<p>Hey everyone! I'm an international student. I've applied to 6 colleges in USA, accepted by two, rejected by one, still waiting for 3! I just want to let everyone know about my financial circumstances so that they can have hope for their own college education.</p>
<p>So my mum and dad were never married, and split up when I was four. I lived with my mum. When I was 8, my dad began to become estranged from me. Last year when I told him that I would be applying to some private colleges in the US, he flatly refused to pay. I thought this would be the end of my dream to study in the US, because it is the policy of many schools to expect both parents to contribute what they can to the child's college education.</p>
<p>But, I decided to go ahead with applications for admission and financial aid in the hope that the colleges would understand my situation and grant me the aid that I needed.</p>
<p>So right now, I've been accepted by Reed and Amherst (still waiting for Harvard, Yale and Princeton). I don't know my Amherst financial aid award yet, but Reed has awarded me FULL financial aid.</p>
<p>So DON'T GIVE UP HOPE, all you students, especially internationals, who have tricky situations with noncustodial parents! Some colleges will understand! By no means is it the end of the road for you.</p>
<p>What is full financial aid? Does it mean you told them “I can only afford to pay $x” and the aid package they gave you was “full-ride package” -x?</p>
<p>Vergil…what are your stats? I’m guessing that you have fabulous stats which may have inspired the school to give great aid. </p>
<p>Also, since your parents never married and you’ve been estranged for many, many years, the school probably understood that this NCP could not be expected to pay anything. (did the NCP do any paperwork or did you just tell the colleges about your situation?)</p>
<p>vergilfan1, I remember when you were planning to apply to Reed and sought advice. I’m glad it all worked out! I come from a similar background as an international student- my parents are divorced and my dad flatly refused to pay for college (he has no legal rights or duties as far as I’m concerned-no child support or anything), and Reed was so understanding of my situation. The only college in my experience. I wish you luck with all your other colleges!</p>
<p>Also, for all international students, who are afraid to apply with ambiguous financial situations like ours, it’s a good bet to first e-mail the Financial Aid Offices of the colleges you’re interested in to see if they understand your situation. Some colleges are pretty straightforward in telling you they have to have both parents’ papers, so you can rule out those colleges when applying.</p>
<p>Oh I forgot to mention that my NC parent DID pay child support - because it is a legal requirement and otherwise he would be prosecuted. </p>
<p>@Mamaroneck: full financial aid means they granted me the full cost of tuition and board (exluding about $1000 that will be earned by student employment and $2500 student loan).</p>
<p>By the way, I just found out that Amherst has also granted me full aid.</p>
<p>@mom2collegekids:
My stats:
SAT I (taken once) CR 800, M 800, WR 710
SAT II Chem 800, Physics 800, Math II 800
umm we don’t have GPA in my home country…but I got mostly 'Excellence’s, which few people get, and I got straight excellences for physics, chem, calculus, chinese, and latin in senior year.</p>
<p>umm my scholarship results could have helped. i got schol. in latin, physics, and english, and outstanding in calculus and chemistry</p>
<p>Yup, I applied to Stanford but was rejected. It was always going to be difficult since Stanford isn’t ‘need-blind’ for international students like me.</p>
<p>Well I really like the idea of LACs, the idea of being close to professors, small classes etc. From what I hear, Princeton’s undergrad program is very similar to an LAC. I don’t know about Harvard and Yale - are they like this as well?</p>
<p>I also like the idea of a big student body, because it would get boring if you knew everyone after the first week.</p>
<p>In my spare time, I read, do music, see friends, do ‘outdoorsy stuff’, not so keen on computers and tv (haha my computer use has increased dramatically since I applied for these american universities). I am looking for a relaxed environment, too. not too stressful.</p>
<p>As for major/career, I’m interested in becoming a research scientist. I eventually want to have a job at one of the world’s top unis, lecturing students and conducting research and publishing findings etc. That’s my goal. I’m still undecided on a major, but I’ve narrowed down my subjects to:
Physics, Philosophy, Buddhist Studies, Chinese, Maths
this list is likely to change (it’s in order of interest from most interesting to least)</p>
<p>You’ve only heard from Reed and Amherst so far for acceptances…right??? Until you’ve heard back from the ivies, it’s hard to tell which you should choose.</p>
<p>Assuming that you get accepted to all the rest…I would guess Princeton would be the best choice since it’s larger than Amherst, but has that more intimate feel that you desire.</p>
<p>Good luck to you Vergilfan1.
My family (5 other siblings) are in a situation similar to yours. I need to get them to be more serious about their pursuit of education so they won’t have to deal with the problems I’m having right now. :)</p>