<p>Okay, can some1 explain me the diff between merit and need based FA, as in, can I get merit FA before going there?</p>
<p>Merit aid is based on scores. Often you’re told about merit scholarships when you’re accepted.</p>
<p>Some schools post on their websites automatic scholarships. So, for those, you’ll know if you’re assured a scholarship for stats.</p>
<p>FA is tricky. That is based on determined need and most schools don’t meet need. The school determines the need, so that can often be a surprise for families when a school thinks you can pay more than you can. Only certain schools give FA to int’ls because most schools rely on fed/state aid and int’ls aren’t eligible for that. </p>
<p>The ivies give 100% of determined need for int’ls who are accepted…however, that doesn’t mean that you’ll get a full ride. If the school thinks your parents can pay and/or they have a hard time verifying income/assets, you won’t get much. </p>
<p>As for the other schools, you need to look up each website.</p>
<p>In general, publics do not give FA to int’ls.</p>