richbrite

Hi,everyone, this is my first posting.

My son is a grade 10 international student at one of the boarding schools in MA, U.S.A. Stanford is his top choice for engineering in the future. Below are my questions.

-Would an international student studying in the U.S. have an advantage or disadvantage, compared to his friends studying in their home country when he applies to Stanford or Ivy Leagues schools, in terms of seat allocation?
-One of my friends plans to send his grade 10 daughter who is studying in local school to a summer course at Stanford. Would this help improve the chance in the future? Anyone of you guys did summer courses at Standford or any top schools to add into your portfolio?

Thanks for your answers.

richbrite

richbrite

Anyone with answers? Thanks

docketgold

1. Disadvantage

2. No

richbrite

docketgold, could you tell me why is it 1. disadvantage?

angrygoldfish

Well it's definitely a disadvantage if you want to apply for financial aid. Stanford is only need-blind for home applicants.

richbrite

Well, we do not plan to apply for financial aid and we are comparing an international (Thai) student attending a boarding school in the U.S. with his Thai friends studying in Thailand. Thanks.

freshnup

I'd agree with docket somewhat. International may be tougher, but you shouldn't hold back on applying. I think Stanford wants a well-rounded individual, for sure, with plenty of community service and lovin' of your neighbor documentation.