Hi! I have two specific questions regarding this topic: firstly, how much does applying as an international student benefit one’s application? Namely, as a student from Pakistan. Secondly, does being an international student affect financial aid? If so, how and to what extent? I read in a chance thread on here that being an international student and needing full FA could put that individual “at a large disadvantage” and so was concerned. Thank you!
- Applying from Pakistan is affected by your countrymen's competitiveness if you are all applying to the same schools. Having money to pay tuition would help.
- Asking for financial aid limits your admissions because you need full aid. There are only a handful of schools who have that kind of money, and they are super hard to get into, and even harder to get aid.
There is no benefit. Or put another way, the “benefit” is negative. For the more selective schools, assume that the international acceptance rate is about half the overall rate.
Depends on the school. Again, less important at the more selective schools.
@“aunt bea” is correct.
Majority of FA will require U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident status (greencard). FA for an internatoinal student is rare and usually in small amount compare to tuition.
Needing ANY FA most likely will put that individual at a LARGE disadvantage. Boarding schools are not as rich as colleges. There are little federal support too. Consider that the schools are buying their very expensive extra qualification, be that talent or diversity, with their very limited fund.
Thank you so much @“aunt bea” , @skieurope , and @SculptorDad for your replies!