<p>worried, admissions criteria for international students are different from US citizens. Where you come from, your ethnic background, your visa status are all points of consideration. It’s great that “money is no object.” You can put that to the side and concentrate on your next questions.</p>
<p>EDIT: I’m assuming here that you are not an American citizen. After re-reading, I’m not sure. Please clarify.</p>
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This depends on YOU. What do you want? Obviously, prestige if “IVY” is your ideal college. You need to drill deeper: size, location, culture, weather, ambience. All colleges have personalities. Smaller colleges have more focused personalities; larger universities encompass a broader range. Figure out what you want, then you’ll have an idea of where you’d fit.</p>
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Lots of places. First, make a short list based on what you want from a college. Second, make sure that your list is BALANCED. Some very selectives, some mediums and at least one or two “sure things.” Pick the “sure things” or safeties first. This will make you less worried.</p>
<p>The third question, that you should be asking is what can I do to improve my chance of admissions? Going back to my original point, a lot depends on where you’re from and what your family background and life experience have been. </p>
<p>Colleges and universities, even ivies, use international students to balance their diversity percentages. All schools want students from diverse backgrounds who will bring a wide range of perspectives to the campus community. The most selective schools, especially those in urban settings, get a lot of international applicants. Less selective schools, colleges in rural settings and in the Midwest (even very good ones) get fewer international applicants, thus your chance of admission is increased if you go against the grain.</p>
<p>My advice, is stop worrying and use that intellect to make a strategy for yourself. You’re doing well – good grades, good scores (presumably), good extracurriculars, possibly good life experience. Figure out what you want and then make a plan to get it. </p>
<p>The most important point, is SAFETIES. These are hard to find and hard to love but they’re out there. Identify your safety then the rest will be fun and worry free!</p>