<p>Hi all.
As an international student who wishes to attend a university in the US, I have spent the past month(s) searching for universities that I would like to attend, universities that I feel I would fit in, but that will also accept me as a freshman candidate. First of all, here's a little info about myself: I am a high school senior from southeastern Europe, am interested in studying Economics/Applied Mathematics/Finance, went to a high school where classes were held in English, top 5% of my class etc. However, the costs of education and the costs of living in the US compared to my country are much, much higher, which is why the main factor which decides where I apply is the amount of financial aid that I could possibly receive. Now I do realize that only(approximately) 5% of international students actually get accepted into these universities, but I am still curious, if anyone is willing to share some information on which of these schools might possibly offer me better financial assistance compared to the others?</p>
<p>However, please be aware that beyond the Karsh scholarship, it is very, very difficult-- almost impossible-- to be an admitted international student with aid. International students are considered on a need-blind basis, and international students who need aid are considered in a separate pool.</p>
<p>From the 2011-2012 Common Data Set, only 134 international students were awarded need-based aid. That’s about 34 students a year who were awarded need-based aid-- including Karsh and Mastercard scholars. So be aware that you’re going to need to be pretty darn impressive to be awarded FA as an international student.</p>
<p>However, if you are admitted, Duke will give you a package that meets 100% of need, which is nice.</p>
<p>I have intl friends who were told by the admissions office that if there was any way at all for you to apply w/o aid, to do it, because the chances of admissions are higher. (522 international students in that same CDS.)</p>
<p>I’m sorry, I did mean need-aware. My mistake.</p>
<p>However, the point about it being exceedingly difficult to get ino Duke needing FA still stands, anecdotally after hearing from intl students and the issue of FA. The issue has slightly improved since the gift from the Karshes, in that more money was dedicated to intl FA. You definitely have a chance-- like all students-- that Duke will meet full need (or even give you one of those full-ride merit scholarships), but you’ll need to be among the top thirty-five or forty or so international students in that pool of those who need FA.</p>
<p>In Duke’s email, it says the admission rate for international students who are applying FA is 5 per cent, compared to the general admission rate of 12%. It is extremely difficult to get accepted… But don’t give up hope:)
I heard from my friend that Northwestern is not that generous in international FA, but I’m not really sure
Btw, MIT is also need blind to international students.</p>