<p>I just received my financial aid package from Cornell University and they don't offer me any aid. I'm an international student and I know that Cornell is very stingy in funding internationals but it's really frustrating anyway. </p>
<p>Cornell has always been my frist choice, so I was really excited when I received a likely letter and, later, the official acceptance. But since our family income is very low, I knew that I wouldn't be able to go without some financial aid. I was prepared to do on-campus work, I was prepared to pay a significant part and I was prepared to contract debts, but paying the full amount is impossible.</p>
<p>Right now, I'm in a very difficult situation. I got rejected by all other colleges I applied to (except for Trinity University: waitlisted).
I think it is very unfair that - although decision are NOT need-blind - they raise someones hopes just to tell him some time later that he won't be able to afford it. I think that everyone should have the possibilty to go to his/her dream school irrespective of financial issues. </p>
<p>Do you have any suggestions what I could do now? Would it make sense to appeal the fin aid decision? </p>
<p>Sulipro, I'm in THE EXACT position u are in. I'm even German, (only diff is that I live in Africa.) If you got any pointers on what to do please let me know.
And Simba how does the appeal process go??</p>
<p>Are there still chances to apply to any German schools??</p>
<p>Yes Kui, you can still apply to every German school. I think admission deadline is around June or July...</p>
<p>@simba: Of course, I still have the chance to go to a German University, but that's not the same. University life is totally different and, above all, it's my dream to study in the US and to work and live there afterwards and I don't want to give it up just because of this **** financial aid.</p>
<p>This would be a good life lesson for you. You can't expect to realize all your dreams. There are hundreds of kids on this board who are facing the same situation as you and are finding new dreams. My dream was to retire few years ago, but because of money (or lack of it) I still have to work.</p>
<p>sulipro, I do hope something works out for you. But you did know when you applied, that Cornell is not very generous in finaid to international students. I know there is always the hope that YOU will be the exception, but Cornell does not give much money to international students. Lots of US schools give NO money to international students. Try to figure out an alternate way. Do you have relatives here in the states who you might be able to live with...and attend community college for two years?</p>
<p>No, I don't have any relatives in the US.
Well, I knew that Cornell is not that generous but I think it's just unfair to accept applicants that definitely need financial support just to tell them that they won't be funded in any way.
Of course, life goes on, but it's a depressing experience anyway. I think I'll accept the spot on Trinity's waitlist and hope that it works out.</p>
<p>"Well, I knew that Cornell is not that generous but I think it's just unfair to accept applicants that definitely need financial support just to tell them that they won't be funded in any way."</p>
<p>LIfe isn't fair and you aren't entitled. Does your family pay any US taxes? Contribute to Cornell? Where did you think the money was coming from? Other families, that's who. Perhaps you should worry about fair in your own country and have expectations of your fellow citizens and own government. As was pointed out to you, you knew what the story was when you applied.</p>
<p>Sorry zoosermom, but that's an unbelievable stupid and short-sighted comment (not to mention the implied xenophobia). </p>
<p>And yes, as a student you pay taxes to the US government. Ever thought about sales tax?! Furthermore, I think there are quite a few US students studying in Germany without paying German income taxes but I don't mind since there are also German ones in the US.
A significant part of Cornell's endowment comes from alumni donations...so former students donated it. I think every international student that receives financial aid is willing to support Cornell in the future.
And yes, I do have expections of the German government and they are fully met. German education costs 1000$ per year. Seems fair to me. But that's beside the point.</p>
<p>"Sorry zoosermom, but that's an unbelievable stupid and short-sighted comment (not to mention the implied xenophobia). "</p>
<p>You know nothing about me to make that statement (I happen to BE German) and brats aren't a race of people. Your posts were entitled, whiny and spoiled. Take your entitlement to the people who actually do owe you something or else get a better grip on reality. Smart internationals are a dime a dozen. I live in NYC and see many who understand the reality of the circumstances and work hard to make sure they contribute to their own educations and they are a blessing to our country. If this was a surprise to you, I'd have some sympathy, but knowing full well there was no money to be had what could you have been thinking? If things are so peachy in Germany, why not stay there and live your dreams?</p>
<p>I do not like the tension in this thread, but I am compelled to post.</p>
<p>The US is a nation of immigrants. Enough said. My parents are naturalized US citizens, and I, like them, believe that the US is the land of opportunity. Why shouldn't an international expect aid from a US university? If they're good enough to be accepted, they deserve some aid. That's my opinion.</p>
<p>You should definitely consider appealing to Cornell for some financial aid. At this point, you have nothing to lose. They might be convinced to give you aid. Write them a sincere letter explaining your financial circumstances as well as your deep interest in attending Cornell. Explain to them the immense opportunities you will have at Cornell compared to that in Germany. </p>
<p>I believe that words can sway them to reconsider your financial awards.</p>
<p>Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>I just might see you at Cornell in the fall. Oh, and you can be assured that many Americans have more tact when addressing strangers.</p>
<p>I believe that by law, U.S. colleges don't have to be need-blind towards foreign students. </p>
<p>Anyway, if European universities treated Americans as well as their own citizens, there would be a flood of bright American students going to all the top European schools. </p>
<p>Maybe their should be a treaty among the U.S. and a few European nations that citizens of each country should be treated as locals for university admissions and financial aid.</p>
<p>Kind of like the New England Regional Student Program, which lets -- for example -- New Hampshire residents go to UMass without paying out-of-state tuition.</p>
<p>Thank you for the advice aurieme. I'll write them a letter immediately.</p>
<p>@zoosermom: "You know nothing about me to make that statement" I didn't say anything about you as a person, I said something about your post. My answer might have been quite offensive but be sure that I didn't want to insult you. Anyway, I totally disagree with your statements. But I think this thread is not the place to discuss this.</p>
<p>sulipro: as zoosermom says, most Universities in US are Tax supported (sales tax a student pays is peanuts). Private Universities rely on endowment given to them by the PAST students. Many private Us do give aid to internationals because they believe that having very bright young internationals will enrich the student body.</p>
<p>Cornell did not think that you were that good. You were good enough to be admitted, but not THAT Good. In their opinion you were B+, not A+.</p>
<p>"Anyway, I totally disagree with your statements. But I think this thread is not the place to discuss this."
Disagree away. The fact is that you knew what you were up against and were too entitled to work with those facts and make a situation work for yourself. You felt compelled to whine about "fairness" instead of taking action for yourself. Xenophobia has nothing to do with adamantly disagreeing with someone's personal point of view. Most internationals don't have a sense of entitlement. You do. I have a problem with that. Now if you want to know how you can work to make your dreams possible, I'm completely on your side. But to be handed something? No.</p>
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And yes, I do have expections of the German government and they are fully met. German education costs 1000$ per year.
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<p>Holy (*&)(. I didn't notice this from before. There's gotta be plenty of schools in Germany that are just as prestigious as Cornell and just as much fun.</p>