<p>Hi diegovb, I am applying as an international student for 2011. If you are not an American citizen or don’t have a Social Security Number you are not eligible for financial aid - which means you will not be given any need-based help. That’s why you have to fill in the Financial Statement. It’s supposed to show that you can afford to pay the fees without help if you didn’t receive any. You’re still eligible to receive certain scholarships but it’s not guaranteed you’ll get them.</p>
<p>So, take me for instance. My family have the money to pay for an education at USC but I probably wouldn’t end up going if I didn’t get a scholarship, just because it’s so expensive. So basically I had to fill in the form to show I had the money. It’s a method of insurance - to let the university know that if they accepted you, you would have a chance of attending.</p>
<p>I know it’s unfair but we’re international students and the top priority isn’t always for us because we don’t pay taxes to America. If however, you are eligible for financial aid (check the website they gave you) then you should be fine. But if you a) don’t live America or b) aren’t an eligible non-citizen then you won’t be able to receive financial aid other than scholarships.</p>
<p>Hope that helped!</p>