<p>Hello,
I ll be 19 years old in January of 2013. When applying for need-based aid will I be considered
as independent individual? Does my parents' income still count? (I am international student
from Georgia (Caucasus))
What is average age of undergraduate students?</p>
<p>Thank you</p>
<p>For Financial aid purposes you are not considered independent until you are 24 years old. Your parents information will be required.</p>
<p>You will not be considered independent for financial aid purposes. Your parents’ income and assets will need to be reported to the colleges to which you apply.</p>
<p>Why do you want to know the average age of undergrad students overall? This varies significantly depending on the type of college. For example, the average age of community college students is older because these have many adults taking classes. </p>
<p>In the US…many undergrads begin college following their senior year of high school…either age 17, 18, sometimes 19. If they graduate on the four year plan…they would be 21, 22, 23 when they graduate.</p>
<p>If schools were to consider 18 year olds as “independent” then virtually ALL students would be independent and no one would have any money to pay for college.</p>
<p>That wouldn’t make sense. Schools need families to pay. Schools believe that it’s the family’s primary responsibility to pay. </p>
<p>The average age of an undergrad student will vary by college…but I’m guessing that the average age at a 4 year university is probably about 20/21…and that includes frosh, soph, jr, and sr students.</p>
<p>VERY few schools give much need-based aid to int’ls. The few that do are the hardest to get into (probably only accepting about 1-2% of int’l applicants). And, some are “need aware” for int’ls. </p>
<p>You’ll need tippy-top SAT scores for these schools…like a SAT 2250+.</p>
<p>If you need funds, figure out how much your family can contribute and also apply to some schools that will give you merit-based scholarships. </p>
<p>How much will your family contribute?</p>
<p>What are your stats?</p>
<p>my parents’ total annual income may be around 10 000 dollars (that’s maximum)
Georgia is very poor country (3500 avg annual income)
My mother owns one flat (where we live) and half of country house (aunt is another owner)
(that’s all I think).
One friend of mine studies at colby. He has 100% percent need based aid. His SAT score was 2160. Math II 800 and physics 760</p>
<p>It will be very difficult for you to get the kind of aid that you need as an international student. Your friend who is already here may have some good advice for you. You also should read everything at [EducationUSA</a> | Study Abroad, Student Visa, University Fairs, College Applications and Study in the U.S. / America](<a href=“http://educationusa.state.gov/]EducationUSA”>http://educationusa.state.gov/) and you should communicate with the counselors at the advising center that is closest to you. There are several in Georgia [EducationUSA</a> - Find an Advising Center](<a href=“http://www.educationusa.info/Georgia#.T3CsgTH2Y48]EducationUSA”>http://www.educationusa.info/Georgia#.T3CsgTH2Y48) The counselors there are the experts for your situation.</p>
<p>thanks for the information. Possible is just enough for me. I ll do everything to achieve it.
Thanks again for info and support</p>
<p>Will you be an international student? It may not make any difference whether you are “independent” or not. Your family’s financial situation is not the main obstacle to aid. Your international status is. YOu might want to look in the international student section of this board to see where to start if you want to study in this country.</p>
<p>Your friend is very lucky and the exception to the rule. </p>
<p>And, right now, according to you, your practice SATs are far below your friend’s.</p>