Find with me a good school with financial aid

College Search & Selection
1

Hey everyone,
I am an international student applying to US colleges and can afford $16-19k per year through a scholarship from an organization because my family’s income can’t afford it as a low income student. What are some good choice universities that would understand my needs and offer some generous aid for a computer science degree I can def adapt to any state so no preferences in locations. If anyone can suggest some colleges that differ in the acceptance rate so I know that I will attend a college this fall as I am currently on a gap year. Thank you :slight_smile:

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I’m not saying “you have to do it,” just sharing my observation when this portal works best: provide as much information about yourself as you can - and feel comfortable sharing. Your academic and other accomplishments would be a good start if you hope for any sensible advice.

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Sure!

  • Demographics: int’l student, public high school for top students, female
  • Intended Major(s): Computer science and probably applying for a minor either in business or arts but not sure about it rn
  • Rank, and Test Scores: my rank is 10%. Due to being int’l and in my country you can barely take that SAT but it’s still not available bc of covid so applying test optional.
  • Awards: 1st one on a national competition that I created on a complete website to improve the education system for kids and nominated by my school.
  • Extracurriculars :
    -Organized and taught two weeks of painting and crafting for deaf children through a funded mini-grant
  • Learnt computer science concepts and languages in a three year program and then became a teacher assistant for two years
    -Founder of the school’s technology chapter and took charge of most of the work
    -Won a funded mini-grant themed as “Reflection of my country” for 20-30 year old women to paint and express more about related issues to history.
    -Participated in other technology projects and competitions
    -Took a 2 years program for learning a language.
  • Essays/LORs/Other: I am nearly done with most of my essays, my common app’s essay is about how i got into computer science and why i find it interesting and some of my supps are about why i few years ago decided to paint even when most of my peers didn’t find it the right path for me and how after years of self-learning I am confident of my art. My recs are from teachers who know me for 3 years inside and outside of the classroom so no worries.
  • Schools : I am considering Trinity college, lafayette, kenyon …

I decided to talk a gap year to solo-travel for the first time of my life.

4

Did you apply to any US colleges last year?

Have you applied/received decisions to any US colleges this year yet?

Do you have any affordable options in your home country/EU/UK?

The 3 colleges you name might work and are worth an app, but they are selective and pricey. For less selective schools look at Illinois Tech, Missouri S&T, U Minnesota Morris, U Utah, U New Mexico, U Arizona.

5

I didn’t apply last year

I applied EA to Wooster and Ed to Lehigh and they both sent me a letter stating that although i am good at academics, they are unable to meet my needs as I did not have the 16-19k fund and my EFC was 0

In addition to applying to US, i am also applying to different countries so it’s fine

6

US schools will require proof of funds, are you saying you have that now and didn’t with the Lehigh and Wooster apps?

If your EFC is zero (how did you calculate that?), how can your family pay $16k-$19k per year for college?

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7

Basically I expected a full ride as they sometimes offer. My parents can afford the health insurance, travel expenses, books which are indirect costs and wrote in my CSS profile that they can contribute 0 as they can’t afford more than that bc the salary range in my country is different than the US’s. I was offered the 16-19k after I contacted an organization that supports students in my country to study in the US after receiving the letters from both institutions

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Got it. It could make sense to contact Wooster and Lehigh and tell them of the $16K-$19K/year investment by that organization. It’s an easy email to send to both AOs. I don’t know if that’s enough to move the needle, but you won’t know unless you ask.

Make sure when filling out the financial aid documents at all schools you apply to that you make it clear how much your parents can contribute (insurance/travel/books=$X) as well as the outside organization’s $16K-$19K/year investment.

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9

Right…these schools are need aware AND require you show proof that the funds are actually available now for your college expenses.

Look at University of New Mexico…it might be affordable.

@WayOutWestMom when is the deadline for the Amigo Scholarship?

In addition, I would strongly suggest you apply to colleges in your home country.

You have a $0 EFC but took a year to travel? Travel isn’t usually free…just saying.

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10

That was an unrealistic expectation from any school that is need aware for international students.

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11

International Amigo Scholarship Program

Deadline: Feb 15

But even with the scholarship UNM will likely come in over the OP’s budget.

UNM COA for internationals:
Tuition & fees: $9942
Housing & meals $10396
Health insurance (mandatory) $4736

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