Do I have a chance as an International Applicant that needs aid?

Student Lounge International Students
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<p>@momrath Thanks for the in-depth answer! I have one last question. I know I put “International,” in my original post, but I’m currently undocumented. Will I still be competing for international spots, or is this on a case-by-case basis? </p>

<p>I put Amherst first since need doesn’t really factor in their decision. I thought I would have a better chance, since most of the other schools on my list are need-aware. That’s also why I am applying there ED. Is the whole need blind thing not that big of a deal? I’ve heard that acceptance rates for internationals at need-aware schools are incredibly low; is the whole need blind thing really not that big of a deal? </p>

<p>@paul2752 I’d like your opinion on this as well. </p>

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<p>@Rathination,
FA and admission policies for undocumented students depend on each schools. Some schools don’t even accept undocumented students. Amherst will treat you as an international student, while Pomona will treat you as a citizen student. :-)</p>

<p>You need to ask other schools whether they accept undocumented students or give any kind of financial aid</p>

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<p>America’s relationship with undocumented immigrants is evolving fast, andI expect the colleges’ policies are also in a state of flux. You really need to check one by one to get a clear and current understanding each school’s position. I think that going forward, we’ll see more schools like Pomona that classify undocumented students who graduate from US high schools in the same category as US citizens, but for now the policies are all over the place, both for admissions and financial aid.</p>

<p>If you are considered a US citizen, then you’re in good shape for need based aid, and in some cases, for merit aid. If you don’t know which colleges classified undocumented immigrants as citizens, perhaps you could start a separate thread asking the question.</p>

<p>At school that consider you an international, need blind is not the most critical factor. What you want to know is, if you are admitted, will the college guarantee to meet full need? Barring that, look for schools that, though they do not guarantee to meet full aid, are known to be generous to internationals that they admit. </p>

<p>Most schools have a target percentage of internationals in their student bodies, for most LACs, around 7 to 10%. The number of internationals admitted as a percentage of the number of international who apply is widely variable. Some are more competitive than others for Asians, simply because they get more Asian applicants. This would include big name universities and schools or in or near big cities. The 6 schools who advertise that they are need blind to internationals have become increasingly popular.</p>

<p>Look at the figures for Amherst’s class of 2017:
Total admissions was 1109. Of those,124 were internationals, 11% of the total admitted. The admission rate for internationals alone was 7%. These are tough numbers, even without factoring in the ambiguity of being undocumented. That doesn’t mean you won’t be one of the lucky few; it just means that competition is fierce.</p>

<p>So my advice is as above: Forget need blind, concentrate on schools that are generous to internationals. Call admissions offices to ask about their policy toward undocumented applicants, especially those that graduated from U.S. highschools. Look for schools that have strong math/physics departments. Look in areas that get fewer South Asian applicants. Apply to as many as you can competently handle.</p>

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<p>like u of alabama, howard U</p>

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<p>@momrath and @paul2752‌ </p>

<p>Thank you so much for the advice. It really helps. I emailed Amherst, and they consider me as a Domestic applicant because I went to high school here. That should make things a little easier for me. I’ll do the same with other schools as well. </p>

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<p>Oh good!</p>

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<p>@Rathination, that’s very good news from Amherst. Let us know what you find out from your other schools.</p>

<p>I’m sure you’ve given Amherst your best shot. It’s still important to have your other applications ready to go while you wait for the decision. </p>

<p>I would suggest you do some adding and refining to your original list. As @MYOS1634 suggested add Carleton, Davidson, Grinnell. I have a hunch that Williams would be responsive to you, though I believe you would still fall in the international category.</p>

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<p>@momrath @paul2752‌ </p>

<p>I was deferred at Amherst ED. Thanks for you suggestions. I added them to my list and I’ll apply to them.</p>