Financial aid for non-us residents

Paying for College
1

<p>I need suggestions for resources (web sites, books etc.) on financial aid for people in my situation that I can go through. Following is the pertinent information about me. </p>

<p>I currently have an H-4 dependent visa. The green card application is still being processed. I cannot work legally. What research I have done indicates that there is little financial aid offered to those who are not US citizens or permanent residents. I welcome you to correct me on that.</p>

<p>As far as I know most college scholarships are reserved for US citizens and permanent residents. The College Board scholarship book has only about 10 to 12 scholarships for international students like me. Most of which are for those who want to pursue journalism or those who are residents of Texas. Both of which I am not. I do not qualify for FAFSA.</p>

<p>I have talked to my guidance counselor about this - she was impressed that I did my homework and basically told me exactly what I talked about earlier. </p>

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<p>But I know there has to be a way and that I just need to find it. I am willing to put any of my strengths(listed below) to get some aid. If you know about any means (scholarship or otherwise) please pass on the information to me.</p>

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<p>Additional information about me:</p>

<p>Ethnicity : Asian (Indian)
Grade: 11
Grades:
3.77 unweighted GPA and a 4.77/6 weighted GPA. Mostly A's and 1 or 2 B+'s. </p>

<p>Classes:
All Honors and AP except Math. I have taken Environmental Science, Biology and currently am taking Chemistry. I will be taking Physics and AP Chemistry senior year. Math: Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 and currently taking Trigonometry. Will take Calculus AB and AP Stats senior year. </p>

<p>Extra Curricular Activities/Classes:
I am currently a Blue Belt in Taekwondo. I am a news columnist for my school newspaper, all my articles have been published front page. I am a member of my Model UN and Environmental Clubs. I was a part of Science League-Environmental Science last year. I took Choir freshman year, Engineering Design sophomore year, and am currently taking Advanced Engineering Design. </p>

<p>Community Service:
210 hrs so far. I plan on getting more.</p>

<p>Skills/Hobbies:
I play the guitar and keyboard.
I sketch and write poetry.
I am very good with computers:
I am proficient in using Microsoft Office 2010, Google Drive.
I have blogging and website creating experience.
I am proficient with the AutoCAD software.
I have Multi-Media Experience with Windows Live Movie Maker, Windows Live Photo Gallery and YouTube Videos.
I occasionally use the Correl Paint software and my tablet to sketch as well.</p>

<p>Societies that I am a part of:
The National Society of High School Scholars
The People to People Ambassador Program</p>

2

<p>You may need to look at the schools that either give FA to int’ls or give large merit to int’ls.</p>

<p>When will you get your green card?</p>

<p>Are you low income? How much can your family pay towards college each year?</p>

3

<p>Is there any chance your permanent resident status will be processed within the next year (before January of your senior year in high school)? If so, you will be able to apply for federally funded aid. But you need to realize that federally funded aid includes a $5500 Direct Loan, and whatever portion of the $5600 Pell grant to which you are entitled. It could also include grant aid offered by your state to residents. OT will not likely cover the full cost of attendance at a residential college.</p>

<p>There ARE some colleges that offer merit aid to international students. I know University of Alabama does. You might want to check the stickie at the top for guaranteed merit awards. See if they apply to international students, and see if you qualify for any.</p>

4

<p>Those last two items you post should not go on a college app. anywhere.</p>

<p>If you have any idea where you want to go, look at the websites and you will get lots of answers.</p>