<p>By the way, Sybbie's point about needing to show financial resources is very, very important. It is NOT just ASU that requires that, but all colleges. That is because it is a US Federal regulation to get a student visa. Therefore, you really DO need to have your parents on board with your plans because without them, you will probably have a very difficult time meeting that requirement. There will also be expenses that may not be covered by even a "full ride" when it comes to studying in the US such as transportation to and from the US, summer living expenses, clothing, medical insurance, etc. I don't want to be overly negative, but you realistically WILL need your parents approval in order to make your dream a reality.</p>
<p>Lafayette has strong engineering. Their fin aid webpage says:</p>
<p>"Is admission need-blind for foreign students?
No. However, if accepted, the College will meet your demonstrated need, up to and including, full tuition, room and board, books, and supplies."</p>
<p>On Carolyn's point, there is no mention of covering transportation, medical insurance (a mandatory purchase for internationals), etc. Maybe if you are accepted AND receive a large fin aid package your parents will be more receptive to helping with the rest?</p>
<p>A lot of the schools mentioned so far in this thread, including some of the ones you are planning to apply to already, do not even offer two of your prospective majors at all, or even any courses in these areas.</p>
<p>While full scholarships may be rare and very competitive, they are out there. At my husband's urging, a friend of his applied to MIT and got a full ride. He ended up staying for a PhD. This was 20 yrs ago. He was not planning on going to college at all because his parents were so poor. More recently, my husband's stepbrother graduated from Weslyan last year- he had a full ride there on a special scholarship for Asian students (I think there is a list of countries students can be from to apply for that one). I believe it is also very competitive, but obviously not impossible to get.</p>
<p>Thank you everyone for your support and feedback. :)</p>
<p>80% in the Junior is considered very good here. The jump from grade 10 to grade 11 in the Indian education system is huge! I think my teachers and principal will explain that in their recommendations or transcript.</p>
<p>I did write to ASU asking about whether they would consider me for admission if I am not able to show my certificate of finances. I will be applying to their Honors program which covers the full cost of attendance. I havent received a reply yet.</p>
<p>Dartmouth is my first choice and I have thought a lot about applying ED. After talking to a number of international students I think I will go ahead with my plans. D , according to their policy, will not include loans in my fin aid package. As far as Reed is considered, its relatively unknown here and they do not receive many Indian applications.</p>
<p>Yes I am considering removing a few colleges off that list and adding Williams. WPI does provide aid but they require students to contribute atleast $14000 per year which is way over my parents annual income.</p>
<p>As far as Plan B is considered if I dont get in anywhere I guess I will get in some college here. And about the cost of applications - The cost of sending transcripts, recs, SAT scores etc is huge. So I have to limit the number of colleges I am applying to.</p>
<p>I know all this is difficult but I cant give up hope on this. I have come a long way and I cant turn back now. :)</p>
<p>Ah I forgot I am applying to Deep Springs too.</p>
<br>
<blockquote> <p>I did write to ASU asking about whether they would consider me for admission if I am not able to show my certificate of finances.>></p> </blockquote>
<br>
<p>This requirement, as pointed out by Carolyn, is a federal mandate, not just a college one. I do not believe it can be waived. Other countries require this as well. When my son did a study abroad in Great Britain, we had to do a certificate of finances...and that was only for a semester abroad. </p>
<p>Good luck to you.</p>
<p>oh shucks!</p>
<p>so any other advice regarding my safeties? any suggestions?</p>
<p>Is ASU Arizona State??</p>
<p>Carnegie Mellon is very good for technology, similar to Johns Hopkins. But I agree with the posters who suggested RPI (Rensselaer Polytech Inst in Troy, NY) and WPI (Worcester Polytech Inst in Worcester, Massachusetts). There's also Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey. I am not familiar enough with this field of study to add any more.</p>
<p>Ajayc,
I suggest you go to this site: educationusa.state.gov It is a site for international students who hope to study in the USA prepared by the US Federal Government. It explains all of the requirements for getting a student visa, including the requirement to show proof of financial resources which Thumper and I both referred to above. It also has other very helpful information that you need to know. </p>
