<p>Ok so to make a long story short, I'm a Canadian student who was accepted to Columbia for transfer (entering as a sophomore). Getting in was arguably one of the greatest thrills of my life. </p>
<p>Now due to bureaucratic semantics (missed the submission deadline by a few days because my 2007 tax return forms hadn't been received from the gvmt yet- I sent my 06 files, along with a letter, months in advance as a placeholder though) I've been told that there's a good chance I will not get any help whatsoever.</p>
<p>And if you don't get it your first year there, you cannot apply for the subsequent ones, basically putting the bill at 150,000$ for my entire undergrad.</p>
<p>So I turn to you knowledgeable folks to ask: What are my financial options at this point? Are there any organizations/program/etc...that would grant me help (whether it be grants or even student loans) this late in the game..considering i'm not a US citizen?</p>
<p>Million thanks in advance,</p>
<p>hey lionheaded --</p>
<p>where abouts in canada are you from? i know that in quebec there are some government funded programs to help students study abroad... i dont think that you are out of options -- alos, there are plenty of private scholarships in the u.s. and canada that you can apply for, and you could always look to get some student loans...i dont think it matters much that you are not from the u.s. though, because there are so many available scholarships you could apply for...</p>
<p>there is a sticky at the top of this forum about FA for international students.</p>
<p>
[quote]
And if you don't get it your first year there, you cannot apply for the subsequent ones
[/quote]
Where did you hear that? Every school that I am familiar with requires you to re-submit every year. Is this unique to international? What happens if your family loses jobs, etc. I think you are misinformed.</p>
<p>Nope, trust me. I'm not misinformed on that one. Called and talked to the highest financial person available there. It may just be for transfers but there it is....</p>
<p><em>sigh</em></p>
<p>"if you don't get it your first year there, you cannot apply for the subsequent ones"</p>
<p>Pretty common. This is related to the practice called Admit-Deny. Both are used to keep the financial aid budget under control.</p>
<p>LionHeaded, I don't know what to advise you, other than just staying put where you are. You know that you are "good enough" for Columbia. You also know that they engage in questionable financial aid tactics. Do you really, truly, want to be dealing with these people for the next three years of college, and for the rest of your natural life as an alum?</p>
<p>Wishing you all the best.</p>