<p>As an international student, how are my chances affected if another student, a better one, let's say, applies to the colleges I do?
Especially if we're both applying for financial aid.</p>
<p>Eliminate all competition.</p>
<p>You’re competing against other int’l students. </p>
<p>As for F/A…are you applying to schools that are “need blind” for int’ls? Are you applying to schools that can meet 100% of need to internationals?</p>
<p>Hi Sush,</p>
<p>Yes, as international students, we are definitely at a disadvantage. Fair enough though as we are going as foreigners to learn from the great system of education that America offers at college/university level. However, it is important that you are strong WITHIN the pool of international students that apply to a college. I personally think that that is more important than the international versus domestic student debate because each college has a certain percentage of international students in its that rarely goes beyond a certain percentage boundary i.e. 6%-9%. You need to be competitive in the pool that will make up that 6%-9%.</p>
<p>I think the OP must know the answer to that question. In life, simply, there will always be a limited supply of the best things. The person in the strongest position will win the prize.</p>
<p>^^^</p>
<p>Yes, but if the school isn’t “need blind” for internationals, that can also factor in.</p>
<p>Hmmm… but the college I love to death is really not that well known. Why ust another person, whom I know, independently come to the same decision and decide it’s her first choice as well?
Not fair!</p>
<p>Think about your own application, not someone else’s. You have no control over whether someone else applies or not.</p>
<p>^^^</p>
<p>If your first choice college isn’t that well-known, are you sure it gives aid (or much aid) to internationals??? Typically, only the well-known top schools give good aid to internationals?</p>
<p>BTW…the other person may be bothered that you’re applying to his choice. There’s nothing “unfair” about this situation.</p>
<p>Your biggest concern shouldn’t be about someone else; your biggest concern should be whether this choice gives the amount of aid you need. Don’t forget, your family has to demonstrate that it can pay all your costs (education and living expenses) minus whatever small amounts of aid you might get from a lesser known school.</p>
<p>It meets full aid- but only for about 25 internationals a year. and therein lies the problem…</p>
<p>FA is always going to be a problem. It’s definitely harder for internationals as well. I say you should take things as they come and not speculate too much over what could happen. Meeting full aid is extremely difficult but remember, even if this “nemesis” of yours is a better student i.e. a better SAT grade etc, you might still be chosen over him for other factors like a good essay etc. Don’t stress too much.</p>