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Parent Cafe
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<p>College application deadlines are around the corner. I still need to finalize my college list. </p>

<p>To be frank, my parents are not supporting me in my initiative to study in the U.S :frowning: Why? Some people here have a weird idea that Colleges do not give aid to internationals. I have tried explaining it to them, but they wont listen! Anyways I had to beg like 43 times (probably more :D) to let me appear for SAT. I just hope I don’t screw it :S</p>

<p>All right. Due to financial limitations I can apply to only 12 or less colleges. Though I’ll be requesting a fee waiver but still the cost of sending the applications is enormous! :o </p>

<p>Now since I can’t discuss my college list with my parents (they aren’t interested and everytime I try to discuss it with them we end up arguing) I need you wonderful people to help me out. :)</p>

<p>I want to major in Mech/Aerospace Engg/Physics. I don’t really mind getting a degree in physics and then going for a degree in Engg. As of now my college list is as follows :</p>

<li>Dartmouth College - Early Decision </li>
<li>Reed</li>
<li>JHU</li>
<li>Harvey Mudd</li>
<li>Stanford</li>
<li>Duke</li>
<li>MIT</li>
<li>Brown</li>
<li>Northwestern [ I am considering chucking this out]</li>
<li>WUStL</li>
<li>Hamilton</li>
<li>Oberlin</li>
<li>Columbia</li>
<li>Princeton</li>
</ol>

<p>ASU - Safety
FIT - Safety</p>

<p>NOTE: I need almost a full ride! International Student + Asian + Requires Fin Aid = WOW</p>

<p>My profile : <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showpost.php?p=4643251&postcount=3[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showpost.php?p=4643251&postcount=3</a></p>

<p>Suggestions are welcome!</p>

<p>My second problem is I can’t seem to write those oh-so-wonderful-moving essays. With SAT next month and school exams near I am kinda freaking out! I am putting in double the effort but with no positive result. I stay up till 4:00 am in the morning to try and squeeze out some extra time for SAT prep and writing essays. My essay drafts seem to love the dust bin. All of them end up there! We dont have councilors in our school and as I said before parents aren’t really helpful. <em>groan</em></p>

<p>To sum it all I am feeling like a moron…:(</p>

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<p>If you are a future techie I'd toss Reed off your list, otherwise, go for it.</p>

<p>When you say "I need almost a full ride," what do you mean? Can you and your parents afford anything? If you need 100% aid, your list gets really small and very competitive.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

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<p>Unfortunately yes, by full ride I meant I need aid covering almost all expenses. My dads in the army and mum a teacher so there is no way they can afford my education. As it is $1= Rs 40 or something :)</p>

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<p>Ummm - If you need financial aid then why are you applying ED to Dartmouth? And Oberlin??? For a techie? I don't think so.</p>

<p>You've plumbed the depths of the tech school forums - I know because I've seen you on many of them - and I think you've gotten some great advice and you've done a TON of research - which is really a good thing - but I don't see this list. What are your safeties? What schools on there do you think will give you the best money?</p>

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<p>Website from D's school handbook for seniors:</p>

<p><a href="http://www.internationalstudent.com/schools_awarding_aid/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.internationalstudent.com/schools_awarding_aid/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Double check with each individual school for the accuracy of this information.
BB.</p>

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<p>Dartmouth meets the need of all admitted students and I did ask a bunch of international students who applied ED and they did get a full ride!</p>

<p>I don't really see myself as a techie. Yes in the end I would love to be an astronaut but I see myself joining the Air Force. So getting a degree in physics and then later plunging into the Engineering world is also an option. :)</p>

<p>The schools that would give me best money would be :</p>

<ol>
<li>Dartmouth</li>
<li>Reed</li>
<li>Brown</li>
</ol>

<p>and to some extent Oberlin. Though Harvey Mudd would meet my need if they admit me but then the competition is cut throat.</p>

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<p>I suggest you look on the finaid threads</p>

<p>I do see that Dartmouth offered some financial aid to 100-149 international students- and they do pledge to meet need of admitted students.</p>

<p>However admissions is not need blind for international students and their idea of need like other private schools which use information in addition to FAFSA, is not necessarily the familys idea of need</p>

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<p>There are VERY few "full rides" (aid that includes the full cost of attendance including room, board, tuition, fees, expenses, etc). I don't see any schools on your list that would guarantee you a FULL ride...none.</p>

<p>Also, agreed with others. If you apply ED to ANY school, the school feels that if accepted, you will attend that school. Yes, they might (and I mean might) meet your full need, but that could include hefty loans and a student contribution as well. All schools do require a student contribution and that can be several thousand dollars. And as Emerald said...the SCHOOL determines your financial need AND how to meet it, not you or your family.</p>

<p>Your "profile" shows grades 9 and 10 but not grade 11. Where is that set of grades and classes? </p>

