<p>Hi! I am an International Junior hopping to attend college in 2014. My college counselor suggested I should try to apply to schools that offer Merit Based Scholarships because my parents have a tight budget which they can afford for my education abroad (between $15 to $20K a year). I know that there are a lot of options around that budget, but my expectations are to get the highest quality education available, and the University of Chicago is my top choice right now. My counselor tells me I have a lot of advantages that would make me eligible for a potential scholarship (if I manage to stay in the path that I am without lowering my grades etc…):</p>
<ul>
<li>Minority (Latino/Hispanic) from a third world country</li>
<li>100% bilingual (English/Spanish)</li>
<li>Female</li>
<li>First generation to attend college</li>
<li>Top 10% of my class with very good grades (Distingueshed Honor Roll at school). I attend a well recognized American School certified by various American Associations. Not sure of my GPA but my grades average 96%</li>
<li>Various AP classes, and several academic awards</li>
<li>Member of the local chapter National Honors Society</li>
<li>Dale Carnegie Youth Leadership Certification</li>
<li>Member of an International Volunteer association, and quite active in community service</li>
<li>Involved in sports</li>
</ul>
<p>I still have not taken my SATs but I am working hard to do well (above 2000). Plus, I love to write, which makes me very exited about the challenge of writing my essays!</p>
<p>Considering the University of Chicago is not listed as Need Blind for International Students, my questions are:</p>
<p>If I were admitted, would I be eligible for a full Merit Scholarship?
If I were admitted, and I were awarded a scholarship but it does not cover my full tuition, could I still apply to some type of financial aid deducting what my parents can afford to pay? Or does this need to be done during the application process?
Should this situation be mentioned in my application papers?
Would it affect the Admissions Committee decision my financial situation?</p>
<p>I appreciate your honesty because I’d rather know beforehand if I should apply or not.</p>
<p>Thank you for your help!</p>