<p>In particular, read through the information on financial aid for internationals. I am not trying to discourage you from applying, but it will be important that your parents are on board with your plans. The site also has information about advisors in different countries for students who would like to come to the US to study, and I'd suggest you see if you can get that counseling in your country so you know where you are likely to stand.</p>
<p>By the way, this is a quote from the website:</p>
<p>International students often ask advisers about full scholarships, which cover all the costs of education except for airfare. The total number of full scholarships available each year to incoming international students in the United States is about 1,000, offered by only about 100 colleges. To get a full scholarship, you must be one of the top students in your country, usually with "A"s (excellent) in almost every subject, high SAT and TOEFL scores, and distinguished performance in other areas such as leadership and community service. There are 20 top students from all over the world competing for each scholarship, so you must distinguish yourself among a pool of outstanding students.</p>
<p>Only a handful of wealthy colleges in the United States are able to meet the financial need of all the students they admit. (Please note that admission to these schools is usually very competitive.) Financial need is the difference between what you and your family can afford to contribute and the estimated cost of attending the college. The former is calculated on the basis of detailed information about your parents' financial circumstances, including supporting evidence such as bank statements, employers' letters, and other official documents and statements. Other universities, which make more limited awards on the basis of your financial need, will also ask to see such evidence.</p>
<p>aj...do you have family in the US? Where will you spend the holidays? Who will support you during the holidays? </p>
<p>Are you sabatoging your efforts with Magical Thinking? If you can barely afford the app fees--how exactly will you afford to fly back and forth to the US? I have two sons attending school overseas and it costs a bomb to fly them back and forth. The non-school expenses are huge--in US dollars. Your parents told you they cannot afford your dream. End of story kiddo. </p>
<p>Focus on getting to the US for a CalTech Phd program--the feeder program for NASA. Then, you will be old enough to support yourself and stay away from India for years on end.</p>
<p>Not sure if you mentioned this or not, but I'm curious as to what your parents ARE supportive of? </p>
<p>They must be very proud of you. Are any of their plans for your future something that can be incorporated into what you want to do?</p>
<p>Well I think I will list my stats first : </p>
<p>Class IX Scores(Grade 9):</p>
<ol>
<li>English : 92%(A)</li>
<li>Hindi(Native Lang) : 88.5%(A)</li>
<li>Mathematics : 88.1%(A)</li>
<li>Science (Phy, Chem, Bio combined) : 95%(A)</li>
<li>Social Studies(includes Geography, History, Civics) : 83.3%(A)</li>
<li>Physical Education : A</li>
<li>Computer Science : A</li>
</ol>
<p>Rank : 1st</p>
<p>Class X(Grade 10):</p>
<p>1.English : 90% (A)
2. Mathematics : 87 (A)
3. Science
- Practicals - 25/25
- Theory - 72/75
Total% -> 97%(A)
4. Social Science
- Project Work - 20/20
- Theory - 73/80
Total% -> 93% (A)</p>
<ol>
<li>Work Experience : A</li>
<li>Physical Education : A</li>
</ol>
<p>Well in Class XI I have an avg of 80%</p>
<p>I will be appearing for my SATs in October. Been scoring around 2200 on the practice tests.</p>
<p>Major Awards :
**
-Special Appreciation by NASA during the NASA Student Involvement Program.</p>
<p>-Special Appreciation by Leprosy Mission.</p>
<p>-Special Appreciation by LIFE { Lower Income Family Emancipation }</p>
<p>-Founder of a Evolution Science Magazine{Ezine} Worlds first Ezine catering the interest of high school students.</p>
<p>-Honored by Indian Govt. for an All India AIDS Awareness Motorcycle Rally</p>
<p>-Co-Author Comic Strips <a href="http://lolzord.cfsquad.org%5B/url%5D">http://lolzord.cfsquad.org</a></p>
<ul>
<li><p>Sargent in the National Cadet Corps - Army Division. Awarded 'A' Certificate.</p></li>
<li><p>Represented India at LISTEN: The Worlds First Conference on Child's Concerns.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>**
Academics :</p>
<p>1. Gold Medal in National Informatics Olympiad {Conducted by a private foundation}.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>3rd Rank in National Cyber Olympiad.</p></li>
<li><p>Secured 2nd Rank in 7th International Science Talent Examination conduceted by Bangalore Science Forum.</p></li>
<li><p>7th Rank in 'Assesment of Scholastic Skills through Education Testing.</p></li>