<p>I would heartily suggest that you do NOT apply ED anywhere if financial aid is a significant consideration. If you get accepted, you will be required to attend. (oh yes, I know it says that you can pull out due to finances...but I can tell you that this is not as easy as it sounds and will jeopardize your admittance at other schools.....because once accepted ED you MUST withdraw any other outstanding applications).</p>

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<br>


<br>

<ol>
<li>Dartmouth</li>
<li>Reed</li>
<li>Brown</li>
</ol>

<p>and to some extent Oberlin. Though Harvey Mudd would meet my need if they admit me but then the competition is cut throat.>></p>

<p>sorry, but the competition at Dartmouth and Brown is pretty competitive as well.</p>

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<p>I don't see you getting a full ride from any of these institutions (though I have certainly been plenty wrong before.). Might I suggest you look into some smaller, more regional institutions, who might actually be looking for an international student or two to round out their numbers. If you are really looking for the free ride, I think you might be more likely to get one there than at some of the prestige schools you've listed. At the University of North Dakota, they LOVE students from anywhere that isn't North Dakota!</p>

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<p>Reed might give you money--but not on the same generous terms it gives to Americans: <a href="http://web.reed.edu/apply/applying_to_reed/guides/Reed_2007_IntlStudent.pdf%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://web.reed.edu/apply/applying_to_reed/guides/Reed_2007_IntlStudent.pdf&lt;/a> (see page 2 where it says only 15 to 25 international students get financial aid).</p>

<p>Consider adding RPI, WPI, and Northeastern to your list. RPI is notoriously generous with merit money; WPI has coop programs, so does Northeastern.</p>

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<p>Does Reed even have engineering??</p>

13

<p>Even RPI, WPI and Northeastern do NOT have a plentiful supply of "FULL SCHOLARSHIPS"...if they even have any. Yes, I agree that the chances for aid are better at these schools than the OPs first list, but I stand by my original comment.....there are VERY few, VERY few full rides out there...and even less for internationals. OP...are your parents or you planning to pay anything for your college education? If the answer is no, I think you need to rethink your options.</p>

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<p>Ajayc: Why is the cost of sending applications so enormous? If you're using the Common app, it's just a mouse click; then the Supp Apps and your transcripts and so forth might have to be mailed. Yes, that will be some cash for the overseas mail, but I wouldn't have thought it would be an enormous expense.</p>

<p>I'm concerned about you, and your list, from several perspectives.</p>

<p>If I recall correctly, you posted your first SAT scores on the Dartmouth board, and they were not stellar. Of course you will work hard and you'll bring them up, but if they are not in the ballpark for Dartmouth, they will not be in the ballpark for Princeton or Stanford or Columbia either.</p>

<p>In addition, the problem you're having with the essay might be because of extreme nerves -- "This has to be the best essay ever! It has to knock them off their feet! OMG it has to be perfect!!" -- or it might be because you're just not the greatest writer in the world. Whatever the cause, you may not be able to come up with an awesome essay. That's OK -- your essay should reflect the real you, it should talk about something you care deeply about, and it should show the AdComms something they won't find out about you in the grades and the scores. Let them get to know you, and stop worrying. </p>

<p>Finally, I'm also concerned about the lack of support you're getting from your parents -- both financial and emotional. You sound like you're bound and determined to Do This All Yourself -- from writing the essays to picking the schools to getting financial aid -- and that's a pretty tall order. Clearly, you really want to come to school in the US -- but have you given any thought to Plan B? What if you don't get in to any of those schools that are on your list? Are there schools in your home country that you'd consider? What about in Britain? Other countries??</p>

<p>In addition, the fact that there are no counselors in your school is another hurdle to deal with. </p>

<p>I'm not trying to discourage you, but you have some real barriers to overcome. I think you should go easier on yourself and develop realistic expectations.</p>

15

<p>ajayc,</p>

<p>
[quote]
Some people here have a weird idea that Colleges do not give aid to internationals. I have tried explaining it to them, but they wont listen!

[/quote]
</p>

<p>It is not that colleges won't give aid to international students, as much as there is a small amount of it going out.</p>

<p>Your list is extremely top heavy. With the exception of Princeton, I do not think any other school on your list is need blind to international students, so your ability to pay will be a factor in the admissions process.</p>

<p>By the time you calculate the cost of sending 16 applications along with the SAT and SAT II scores, this could be a considerable amount of money (especially since the college board does not grant fee waivers to international students). Although you can ask each school if they can waive the fee, you will also send up a big red flag by doing so (pretty much screaming out to them "I need a lot of aid.")</p>

<p>
[quote]
Well in Class XI I have an avg of 80%

[/quote]
</p>

<p>This may hurt you because it shows that you have a major downward trend in your junior year (freshman year all A's, Sophomore Year 93 avg). This alone is enough to get you cut from many of the schools on your list (and it defintely will hurt you applying ED to Dartmouth).</p>

