<p>I, an international student, had applied to a school that doesn't give financial aid to internationals. (I'd hoped that I would get my green card by the time December rolled around.)</p>
<p>December passed. No green card.</p>
<p>The admissions office of said school contacted me, and I called it back, and we had a big argument.</p>
<p>Office: We don't give financial aid to internationals.
I: Fine. I'm not apply for any.
O: You need to show us a $40,000 bank statement to prove that you can pay.
I: I don't have $40,000. (My parents have only saved up about $10,000.)
O: We can't process your application until you show us the money.
I: Why?
O: Because if you come to our school and drop out and become homeless, you would be a burden to American taxpayers.
I: I live in this country. My parents work here. Why would you even be concerned with that?
O: Just show us the money.
I: I can't. I'm withdrawing my application, then. Give me back my application fee.
O: No. We already processed your application.
I: You just said you couldn't process it.
O: We can't accept you if you don't show us the money.
I: ....... <em>hangs up</em></p>
<p>Then I got rejected. Remembering this whole conversation makes me angry. I was thoroughly insulted. Was this even legal? Or am I making too big of a deal over this?</p>
<p>You should have explained to them how your parents only saved up $10,000, and that perhaps more was on the way. Plus, when you withdraw your application, it’s not like getting a refund. you don’t get your fee back.</p>
<p>I did get a little hysterical. I just didn’t think it was fair that citizens don’t have to prove they can pay, while international applicants (to this particular school) are placed under the microscope for being potential parasites for taxpayers (I mean, my parents pay taxes, too). In the end, it’s the one little card makes all the difference.</p>
<p>I don’t understand the logic of applying to a $40,000/yr school when you know that you can’t pay for it and that you’re not eligible for financial aid. Could it be that the conversation between you and the admissions office wasn’t exactly as you posted? Could it be that they called you to explain their financial aid policy and were concerned that you lack the finances to pay their bill? Could it be that you got annoyed at them for reminding you that they do not provide financial aid to international students and you embellished or exaggerated the rest of the conversation? I find it hard to believe that any college admissions officer would talk to prospective student or anyone else in the way that you described.</p>
<p>When emotions are high and raw sometimes what we “hear” is not exactly what was said.</p>
<p>Sorry but they were just playing it by the books, there are laws they have to comply with and they cant make exceptions and give fa to internationals. Its sucks but it is what it is.</p>
<p>That’s strange. They asked for proof of ability to pay for one year? Typically, for internationals, they don’t ask for proof of ability to pay until you get accepted. You send back a form certifying that you can pay tuition for four years when you reply to the offer of acceptance.</p>
<p>I’d call them back and ask them to clarify. If you get an unhelpful person on the line, ask to speak to someone else.</p>
<p>Edit: or is the $40,000 for four years? O_O</p>
<p>When my American D attended a university in France they requested the same sort of financial proof that you were asked for. Those are the rules in most countries. You overreacted without knowing the facts. I suggest in the future that you always act polite and friendly and if you think someone is incorrect, research the issue when you get off the phone and call back later if you find you have new information to present.</p>