<p>I have three college choices right now arranged according to priority: University of Rochester(this will be tough), Ohio Wesleyan university(has full tuition) and Earlham(Not sure if I will get enough aid in Earlham) (Early action in all and they don't have restrictions as far as I know)
I am in top 5% of my class, expecting SAT score of (2000+), have some volunteering, lots of high school activities( intramural and inter school) and national level drama participation. I also have national level academic award.(AS level Biology topper of country). I am also a guitarist and have videos recorded. I know the stats are mediocre and average at best. Can afford around 10K$ a year.
I am looking for a possible full tuition or full ride though only Rochester provides full ride. Can you guys suggest me other colleges I should look at. Already checked out CTCL. Sorry if that is asking too much. My high school has no idea about US colleges, recommendations, or anything related to US. I have so many exams, essays and have very limited help. College should provide full tuition or ride, suburban preferably, neuroscience and pre med, liberal. I am very flexible so neuroscience and scholarships are my two priorities. Just some suggestions fitting my stats, and I will see if the colleges are a right fit. I have looked at "find a college apps" (college board, cc) but it hasn't been much help. I am sure that I have infinitesimal chances at need blind colleges. I haven't prepared my transcripts and recommendation but will do it in November.(Schools are closed throughout October due to festival) Should I even be looking for full aid with my stats?</p>
<p>Are you applying from overseas for next year? You should have already taken at least one set of standardized tests, if so. Financial aid is very difficult for international students, furthermore. You might see more from Guilford or Whittier, if you are looking at Quaker colleges like Earlham. </p>
<p>@woogzmama
Yup I am an international student. I have taken a gap year and am applying for fall 2015. My standardized test is in October 11.
What do you mean by Quaker colleges? Is it religion oriented? I will check those colleges out as well. </p>
<p>The Society of Friends, popularly known as Quakers, have a long, strong tradition of education with a global outlook. Their schools and colleges generally promote peace, tolerance, and social engagement. They are not “religious” in the way that fundamentalist Christian, or even some Catholic, colleges are. </p>
<p>Earlham has a large percentage of international students, and does well placing students in med schools. If you need assistance the best thing probably is to apply to a number of schools and see what you end up with, understanding the difference between loans and grants. </p>
<p>I would recommend doing some top-level research through one of the larger “College Review books” - I hate admitting this since I don’t like kids using them because the information is often so subjective. But… you can review the top level information. This will require some research but worth your time. Start by looking at colleges where your SAT score is at the 75th percentile or above. See if any of these schools have courses/programs that interest you. Then using google – start digging by searching on each college name and “merit aid” – also look at each school’s website because sometimes they state opportunities right there, other times you have to dig further. One of these schools may want more international students, increased diversity, and if your grades and scores are higher than what is typical for their student body, this can increase your chance of receiving merit aid.</p>
<p>@woogzmama Ohh got it! Thanks!</p>
<p>@maffdad Yeah I am looking at Earlham for the same reasons. But I don’t think Earlham provides full tuition to international students. From what I have researched Earlham’s aid is half tuition. Yup I have learned the difference between loans, grants and need based aid as well.</p>
<p>@Momof2back2back Thanks a lot for the valuable information. Yup researching about colleges is worth the time, and I will get to that as soon as my October 11 SAT is over. I will look at colleges where I am at the 75th percentile or above. Hope I get a good match. </p>
<p>Thanks once again guys.</p>