<p>I really cannot say that ASU is a financial safety for you as they state:</p>

<p>
[quote]
International Undergraduate Student Admission Requirements and Application Procedures</p>

<p>Applicants must complete all of the following steps and all provide all of the following documents (ASU does not accept faxes of official documents). All required documents must be received in the ASU Undergraduate Admissions Office by the International Student Deadline, before applicants may be considered for admission</p>

<p>A completed Application for Undergraduate Admission for International Students </p>

<p>Certified copies of official documents from each secondary school, college or university, and/or technical school </p>

<p>Evidence of English language proficiency as indicated by acceptable scores on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) </p>

<p>*Financial Guarantee *</p>

<p>In compliance with Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations, all international applicants on the F-1 (student) or J-1 (exchange) visa must provide evidence of sufficient funds available for their studies. </p>

<p>The Financial Guarantee, dated within the past six months, must be co-signed by an authorized bank or representative of a recognized sponsoring agency in the U.S.A. </p>

<p>An Affidavit of Support cannot be used in lieu of a bank statement.
ASU has a Financial Guarantee Form (.pdf file). ASU requires a bank statement or a bank letterhead that has been cosigned by a banking official. </p>

<p>
[quote]
</p>

<p>International undergraduate applicants and newly admitted international students are not eligible to apply for ASU tuition and fee scholarship/waivers or U.S. federal government financial assistance. </p>

<p>As an international student, do I qualify for financial aid or scholarships?
Because ASU is a publicly funded institution, ASU is not able to provide funds in the form of loans or financial aid for international students. ASU does not offer scholarships to international undergraduate students.</p>

<p>

[/quote]
</p>

<p>

[/quote]
</p>

<p>If you need a vast amount of aid, you will not be able to provide the school with a financial guarantee.</p>

<p>I think you have to go back and revise your list to include schools where you stand a better chance of being admitted and being granted merit money.</p>

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<p>Williams, which has an excellent physics department, is need blind for internationals. I suggest you look into the school. There have been many international posters; why don't you check the Williams threads?</p>

<p>About the essay: Try dropping out the word essay. These writings are self-introductions and can be very conversational in style. The do not require the formal structure of an essay with thesis, supportive points, etc. Think of it rather as a mini-memoir written with as much vigor and creativity as you can.</p>

<p>The Connecticut College website posts examples of essays of accepted students in their admissions section. Take a look. Some of them are quite good.</p>

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<p>Many schools charge an application fee, even if you apply online.</p>

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<p>The costs of applying to 12 schools will be huge. There is the cost of application (yes, you can get a waiver, but as pointed out, this is a huge "I NEED AID" red flag) and the costs can be between $35 and $100 each from our experience. Then you have to send the SAT scores. You get some free when you take the test (there IS, however a fee for taking the test), but you will need to pay for the additional ones...I have to say, I think it's about $20 per school for additional ones (haven't done it for a few years...recall it was $18 when we did it). Then, since this student is applying to private schools AND wants finaid, he will have to submit the Profile...and that is no bargain to submit either. As others have noted, the College Board does not waive fees for international students. And lastly, anything put in the mail (I would suggest online submissions of anything possible) will require international postage...also not a bargain. Yes, the common ap is just a mouse click, but it is NOT free. The only "free" thing will be the FAFSA and I'm not quite sure how internationals complete that (someone else can pipe in) since they do not have US Tax returns or income. </p>

<p>I went and read all the threads this OP has posted. There is a post in the Deep Springs College section...is he applying there? Who knows?</p>

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<p>
[quote]
Though I'll be requesting a fee waiver but still the cost of sending the applications is enormous!

[/quote]
</p>

<p>That's what I meant about just a mouse click. I don't understand.</p>

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<p>I won't beat a dead horse by pointing out that full rides for internationals are very rare in the U.S. and competition for them is steep. I also won't point out that it sounds to me that your parents are pretty hip to the fact that there isn't much financial aid at all for internationals in the U.S. and that you probably shouldn't be too hard on them for being realistic about your chances.</p>

<p>I will, however, suggest that you consider at least some of the following schools: Lawrence U, Beloit, the College of Wooster, and Grinnell. All have good physics programs (but no engineering). All admit high numbers of internationals and are very generous with financial aid for them. All are looking for students very much like you. </p>

<p>As for your current list, well, it's pretty much the same as the college list of the majority of international students applying to US schools, so I won't talk you out of joining the crowd. </p>

<p>But, that's the point: the rush to get in will be very crowded at those schools. My suggestion, if you REALLY want to make studying in the U.S. a reality, is to try taking the path less traveled.</p>

<p>Best of luck.</p>