<p>hi guys,
what is the difference between merit based and need-based financial aid and are the intels eligible for merit based ??
thanks</p>
<p>Merit Aid is awarded for some form of achievement, grades, test scores, other distinguishing characteristics etc.</p>
<p>Need Based is awarded due to financial need. Your family/you fill out FAFSA. Profile and other requested forms and document income/debt etc. </p>
<p>Intel? That would be a merit based award, an outside scholarship, NOT from the college you would be attending. You win the contest you get money.</p>
<p>Some universities will offer some merit scholarships to international students, others will have "US citizen/permanent resident" as a criteria; you'll have to look at the individual school websites and scholarships.</p>
<p>HE meant intels as internationals.....silly me. Yes, each school has a policy regarding money to foreign students. Please excuse my oops.</p>
<p>thank u folks</p>
<p>Keep in mind that as an international student, there are only a hand full of schools that are need blind (so your ability to pay would be a factor in the admissions process). However these need blind schools are amongst the most competitive regarding admissions.</p>
<p>They are also only a hand full of schools that meet 100% demonstrated need to international students (Ivies, elite LACs and other colleges in the top 50) and ususally may not offer merit aid. Again, these schools are amongst the most competitive regarding the admissions process. Some schools may only offer limited aid as they only have limited funds for international students. </p>
<p>Some schools offer merit aid that is available to all, however if you are looking for a "free ride in merit aid" you may have to cast a wide net, consider coming down a tier so that you could be in the top of the applicant pool increasing your chances for merit aid.</p>
<p>You will need to read the admissions and financial aid policies as it reagards to internationals as policies vary from school to school.</p>