<p>Hi. I'm an international applying to about 12 colleges (3 safety, 4 match, 5 reach). The problem is that all the colleges I'm applying to are need-sensitive for internationals (with the exception of three colleges, Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, but I doubt I'll get in there). So I figured that I would apply for financial aid at my safeties and low matches, while I would apply without financial aid at high matches and reaches. (my parents are going to cut all their non-essential expenses, though, if I go to a college without financial aid.) Has anyone done this before? What's your suggestions?</p>
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my parents are going to cut all their non-essential expenses, though, if I go to a college without financial aid.) Has anyone done this before? What's your suggestions?
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<p>If you think about using this process, the biggest question you will have to ask yourself is; will your parents be able to fund you for your full 4 years of study in the U.S? If your parents will not be able to fully fund you, this could be a big problem because you will not be able to finish school.</p>
<p>Remember at many schools, if you do not apply for aid as an incoming freshmen, you may not be eligible for aid in subsequent years. So if there is a chance that you will need aid down the line, then you need to apply for it when you apply to college.</p>
<p>my dad has a pretty secure job, so i doubt my family's financial situations will change a lot. with annual income of around $70000 after tax, basically, if i don't get FA, my parents will have to live on $20-30K. It's manageable, but difficult. At the same time, I don't want to jeopardize my chances at my dream schools (all of which are reaches/high matches), so I'm thinking about a compromise between the two. (i.e. applying for FA at safeties but not applying for FA at reaches/high matches)</p>
<p>bump.......</p>
<p>Hi @busylife</p>
<p>I would like to know what happened to you in regards to FA and school? I’m in a similar situation and am freaking out. Thanks.</p>
<p>basically life sucks for us</p>