<p>Basically I'm considering applying ED to Grinnell, but the school website says that applicants interested in the Grinned International Special Scholarships should apply via Regular Decision. So I'm wondering whether it is worth waiting until mid-January to be considered for the scholarship, trading off the ED card. I mean, how competitive, really, is the scholarship? How many scholarships are given? I'd also be more than happy to know about stats of applicants given the scholarships, to get a better knowledge of my chances.</p>
<p>They will simply defer you if you need a lot of aid (as long as they think you’re competitive). However, you are not qualified to receive one of those special scholarships. “International Special Scholarships are designated for students from Africa; Eastern Europe and Eurasia, Latin America, Middle East, and Nepal, as well as a native speakers of Russian (regardless of citizenship).” Are you a native Russian speaker? </p>
<p>So apply ED. But realize that Grinnell does not meet the need of international students who don’t get special scholarships.</p>
<p>I believe Grinnell <em>does</em> meet the demonstrated need of international students. The college just isn’t need-blind in admissions for international students.</p>
<p>Domestic students: Need-blind, full need met.
International students: Need-aware, full need met.</p>
First, could you please clarify the term “Eastern Europe and Eurasia?” I’m not sure what it means. In case it means “Eastern Europe and Eastern Eurasia,” the meaning is still confusing, as Wikipedia offers various interpretations to the term:
[Eastern</a> Eurasia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Eurasia]Eastern”>Eurasia - Wikipedia)</p>
<p>
According to the school’s website at [International</a> Students FAQs | Grinnell College](<a href=“http://www.grinnell.edu/about/offices-services/admission/apply/intlfaqs]International”>http://www.grinnell.edu/about/offices-services/admission/apply/intlfaqs)
“I have high financial need. If I do not win an International Special Scholarship, what percentage of my demonstrated need is likely to be met by Grinnell? Grinnell offers international grants that typically meet between 70% - 85% of your need, as determined by Grinnells review of your CSS Profile.”
I’m not sure whether this means Grinnell won’t meet international applicants’ meet further than 85%. Another way of interpretating this is that the remaining 15%-30% is self-help aid. However, I’ve never heard that Grinnell is full-need for international students. Do you two have proofs or relevant information to clarify this issue? :D</p>
<p>Yes I do believe they have up to $4000 in loans for internationals. They can “gap” you but meet full need if they really like you. </p>
<p>Eurasia is a reference to countries like Turkey, Ukraine and perhaps Russia. Vietnam is in Southeast Asia. Eurasia’s meaning could perhaps be contested if you were from Pakistan or something but Vietnam is a far way from there. Note that you have to attend school in the countries/regions listed above to qualify for the special scholarships. It is not necessary to have citizenship there. End point is that students who attended school in Vietnam are not offered special scholarships.</p>
<p>Also It does NOT say Eastern Eurasia. Eurasia is region that is comprised of the nations that lie between Europe and Asia. This is NOT a reference to distinctively Asian countries like Vietnam. Distinctively Asian countries, like Nepal, are listed in the special scholarship country list SEPARATELY.</p>
<p>Another doubt is that although historically, for high-financial-need students, RD admission tends to result in more decent FA package, the school states that there’s no difference about FA opportunity between ED and RD. Do you think this is the truth, or just a way to attract more ED applicants? :-?</p>
<p>On the other hand, OK, your explanation about Eurasia really makes sense, given they list Eurasia and Nepal separately. However, just to be curious, according to this link from Wikipedia, “Eurasia is a continent comprising the traditional continents of Europe and Asia,” which means Vietnam is one of Eurasia’s countries (and it is indeed listed in the link):
<p>Most students with high need at Grinnell will receive $3500 in loan aid their first year, $4500 in loan aid their second year, and $5500 in loan aid their 3rd and 4th years (a semi-recent policy change from $3000 at all years), along with approximately $2200 in work-study aid ($1100 per semester, which works out to 9-10 hours of part-time work per week). The rest of demonstrated need is generally covered by grants. If your need is high, this will almost always result in you receiving very large grants to cover the difference, which is the primary reason why Grinnell’s average discount rate is, according to the Scarlet and Black ([Grinnell?s</a> discount rate continues upward trend](<a href=“http://www.thesandb.com/article/grinnells-discount-rate-continues-upward-trend.html]Grinnell?s”>http://www.thesandb.com/article/grinnells-discount-rate-continues-upward-trend.html)), the second highest among all institutions that meet full need.</p>
<p>In short, Grinnell’s financial aid is extremely generous. Barring merit scholarships, I don’t believe that even an international student is likely to get better aid at another college.</p>
<p>Edit: Also, you will receive the exact same consideration for financial aid no matter when you apply.</p>
<p>@International95: Actually I did send a message via the website and another email today and am still waiting for the answer :D. However, I think the answer will be that I’m not eligible for the scholarships, tbh.</p>