<p>hmm yeah that’s a really good way of looking at it.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>They are need-blind for US students but not necessarily for international students, it depends on the school. I think Harvard is still need-blind and meets the full demonstrated financial need for international students. I don’t think that is true for Amherst. Each school will tell you on their website what their policy is for international students. Dont assume it is the same as it is for US students.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I don’t think there is an international quota necessarily but I know you’ll be in a different pool of applicants and it will be even more competitive than it is for the US students.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I won’t do it. I look at someone’s stats and then I think about the applicants I personally have known who have been turned down by these schools and I think that the person whose stats I’m looking at won’t get in. But why would I tell them that because what if they are one of the lucky few who will be admitted and I caused them not to apply because of my pessimism? You’ll just have to throw your hat in the ring like everyone else and see what happens.</p>
<p>but I have already applied so surely it won’t matter? The whole process of applying has been a rollercoaster ride of optimism and pessimism!! You won’t make me feel sad by giving a candid opinion!!</p>
<p>Apply for waivers. Explain the situation the way you have here. Some schools will grant a waiver; some will not. Child support is not always an issue; my ex has paid child support the entire time, but my son got a waiver by explaining that they’re estranged and there was abuse in that home. (OTOH, if you’re an international student, that’s more complex; I don’t have experience with that.)</p>