Lack any guide. Help appreciated a lot!

College Search & Selection
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<p>I am from south Asia. I am currently preparing for my SAT and have done my A levels already. We didn't have a proper counselor in our college and I am having a really hard time with the process of applying to USA. I don't know what aid forms should I fill for financial aid. I don't even have any idea of which state I want to go to. My brief stats are as follows:</p>

<p>AS level: Maths a, Biology a, general paper b. A2 level: Biology A, Maths B, Physics B, Chemistry A.</p>

<p>SAT: Expecting around 1800 - 2000+ . SAT 2 in bio, chem, maths level2 : Aiming at least 650 + in each</p>

<p>Rank: Top 5 throughout my student life.</p>

<p>Sports: Mixed martial arts, soccer.</p>

<p>EC: Volunteer work in local dental clinic, took part in "The Mahabharata" drama which was played in our city, Volunteer teaching in rural school, Volunteer work at local school, "Palanchowk club" president of high school (social service club), played guitar in local bands, recording a guitar video soon.</p>

<p>Honor: Biology AS level topper of my country (scored 87 percentile). </p>

<p>I cannot afford to pay more than 5000$ including living expenses and rest. I am the first one in my family to even complete high school and first one to go to college. Had many problems in family growing up :( . I want to study neuroscience and later if I find the passion study medicine. I do not know about the states there. But I do know that I want to study in a sub urban friendly environment.</p>

<p>And the SAT scores are low because I didn't know about these tests until I was in 11th grade and didn't know its importance. We don't have many seats available for these tests in our country so I have to take tests without much preparation. </p>

<p>I am looking for colleges in sub urban areas away from big cities, preferably a 4 year private university or liberal arts college with aid for international student. It would be good if the university includes a college with medicine and good community environment. BTW I am applying for fall 2015 and know that Jan 1 is deadline for many colleges.
I do know about common app and application essays. Would you guys walk me through what I must do and recommend some excellent colleges with generous aid and also some safety colleges. Any help will be appreciated a lot thank you!</p>

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<p>There are some serious obstacles to your plans. Most important of these is that there are very few schools in the US where you can attend for $5000/year. College in the US is expensive. Second problem is that your resumé does not suggest that you’re likely to get a lot of merit or need-based aid from any US college. For a student competing for aid, you’re ordinary; there are students with far better qualifications. The third problem is that extremely few colleges in the US offer aid to international students.</p>

<p>Here are some urls that list colleges that offer aid to international students:</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.educationusa.info/financial-aid.php”>http://www.educationusa.info/financial-aid.php&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p><a href=“http://www.desperateguide.com/us/top-25-financial-aid-colleges-in-us-for-international-students-need-aware”>http://www.desperateguide.com/us/top-25-financial-aid-colleges-in-us-for-international-students-need-aware&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p><a href=“http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/the-short-list-college/articles/2013/09/19/colleges-that-give-international-students-the-most-financial-aid”>http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/the-short-list-college/articles/2013/09/19/colleges-that-give-international-students-the-most-financial-aid&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Your chances of getting enough aid to attend a US college are miniscule.</p>

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<p>Try some of the schools on this list: <a href=“http://ctcl.org/colleges/list”>http://ctcl.org/colleges/list&lt;/a&gt;. Your stats are consistent with most of those colleges-all small liberal arts colleges. At least some give aid to international students and have neuroscience majors and most are in friendly suburban environments. I know Earlham has a big international population and is known to be a very friendly, supportive environment. Their website suggests they give aid internationally. Good luck and good for you for being the first in your family to continue your education!</p>

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<p>@jkeil911
Thanks for the honest insight. I will check out those colleges and try to find a good fit even if it means paying little more. Is there any chance that improving my SAT score improves my chances??</p>

<p>@ebmama‌
Ok thanks a lot. I will check them out. :slight_smile: </p>

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<p>I like @ebmama’s suggestion about Earlham, OP. You’re going to have to hunt down every opportunity that might get you to college here. Of course raising your SATs will help; it’s about the only thing you can do at this point that will have a major impact on aid. I can’t estimate your A levels real well and I’m hoping someone else will chime in, but I’m guessing your GPA would be less than 4.0. If that is so, your chances of merit would be significantly increased if you had a 2250+. It would help if the SATIIs were 750+ and you wrote great essays. Yes, I know all this is unlikely.</p>

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<p>Also try asking this in the international forum:
<a href=“International Students - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/international-students/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>@jkeil911‌ Thanks. Yeah it would be unlikely for the SAT scores just got 1 month. My english is weak and I hardly have reading habits but can’t do anything much besides trying my best this month. I am hoping for seats to be open in november although chances are next to none. If it is so at least I may be able to cross the 2000 mark and the SAT subject tests, I will try for 700+ as I got three exams in a day :frowning: . I will start working on essays as soon as my oct 11 SAT is over, now just brainstorming. Thanks a lot and I researched about Earlham and I liked the college, will be sure to apply there. Am I likely to have chance at Earlham? Even this college looks far from my reach and is it good idea to start contacting the college before or apply directly?</p>

<p>@bopper Thanks will do, haven’t been here long so not sure about these stuffs sorry.</p>

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<p>It’s hard to advise you without the standardized test scores, OP. I suggest you start to look at schools that offer aid to internationals and that are not that difficult to get into. Focus on applying to those schools. make a list that contains several reaches, matches, and safeties.</p>

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<p>@jkeil911‌ Thanks a lot for the advices. Yeah will make a list and sort it all out :D</p>