How hard is it to get into U.S. colleges as an international student?

Student Lounge International Students
1

I am applying to many U.S. colleges and was wondering what my chances are when compared to a domestic applicant. I know they are lower, but I am trying to gauge how much lower they are.

Thanks,

2

Depends. What colleges?

3

It depends on the school – and your finances. Many of the elite schools limit the number of international students to the low-two-digit percentages. Many other colleges and universities – even very good ones – welcome international students who pay $60,000+ per year. Obviously, the students who have the lowest chances are international students who need significant financial aid. Unless they are really outstanding (think, among the top students in their country) the odds are overwhelmingly against them.

4

And for these elite schools, you should assume that the international acceptance rate is about half the domestic rate.

As an example, MIT: Int’l acceptance rate = 2.4%; domestic acceptance rate = 7.9%
https://mitadmissions.org/apply/process/stats/

5

If you can afford to pay the full cost of your education, then what would be a safety for a US applicant with your stats, is probably a match for you, and what would be a match for that US applicant is likely to be a reach for you.

6

I was thinking about the UCs, Rice, Duke, Johns Hopkins, Tulane, Emory, BU, Northeastern, Syracuse etc.

7

@skieurope Wow. This makes it very hard for us international applicants. I’m nervous!

8

@katliamom I’m applying to financial aid at every school I am applying to. How significantly will this impact my chances?

9

Stats matter. The cost is $65K per year.

No funding for non-residents, so if you qualify for admission, you need to pay $65K

10

@auntbea Thanks for the info. That’s rough. We’ll see what happens.

11

@saltysea - needing financial aid will significantly impact your chances. Be smart with your application strategies. Read this forum and all applicable threads.If you’re female, definitely apply to all women’s schools. Apply to schools in areas less popular with international students – the center of the country, parts of the West, but not West COAST and South – where you’ll encounter less competition from other international students. And above all, have a back up plan at home. The reality is that for international students who need a lot of money, applying is a bit of a lottery. Good luck.

12

@katliamom Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind

13

Divide the acceptance rate in two or three.
What’s your budget?
If you need significant financial aid, your odds are even lower. (Note that the UCs don’t have any financial aid for internationals).
I’d advise you apply to universities that are still granting merit scholarships for stats (UIowa, UMN Twin Cities…) plus some LACs where your stats place you in the top 5%.

14

"I’d advise you apply to universities that are still granting merit scholarships for stats (UIowa, UMN Twin Cities…) plus some LACs where your stats place you in the top 5%. "
in other words, to be blunt, none of the U’s you were thinking about.

1 Like