Chances of an immigrant at Harvard?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
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<p>Does harvard look down upon immigrants? or is it a hook?</p>

<p>I immigrated here a year ago and am currently a junior. I've heard that being an immigrant doesn't look good on your resume, specially if you need financial aid. Is that true?</p>

<p>I'm taking all IB classes now, which is hard for me because I came from a completely different school system (and adapted to different learning methods). I'm balancing a job, school work and a few activities, nothing dazzling. My grades are pretty decent, mostly A's. Considering my financial struggles and my immigrant status, is Harvard out of reach for me? </p>

<p>btw, I'm Asian (:P :P :P)
(although I'm pretty sure my nationality in underrepresented at Harvard)</p>

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<p>Are you a US citizen?</p>

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<p>Harvard’s financial aid and admissions are not linked. Admissions are need-blind for all, including international students, and I can’t see why they’d discriminate against immigrants.</p>

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<p>No, that is not true. Harvard’s admissions policy is need-blind. Here is something from their [website](<a href=“http://admissions.college.harvard.edu/apply/international/international_aid.html]website[/url]:”>http://admissions.college.harvard.edu/apply/international/international_aid.html):</a></p>

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<p>No, it is not out of reach - overcoming adversity is admirable in itself and will in no way diminish your chances.</p>

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<p>Quite true; several SE Asian nationalities are underrepresented there.</p>

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<p>I do not believe saf109 was born here; at any rate, that is not what he/she implied in his/her post.</p>

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<p>I’m not a US Citizen. I’m a green card holder though.
I moved here a year ago :P</p>

<p>I’m hoping maybe they won’t judge me too harshly since I haven’t been around here for long. Then again if they prefer US Citizens over permanent residents I’m screwed.</p>

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<p>Thanks everyone!!!</p>

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<p>Quiet your fears. I am a permanent resident as well, and can attest that there is no “preference” given to U.S. citizens; if you were a true international, you would be in a very different situation. In a large number of matters, you will be treated as a citizen, but will simply have to provide documentation of your legal residency (usually a fax of your Social Security and green cards).</p>

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<p>I am an immigrant myself and I got into Harvard Class 2014. I’m currently just a resident but will get my citizenship in a few years. I wrote my essays on how immigrating to the USA from Mexico affected almost every aspect of my life, so in essence, being an immigrant is what I feel got me into Harvard.</p>

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<p>@anisem1991 I feel like that too! I mean I just immigrated a year ago from a completely different part of the world. It’s hard to fit in to the way of life and then immediately to start thinking about colleges and stuff. People who immigrate at my age usually choose to go to community colleges, but I have been fortunate enough not to go through the ESL program.
At least this part got cleared up! now I can focus on other stuff on the apps. Thanks everyone!!!</p>