<li><p>Represented region with my science project{ An Operation System for education} at Indian Institute of Techonology. Secured 1st Rank.</p></li>
<li><p>Finalist National Environmental Quiz conducted by Environment Education Council for Children Delhi Public School Society.</p></li>
<li><p>Won state level debate conducted by Hindi Samaj.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Leadership :</p>
<p>**1. School Captain. {Indian Equivalent of Student Body head} - 2 Years </p>
<ol>
<li><p>School Prefect - Before I was promoted to School Captain. - 1 Year</p></li>
<li><p>Awarded 'A' certificate by National Cadet Corps {NCC > Indian Equivalent of ROTC}</p></li>
<li><p>School Basketball and Volleyball Team Captain. [2 Years]**</p></li>
<li><p>Head of student body at my previous school too {2 years ago, so not important I guess}</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Sports:</p>
<ol>
<li>Represented region at state level for Volleyball and Ball Badminton [1 Year]</li>
</ol>
<p>Others:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>I have my own Linux Distribution used by a few schools in my city {Its geared towards education}</p></li>
<li><p>Founder of Linux User Group in my City.[ Completed 1.5 yrs]</p></li>
<li><p>Founder of inter school gaming club in the city.</p></li>
<li><p>Member Ubuntu Linux India Team.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Community Service - 160+ Hrs at the Local Military Hospital</p>
<p>Recs are going to be stellar.</p>
<p>I completely understand that getting a full ride is very difficult but its not unheard of. </p>
<p>My parents want me to go to the Indian Institute of Tech. Why I do not want to go there? IITs conduct an entrance exam each year. Around 500,000 students appear each year. Only 4000 make it through. And the ones who make it through are NOT allowed to major in a field of their choice. They are assigned the majors randomly.
To prepare for the entrance test students join lots of Coaching Institutes. They spend two years of their high school just studying for the test neglecting their school and social life. I do not want to go that way.</p>
<p>Cheers : Yes I do have cousins in US. I think I will be spending my holidays.</p>
<p>And if colleges cover the cost of education to some extent I think I can convince my parents to take loans.</p>
<p>About my college list, I am adding Williams and Davidson. And for my safety I am adding North Dakota State University and chucking out FIT and ASU. I think my parents can show enough funds for NDSU.</p>
<p>ajayc: For your financial safety should should look at SUNY Stony Brook. It has excellent physics, a ranked engineering school, a large international student population, easy proximity to NYC, and really reasonable tuition of OOS. ($9,000 I think.) I have taught Indian literature there, and the kids are very bright, ambitious and achieving.</p>
<p>mythmom : I attended a Linden fair yesterday. Stony Brook was there. The representative said they do not fund internationals at all!</p>
<p>The only positive response I got was from St.John's representative. He saw my resume and said 'Get 1400 above on your SAT and then apply to St.John's' :)</p>
<p>Yaay! I found a college just for my needs! Berea College!</p>
<p>Keep Oberlin on your list. Their physics department is excellent, and although they don't have engineering you said in your OP that you'd go for a physics undergrad major and then engineering degree, if I understood that correctly.</p>
<p>Oberlin gives finaid based on merit or need to international students.</p>
<p>Someone from India who just started there is TheOneCurlyFry, if you want to PM her for her opinion.</p>
<p>I think you'll find undergraduate education there equivalent to Williams, Dartmouth. This way, you'll have 3 reach schools. Then also include some of your other schools as mentioned before. I thought earlier posters dismissed Oberlin with wrong info. (Oberlin alumna and parent, here!)</p>
<p>Ajayc,
Berea is a wonderful school. I recently interviewed Joe Bagnoli, Berea's director of admissions for my blog. I just PM'd you the link, along with a link to an excellent resource for finding information on financial aid awards for internationals at different schools. </p>
<p>Carolyn</p>
<p>Ajay,</p>
<p>We've spoken a lot before (ever since you came onto this site, about half a year or so ago (has it really been that long?), so some of what I'm writing here's probably already somewhere in the mountain of text that The Indian Thread #15 was.</p>
<p>Firstly, re: your essays. Yes they are dramatically different from what you're used to writing, yes it's moderately rare in the Indian system for you to have to write reams about yourself, yes it can be hard to imagine your life fitting into 400 odd words; and yes they're things everyone tends to get moderately frantic about.
