<p>@aunt bea Let me clarify that I was not referring to US first generation students when making the generalisation that first generation are unfamiliar with American standardised exams. Int’l students are very often unacquainted with the US education system – unless your parents (or you) have intensively researched the requirements for entering a US university, you probably wouldn’t be too familiar with SATs and APs. Of course, some first generations (such as myself and OP) have taken the initiative to find out about the US system, but I can say from personal experience that it is a difficult and independant process – something that would require immense effort and motivation. Just as Canadian first generations may be familiar with their national education system, I have no doubt that most American first generations know what APs and SATs are too.</p>
<p>I am very unfamiliar scholarship funds and whatnot in California. I do have many friends who pay exorbitant fees to attend Berkeley, but only one or two who have been able to enroll because of scholarships. I am sure that you know the system better than I do, so perhaps OP and I have some misunderstandings.</p>