<p>Hey everyone,</p>
<p>I've decided on a college and am now in the process of providing necessary financial documents, as I am an international student who did not apply for financial aid.</p>
<p>I have a major problem now though. On my financial certification sheet, it says the following:</p>
<p>"you must document your ability to pay for tuition and living expenses"</p>
<p>Now, is this saying that I have to have $200,000 in a bank right now to prove I can pay for things or will they take into account things like, 1) my parent's annual income 2) we are selling our house next year. Because I REALLY don't have $200,000 just sitting around and can only document enough currently for two years. The second two years will be paid for by my dad's income, which comes in, you guessed it, two years.</p>
<p>Also, when the sheet says "any funds that are not personal must be accompanied by a sponsor letter", does "personal" include the money my parents will provide or does it mean just MY OWN money?</p>
<p>Thanks very much for your help!</p>
<p>I think you’d be better off asking the college that has accepted you these questions. I wouldn’t think this is going to be a problem – I can’t imagine that too many US families have two full years of full college costs put away already, but it is a lot better to get correct info from the start.</p>
<p>I’ve seen a few asian students make comments along the lines of a corporation in their country paying tuition if the student agrees to work for them for a certain number of years. I think that would be the “sponsor” situation.</p>
<p>“Personal” is going to mean family money. Ask the university if this form is submitted on an annual basis or not. They want to make sure a student will be able to pay for the full year, not leave half way through due to money issues.</p>
<p>All said with no actual experience.</p>
<p>I see. Yes, that’s the problem - annual basis! Is it customary to fill out one of these every year in general for all colleges?</p>
<p>OK, this is directly from my colleges financial aid brochure:</p>
<p>“International students in need of a visa will need to document to Tufts and later to the US embassy or consulate the existence and availability of funds for tuition and living expenses for four years”.</p>
<p>I cannot imagine this being what I think it is. I know internationals have been stereotyped to be “rich” but I highly doubt that so many internationals would apply with $200,000 just lying around in the bank.</p>
<p>I read in another thread that your dad is going to visit the school with you. You should make an appointment with the finance office/bursars office to find out what kind of documentation they need. Those types of appointment may fill up quickly, so get it lined up soon.</p>