<p>skunk, I do not know how low your chances will be at Mac. Mac has students from 89 countries, in a student body of approximately 1600. Yes, Nepal is currently represented according to the student profile but you never know. Mac loves international students. So much so that it sometimes annoys me, I am a very middle class parent who received no aid. I see international students receiving aid (scholarships) who are definitely more well off than me. It is a double edged sword - the oppportunity to learn in an envirnonment filled with so many opinions and experiences is what makes Mac unique but on the otherhand I hate making those payments and do not quite know how I will swing it for another 3 years. Thank Kofi Annan and the recent philanthropist who pledged 13.5 million solely to be used for international students.</p>
<p>Banditmag,
If there is a designated 13.5 mil for international aid, one would think that should free up the rest of the endowment for US student aid.</p>
<p>Mominva, we all wanted to think that but, unfortunately, that is not the case. Lower interest rates, no merit money for US citizens above the FAFSA need, have to pay for what will be the nicest fieldhouse in division III athletics, commitment to bring even more impoverished internationals to Mac, some new crazy academic departments. Also got hit with a 7.6% increase in tuition and fees for next year.</p>
<p>adding a bit more Macalester information. . .</p>
<p>$13.5 million is designated only for graduates of the United World Colleges. . . a network of 12 schools spread all over the world. This will take a bit of the pressure off the international and overall aid budgets. There is no commitment to bring "more impoverished internationals to Mac." New athletic facilities will improve the student experience and 60% is of the cost comes from donations by alumni and friends of the college. The rest is covered via bonding, but Mac's commitment to meeting full financial need of accepted students means facilities will not have an effect on aid budget. Tuition increases are in line with similar schools, unfortunately.</p>
<p>After receiving many waitlistings and rejections one after the another, I was finally taken off the waitlist at Amherst with a good financial aid. I'd like to thank all the people who posted in this thread for their support.</p>
<p>THAT'S AWESOME!!!!!! My goodness -- that's the best outcome possible. Congratulations, Skunk. So glad this worked out!!!!</p>
<p>I hope this acceptance helps erase the weeks and weeks of anxiety you endured.</p>
<p>THAT'S GREAT!!! Another congratulations. I'm so glad to hear another happy ending!!! Thanks for keeping us all posted.</p>
<p>Skunk - I am so happy for you. Congratulations!</p>
<p>Another congrats! I was in Amherst for years and loved the school and the setting. Happy times ahead</p>
<p>Very happy for you! That's fantastic!</p>
<p>You will be amazed. I'm glad your journey has ended with success. Make the most of this remarkable opportunity!</p>
<p>Skunk, that is great!!! Amherst is a great school and the locale is beautiful.</p>
<p>Congratulations...and thank you for coming back here and giving an update!!</p>