<p>Are my chances still substantially decreased if I am an international student but do not need financial aid?
Also, will I be evaluated according to my nationality (Australian) or my place of residence (Hong Kong)? Does it matter at all that I attend school in the US?</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>“it depends”</p>
<p>It depends on which sort of school you’re targeting. Those which are extremely popular with internationals – then yes – you’ll be evaluated in that pool. At schools where there are fewer international applicants, your chances (assuming grades/test scores are fine) are increased. For the tippy top schools like HYPMS where many, many internationals apply, you’ll be in a ridiculously competitive applicant pool and your finances won’t matter in any way.</p>
<p>Sorry, I should have specified that I’m talking about the elite schools.</p>
<p>I know that admissions is harder for international students, and I’ve always heard that those who apply for aid have it especially tough. I wanted to know about how much harder I would have it compared to a US citizen if I’m international but don’t need aid, although I guess [“your finances won’t matter in any way.”] answers it.</p>
<p>Let me tweak my earlier post: for schools like HYP who have need blind and meet full financial aid need of internationals, your financial status DEFINITELY won’t give you any boost. I really can’t say for Stanford, Caltech, MIT, etc. However, given the perceived prestige level of those schools and their general wealth, I’d say your ability to be “full pay” LIKELY won’t be any consideration given the vast nos. of international applicants.</p>
<p>In the end, some international students get admitted every year. As with domestic students, the key is to be noticed. However, that’s done is anyone’s guess. Good luck to you.</p>
<p>It is a big help that you do not need aid, even for elite schools.</p>