Shameful Question...

Uhh

Are financial aid applications ever necessary?

I’m an international student. The chances of my getting any financial at my favorite schools are worse than that of someone trying to get into MIT with a 500 M.

But that doesn’t mean that my family and I will be able to pay the fee on time. We may need loans, possibly aid from our country’s government/scholarship programs. Especially since my dad’s salary will drop severely soon.

Some schools do say that the necessity of aid determines chances to some degree. I don’t want to be disadvantaged either.

Specifically for the Online Columbia College application, is it necessary to send in part 3?

<p>If part 3 is the financial aid application and you have approximately $172,000 to pay tution room board, misc at Columbia, and will have no problem writing your check, then you won't need financial aid.</p>

<p>But if you feel that by not applying for aid will increase your chances, how are you going to look if you get admitted and then can't pay the bill? You still won't be attending Columbia.</p>

<p>If you need aid, apply for it and let the chips fall where they may.</p>

<p>From Columbia's website:</p>

<p>International students are eligible to compete for financial assistance at Columbia University, although it is not offered by all schools (please consult the school's bulletin for availability and deadlines for application). At this time, one in three international graduate students receives some type of financial assistance. Only about one in ten undergraduate students receives aid. Funding is not guaranteed from year to year, usually offered in September, sometimes not offered until the second year, and, in some departments, limited in number of years to encourage new students to enter the department.</p>

<p>Columbia College and the School of Engineering and Applied Science will consider foreign students for financial aid awards, but the number of awards given annually is very small. General Studies will not consider a student's application for financial aid until the student has completed one year at the School and only awards one scholarship annually. Columbia University awards financial aid on the basis of academic merit and financial need only, in compliance with the Ivy League guidelines.</p>