I am 26 years old female looking forward to transfer to US universities and colleges from Brazil. I am worried about my age would be a problem. Please give me some suggestions? Thanks
It may depend on the college. Depending on your qualifications, look at Smith or Mount Holyoke. Both have a commitment to helping women who are a bit older than average access a good college education.
Thank you!
The large state universities have tons of students that are of all ages.
Go for it!
Age should not be a factor at larger universities, who enroll students from all walks of life.
Age may work against you at small residential colleges, who serve mostly if not exclusively “traditional” college students who enroll straight out of high school and have all students live together in on-campus dormitories. Just imagine the potential for awkwardness when a 40-year-old and a 20-year-old are forced to share a bedroom. I know you’re not 40 - I used a higher age to make a point. I don’t know where exactly small colleges would draw the line.
Some small colleges have programs specifically for older students but you may be more comfortable at a large university with hundreds of students your age, than at a small college with 20 non-traditional students.
But will you be able to pay for it?
No, I should have posted about need of scholarships too. I will be applying to ones which offer scholarships. I heard that mostly private universities offer full aid. But how about public universities?
@b@r!um Thank you.
@madhari 99 out 100 schools do NOT offer finnancial aids to International transfers.
If you can’t afford it you are better off in Brazil.
Also, public schools do not offer financial aid to international students, transfer or not.
@paul2752, even though I have good score in SAT? Not even private universities do offer scholarships? Its kinda disappointing to hear that. Thanks
It doesn’t matter what scores you have.
@paul2752 you mean they don’t offer scholarships for transfer students and freshman or for both? What about Ivy Schools? But on the website it says 100% financial aid needs met. I am really confused and worried. Please help!
If you do get into some of the Ivy League schools (EXTREMELY difficult!) it is likely you will get at least SOME financial aid whether you’re a transfer student or a freshman. Whether the aid you’re offered is enough to cover all your expenses is another matter – it’s the school that decides how much “need” you will have - not you.
Otherwise, there is very, very little financial aid for transfer students, international ones or even domestic ones. Most aid is awarded to freshmen.
But do check out Smith (it’s a women’s college, no male students) their program for “untraditional” female students may offer financial aid to transfers.
@madhari, some privates do offer scholarships. Your job is to look up large privates to see where you might get some transfer money. If your current grades are high and if your SAT’s/ACTs were high, you should try. Also, make sure your essay is good.
Transfers receive minimal to no funds and for internationals, it is even tougher, but you could try the private schools like in California that would be USC, Chapman, Loyola, USD, Santa Clara, Pt Loma Nazarene. Some are religiously based, so you need to be aware of that.
The schools in California are mid-sized so your age shouldn’t be an issue.
@katiliamom and aunt bea, Thank you
Your best odds would be Smith and Mount Holyoke, since they have special programs for women above the age of 22 and have special funds for them.
University of Minnesota and University of Alabama have some scholarships for exceptional international transfers, and wouldn’t care about your age, but you’d still be expected to pay for room&board, books, etc., even if they cover tuition or part of tuition.
@madhari I agree with @intparent it would depend on the university/college. I am on the verge of studying abroad as well. And to help out I’ve been checking on sites that could help on searching the best school for a dyslexic, slow learner like me to attend to.
There are a lot of colleges and universities who actually cater to these kind of things and I don’t think they consider age as a barrier for studying. Once you get involved with certain colleges you may be surprised on how many international students are actually just the same age as you are 