International students graduated from high school in US and accepted in US Colleges.

PA student's dad · March 13

@happymomof1, thank you for your post. I also suggested the option of community college for first two years. But my son was upset. May be a gap year and trying for some better options in the next year!

PA student's dad · March 13

@PurpleTitan , he wants to study Mechanical / Aerospace. We didn't know about Capitol Technology U.Now the college application cycle is over ( particularly the chance of getting any scholarship). We are hoping that he will get at least one affordable college.His stats are good --Unweighted GPA 3.97, SAT 1550, 3 subject tests with high scores, 8AP and average ECs.

PurpleTitan · March 13

Right, a gap year and applying to schools that offer merit scholarships is an option.

Your son has to realize he has to play the hand he is dealt but that he could achieve his goals. BTW, UA-Huntsville has ties to aerospace. I thought their aerospace engineering is strong? However, where would he look to work after graduation? Not being a US citizen, it would be tough for him in the US.

happymomof1 · March 13

What can your son do during a gap year that would make him a more viable college applicant at places your family can afford? Would your family be able to save the equivalent of one year worth of what the colleges have expected you to pay this year so as to have a bit of financial cushion in the next application round?

Take a look at the community colleges in your state. They should have formal transfer agreements with the universities. Some of them might even have dorms so he wouldn't necessarily need to live at home. Check them for merit scholarships. Happykid's community college has a number of different scholarships. She earned one that covered her tuition and fees there for four semesters. Scholarships will probably have an application due date in the spring, but admissions for the fall semester probably do not cut off until the day classes start. Your son has time to think through community college as an option.

[email protected]!um · March 13

I'd be careful with the community college transfer route. There's the danger of aging out of H-4 status before enrolling at the 4-year school and getting stuck with an out-of-state tuition bill.

Not being a US citizen, it would be tough for him in the US.

This reminds me. An international classmate from college was trying to get a PhD in aerospace engineering. Most programs told her that they wouldn't be able to fund her because funding came from sources that required US citizenship. She did end up finding a program that she could attend, but even there, she faced restrictions on which projects she could touch as a non-citizen. ITAR and all.

PA student's dad · March 13

I think it will be better for him to change to student visa ( F1) after enrolling to any college as he will be able to work on campus. Otherwise, at 21 he will have to change to F1. We will be visiting Upitt in April and I am trying to set up an appointment with the financial aid office to find out any aid or affordable loan they can offer. In the mean time we will be waiting for decisions from all other schools he applied.

PurpleTitan · March 13

So where does he plan to work after graduation?

If Germany, uni there may make sense.

If Canada, ditto.

PA student's dad · March 17

Latest update, he is waitlisted at Georgia Tech, Colby and Casewestern. Rejected by Wash U & Swarthmore College. Received a merit scholarship ($2000 per year for 4 years) from Upitt.

PA student's dad · March 22

Update on 3/22/2019.
Accepted to University of Miami, Florida ( Aerospace engineering) with presidential scholarship ($30K per year for 4 years).

Rejected by Northwestern. Waiting for remaining 9 decisions in the next week!

Ravi S · March 24

My son (H4) graduating from NJ high school got admitted into below schools.
1. NJIT Honors college (Full ride) 2. Rutgers Honors college (10K merit per year) 3. Northeastern (20K merit per year) 4. Georgia Tech (next year fall)

Wait listed: Brandeis, Rejected: 1. USC 2. U Chicago

Waiting for 5 more decisions in the next week.

What's the best option to change to student visa ? go to India and get stamped or apply online ? Any chances to get rejected if apply in India ?

Ravi S · March 24

Also admitted to University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, no merit scholarship information yet

PA student's dad · March 24

@Ravi, congratulations --your son has some good options. Hope he will get some better options next week. He can change to student visa by applying I-539 . Stamping from India could be tricky as it may be difficult for him to establish non-immigrant intent (that he will return back to India after his education) at the time of visa interview.

Ravi S · March 24

Thank you. It looks online COS taking longer time , 12 Months to 15.5 Months

Ravi S · March 24

This is so painful, lot of hurdles to overcome , my son did all his schooling (KG to high school) in NJ and this GC backlog killing our kids future.

PA student's dad · March 24

Yes, very true and we feel totally helpless.

International students graduated from high school in US and accepted in US Colleges.

Replies to: International students graduated from high school in US and accepted in US Colleges.

Recent Activity