<p>Hi, I’m an international student. I’m currently in the process of completing my A Levels. I have 3 A*s and 5 As in my O Levels, and my SAT score is 1930. I’m also giving the SAT Subject Tests this month, for Biology M and Math 2. I know that my SAT score can be better, so I might do it again in December (this was my first time). My extracurriculars are pretty strong, and I’ve also participated in a US exchange program.</p>
<p>I’m interested in liberal arts and science (especially genetics, neuroscience and psychology). I’m also partial to business majors. I want to apply to US colleges that provide generous financial aid for international students (even if they’re need-aware). So what are my options?</p>
<p>Some of the numbers on those pages may be a couple years out of date. </p>
<p>For your scores, the most realistic options would include:
Trinity College
Colorado College
Skidmore College
Dickinson College
Bryn Mawr (women only)
Mt. Holyoke (women only)
Hampshire College
Union College
Macalester College</p>
<p>Skidmore, Dickinson, Hampshire and Union are less selective than the others.</p>
<p>I don’t think any of these colleges offer business majors.</p>
<p>Start with the money. You need to get a better understanding of how financial aid for international students works. the issue is not so much whether a school is need blind or need aware, but rather how likely the school is to give financial aid to international. Only six schools (Amherst, Dartmouth, Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Yale) are both need blind and guarantee to meet full need for internationals. They are all crazy selective, so you have to expand your range.</p>
<p>The first thing you should do is to use a net price calculator to determine how much need-based aid you might receive. Start with any of the colleges on @tk21769’s list. The NPC will give you your estimated family contribution. This is the most you could expect to receive, but in actuality you may receive less, and the aid package may include loans and work study. You have to try the NPCs one by one. If need-based aid works for you, then you can research further each individual college’s history in providing financial support for internationals.</p>
<p>On the other hand, if the NPCs indicate that your EFC isn’t affordable for you, then you’ll have to research merit aid. Colleges that give merit aid are often different from need-only colleges. Merit aid for internationals is unpredictable, so you have to cast a wide net. Look at colleges in rural locations and in the Midwest and South which have fewer international applicants. Also consider moving a notch down academically.</p>