Yes, the green Card makes a huge difference. Let’s just leave that out of the equation and focus on those who do not have it, like you, and may not get one for a while. Illegal immigrants with and without DACA fall into this category as do international students. They are not entitled to PELL or other federal money, in many states, no state money either. What options do they have for college?
IRL here, they work full time and painfully get through college one course at a time. Community college or a local state school. No scholarships either on a part time basis. In your case, free tuition is available, is it not, to go to a local CC?
ThAt is the alternative after scouring every single college for full ride scholarships. A lot of them have disappeared from 5-10 years ago, when such searches did come up with lists. Yes, every single one has to be contacted and asked if info is up to date, if international , DACA and illegal students can get them. It’s a pain. That’s what it takes. Those, like you with good academic numbers , have a better shot at it than any I know who don’t have the numbers or acumen to consider moving away. They do the slow part time route.
I agree that you should throw in the name brand schools too, especially the ones you did not include first time around, but understand that those are lottery ticket schools even for those who are Americans. Frankly, you are would not be at the top of the list at many of those schools just from your numbers and resume, without consideration of your DACA status as compelling. Which schools usually do not do consider until AFTER the kid is accepted. Then, let’s showcase him as inspiration porn (which is harsh, but it really gives the wrong idea that this is happening a lot. Which is no favor to DACA kids and their cause ). Don’t even count on getting into those schools or get those merit awards. Really hanging on getting off the Case Western wait list for what? A full ride from them? As an international waitlisted student? The chances were nonexistent IMO
Can you get a job with Starbucks? They have online tuition benefits with ASU. No, it’s not the optimal way to go, but it’s a way. How about Soka University? Actually it’s jumped off the beaten track into the high ratings zone, but the numbers s but more palatable. How about getting a job with s CC that might allow you to get free tuition?
You have to go off the beaten track to get the classes. That citizens come before internationals, state residents before OOS is the way it works and is supported by most areas. Through no fault of yours, youbare in a difficult situation as are many children whose parents refuse to provide financial inf or assistance, desert them, abuse them, get jailed. Yes the sins of the father do rain down in the sins as a natural course of events.
I have been dealing with mostly American kids who can’t afford to get an education in a friggin’ academic desert these last two years, unlike here in my home state where there are the most generous college options of all for all. Your state is not where NY is, but it’s not the among the worst. You don’t like the options presented to you as they may cause you to lose benefits if your green Card Arrives. So you are going to go through this roulette again in hopes you net a high chance big catch or your card comes through. If not, you’ll be at the same place again next year, and hopefully those options on the table today are still there then. I’ve seen a lot of the deals, including ones my kids got, disappear in thin air with no fan fare, no announcement. Just “poof” gone.