<p>I'm an international financial aid applicant. Some colleges ask me to send in both International Student Certificate of Finances and International Student Financial Aid Application. On ISCF, there's a space asking me to "enter the expected amount of annual support from the sources listed below." I am really confused. Hypothetically, my parents have 500,000 USD, and I need probably 200,000 (if not getting any aid) to afford my four-year education. However, my annual expected family contribution on ISFAA is 20,000. Should I therefore enter 80,000 (20,000 X 4) on ISCF, or should I enter 200,000 (or even 500,000) in case schools do not give me any aid?</p>
<p>I know this sounds really confusing. Thanks for your patience.</p>
<p>Your parents need to verify that they can support your expenses for the upcoming year in order for you to get a visa to study here. I’m only guessing, but I think the school is perhaps looking for the same verification.</p>
<p>If your hypothetical situation is close to the truth, it’s hard to see how your expected contribution would be only $20K, especially if they also have incomes.</p>
<p>The hypothetical situation is close to the truth. My family’s annual income is low, but our assets are large. However, in my country, my parents won’t receive much help from the government after they retire, so the assets are a part of my parents’ retirement plan. I do not expect to take a lot from my parents’ savings. (According to a Middlebury financial aid officer, they will use less than 10% of the assets piece as part of the calculation.)</p>
<p>I still don’t quite understand. Should I presume that I won’t get any aid and therefore enter 200,000?</p>