<p>Hi! I'm an International and was looking at HYPMS+Berkeley+Caltech+UCLA+Carnegie for admission...
So, I know that HYPM are need-blind, but for the rest of them, how much does it make a difference in admissions, if you can pay the fees, especially for internationals?</p>
<p>For non-need blind schools, if you ask for financial aid it will factor into the decision. Some will plainly deny admission in favor of a full pay student. For others unless you are some gold medalist and they really want you, they will also turn you down. They can’t really admit you without giving you money if you ask for aid, as any non-resident alien will need to provide proof of ability to pay. Student loans are not an option for non-residents, except from their home countries. </p>
<p>Most colleges see international students as cash cows. With the high international demand at selective schools, they have little incentive to give financial aid to internationals. Those that do provide aid at such as MIT are extraordinarily selective and admit less than 3% of international applicants, essentially academic superstars.</p>