Stanford and Brown were pretty close -- 385 for Stanford, 355 for Brown.</p>
<p>Brown and Stanford are both wonderful schools, but have somewhat different atmospheres and educational approaches. They also are both looking for students who will be a good match with their educational offerings and campus culture. So, I'd suggest you take a close look at the differences between the two, think about what you personally most want out of your educational experience, what you have to offer to each school, and then go with the school that you feel fits you best. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>