Don't.</p>
<p>All you have to do is talk about yourself, in your own voice. It's something that takes a little practice doing, but a simple rule of thumb is to read your words back to yourself (or get a friend to do so) and see if it sounds like you. If it does, then it's doing what it's meant to do; introduce yourself to someone who's never seen you before and possibly never will. Don't worry about it having to be meaningful or having to write in a pseudo-intellectual fashion. An application essay about the most simple of things, if written well, and in the applicant's voice will be more powerful than any of the hundreds of generic applications colleges will receive. So long as your writing's true to who you are, you'll be fine.</p>
<p>Re: SAT scores and grades.</p>
<p>Were you in the ISC or the CBSE system? (I'm sorry I've forgotten)</p>
<p>If, as I think you are, you're in the ISC system, then your grades in the 10th grade external exams are very good, as you no doubt know. (I don't see your grades in your 6th subject though? (Computer Applications wasn't it?))</p>
<p>I wouldn't add your letter grades with your numeric ones though; college international admissions officers are very familiar with the Indian system and they can interpret your scores without need for those.</p>
<p>I can't really comment on your 80% in 11th, since internal examinations vary from school to school. It might be useful if you could ask your GC to include some sort of statistical data on grade distributions for Grade 11 (most schools maintain that sort of thing) to add contextual information.
You'd have received your first term results for grade 12 by now wouldn't you? Could you post that? (That'll be an important part of your application.)</p>
<p>Re: Visas.</p>
<p>You will, once you decide upon where you're going to go (I hope that works out well); receive an I20.
If you do receive a full ride, then it will say on the I20 what your award amount is, as well as your own financial contribution (if any). You will have to prove, at your visa interview, sufficient funds to meet that financial contribution. It would also be advisable, if possible to be able to demonstrate that you have emergency funds that you can call upon if needed.</p>
<p>I'll try and write some more about your college list over the next few days, (this must be one of the longest posts I've ever written here).</p>
<p>Incidentally, you've seen all of my year's applicants' stats and information haven't you? I think Noldo, TheOneCurlyFry, Tessanoth, Shrivats, spacepirate and myself did create a database for international students with lots of information and advice and I'm pretty sure we sent you a link?</p>
<p>You'll find excellent information and good advice here, at the Parents' Forum. Shrivats and I found some great context and a lot of very well intentioned and helpful advice here while making our college choices. </p>
<p>We're both doing well, incidentally; my third week of classes ended recently, it's been a very hectic, intense, fantastic and fantastical time for both of us. I've found a plethora of things to get involved in and am rejoicing in the absolutely beautiful Berkeley weather.</p>
<p>Thank You for your reply k_twin.</p>
<p>I will keep your advice, regarding the essays, in mind.</p>
<p>I am studying under the CBSE curriculum. Yes I have asked my Principal to include my class statistics in the transcript. As far is Class XII is concerned, I am still scoring around 85%. But that puts me in the top 5% of my class.</p>
<p>Yeap I did visit the TiT site. I must agree it does have plethora of information. But most of you were self-funded or wanted to major in completely different field. So to me it didnt help much in choosing colleges. But it was helpful nevertheless. </p>
<p>I'm glad that you are enjoying your college experience! :)</p>
<p>Cheers!</p>