<p>hey,
i was wondering if anyone knows what does “financial independent” actually mean.</p>
<p>i live in Israel
i am an Israeli Army veteran (Israel Defense Forces) from 2004-2008
just got discharged
i will be 24 years old by December of 2009
for the last year of my service i have been working for the army as an telecommunication instructor.
i now work as an data-networks engineer at a company , and plan on working till the 2009 fall semester </p>
<p>i have been living on my own since 2003, when i graduated from high-school.</p>
<p>does anyone know what kind of financial aid i can apply for ?
i heard from a friend who studies at princeton ,that “financial independents” is the best option for me.</p>
<p>but, i couldn’t find any information about it </p>
<p>can anyone help ?</p>
<p>haven’t got my SAT scores yet (had the exam last week), but i got 780 on math IIc and 740 on physics II.
(does it even change anything in financial aid ?)</p>
<p>you are considered financially independent, due to your status as a veteran and your age. What this really means, though, in terms of financial aid is that you only need to submit your own information in regards to income and assets – you do not need to submit your parent’s info.</p>
<p>As far as what kind of financial aid you will recieve – you will not be eligible for any federal aid, since you are an international student.</p>
<p>The majority of colleges in the United States have very limited (if any) financial aid for international students. considering that you have a regular income, you will most likely get no aid from most colleges.</p>
<p>There are a handful of highly selective colleges (like Princeton, Harvard, etc) that do offer generous financial aid packages for internationals – the problems is getting admitted. Your need for financial assistance will be a factor in admissions in all but, I think, 6 of these top schools. The competition is fierce – with most kids having outstanding test scores, GPA and extracurriculars. </p>
<p>Keep in mind that when you apply for financial aid, they will look at your income and assets – and with a job as a data-networks engineer you probably make alot more money that the typical kid who works at a fast-food joint for the summer months. That income will effect your Expected Family Contribution. You might see if a few of the schools your are interested in have a financial aid calculator to see what you will be expected to pay.</p>
<p>My guess is that even at the very generous schools that meet the full need of international students, you would be expected to pay $15,000+ the first year. The allowance for a single person with no dependants is very low.</p>
<p>reemornath, do you have dual citizenship with the US, or are you an Israeli citizen alone? If you have dual citizenship, you will be considered in the domestic pool for both admissions and financial aid, and will still be eligible for federal aid as well.</p>
<p>Hmm…if you are a U.S. citizen and are a veteran of the armed forces (I assumed U.S. Armed Forces…) you would be considered independent. I honestly do not know what your status as a veteran of a foreign country armed forces gains you.</p>
<p>You would be considered independent, however, due to your age. </p>
<p>But this independent status is for FAFSA financial aid eligiblility which is for U.S. federal funds. These are the criteria for U.S. federal funds independence for FAFSA purposes. If you are not an American Citizen, I do not believe you can fill out the FAFSA at all. </p>
<p>And as hsmomstef mentioned, if you are an international student (not a U.S. citizen), you need to check each school for the types of aid they allocate for international students. Some schools give aid to international students, some give it in a limited way, and some don’t give it at all.</p>
<p>You need to go read everything, and I do mean everything, that is in the sticky threads at the top of the international forum. To find the international forum, click on “Discussion Home” in the upper left of this screen, and then scroll down.</p>
<p>As an international student, you fall into a completely different category than US citizens and US permanent residents. </p>
<p>You should also schedule an appointment with the counselors at the Education USA office closest to you. </p>