<p>I am a rising senior in high school and I'm preparing for the college application process. I think I have a very good chance of getting into Berkeley and UCLA and will most likely end up at either of these two schools. I figured out how I can apply to these schools and receive financial aid as well as be able to pay in state tuition.</p>
<p>What remains a puzzle to me is how I can apply to private institutions such as Stanford and the Ivies. I have to admit I have an excruciatingly slim chance at these schools but because other than UCSD, UCB, and UCLA I have no other schools to apply to, I will send my apps to these prestigious institutions; not all of them because only certain ones are need-blind and give the same aid to international students (which I think is what an undocumented student is classified as).</p>
<p>So when I apply to Princeton, for example, should I call the admissions or financial aid office and tell them my situation and then submit my application? How do I even apply for financial aid as an undocumented student? Do I just ask the financial aid office? I read a story about an undocumented hispanic student getting a full ride at Stanford and getting a full scholarship at Yale which he had to give up because unlike Stanford, Yale was adamant about him having to pay the student contribution from working which he could not do because without a SS he couldn't work. So how is applying and getting financial aid approached???</p>
<p>And should I check other or international student? A trifle but just curious. Is writing my essays about my immigration status and experience as an undocumented student a bad idea? I don't want it to be seen as a sob story... although it's sob worthy haha.</p>
<p>You have to indicate that you’re an int’l, since you don’t have citizenship or green card status.</p>
<p>How will you get aid for UCs? </p>
<p>To get instate rates, don’t you have to indicate that you’re in the legal residency process??</p>
<p>California has in-state rate for all students who have attended schools there for a certain numberif years regardless of immigration status. In that it is more generous than most other states. The OP needs to verify the exact policies of the places he/she is considering within the CA public system.</p>
<p>For private institutions, the best plan is simply to email the admissions and financial aid offices to find out what each one will require.</p>
<p>In addition to in-state rates, California passed legislation that takes effect in January, that provides state financial aid to undocumented students (still no federal aid).</p>
<p>The UC Davis website has a useful page on the California Dream Act and other links that will be helpful to you.</p>
<p>Yes, thank you, I’ve already got the stuff for UCs figured out. Basically because of the CA Dream Act that passed in 2011, beginning with the 2013-2014 year I can now apply for Cal Grant, institutional grant from UCs, and private scholarships which I will be able to get with my GPA. Basically instead of the FAFSA you would file the CA Dream Application and submit a Non-resident tuition exemption affidavit to all the schools you are applying to.</p>
<p>So like what happymom said, the best thing would be to contact all the admissions/fin aid offices of the private schools I will be applying to beforehand and tell them my situation? I just don’t want to approach the application process and know nothing and have all the deadlines of apps I need to send it pass.</p>
<p>Do as happymom suggests. It’s the best way to get accurate information. The other option is to speak to the admissions officers if they do information sessions at your school or in your area.</p>
<p>Thank you for the responses. Yeah hopefully the people at the admissions and fin aid offices will have some experience dealing with students like myself.</p>
<p>Yes, I’m very aware of the Dream Act in Calif…instate rates and aid. However, I thought the students had to show something that indicates that they’re in the process of becoming legal.</p>
<p>I think the requirement is that the student “affirm” that they are in the process, which is satisfied by the student asserting that this is the case, and not requiring any additional verification or documentation.</p>
<p>To get in-state tuition rates you must be AB 540 and you must turn in an affidavit. On the affidavit you agree that “if” you are an illegal alien, you will try to become a legal resident. And when you qualify as an AB 540 student (there are certain requirements such as having graduated from HS and having lived here for a certain amount of years) you can qualify for the financial aid available through the CA Dream Act.</p>