Yeah, I can’t work on L2, BUT I can and will apply for a work permit as soon as I turn 18. My dad (also L2) did that and got his permit after 9 months and he’s been working since. Assuming that it’ll take approximately 9 months too, I should have my permit around January 2026 (I’m turning 18 in April), if not a green card. I’ll still be applying for the permit as a precaution in case we don’t get the green card as soon as our lawyer thinks we will.
L2 spouses of L1 visa holders can get an Employment Authorization Document that lets them work anywhere but L2 children are not eligible for EADs. Sorry.
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I’m saying - as I said all along - you should go to one within budget.
Budget = what you can afford - preferably without loans - especially when you’ll likely be in grad school.
There is no difference from an Alabama to an Ohio State to a - whoever else can be cheap.
No difference in your outcome.
Your experiences may differ - as all the campuses are different and one might suit you better than another.
Oh, I wasn’t aware of that. I thought you can apply once you turn 18. Thanks for letting me know tho
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It is very hard for college students to earn $15,000 a year. It will be even harder for you, given you are an international student.
If Alabama comes down to $20,000 a year, which your parents will pay, I would take it. I would also apply to the other schools mentioned - see what the final cost is.
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Yeah, for sure. Approximately, how many schools should I apply to? And do you think I should even try applying to one of the T50 schools?
You should apply to schools that:
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You 100% can afford - this is Alabama
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Schools that you may be able to afford - if they come through merit aid. Or need aid - if they determine you have need. This might be the Ohio Publics as they don’t appear to be $20K when including room and board. It might include schools like Louisville, W Carolina, Mississippi State, Murray State, UAH and more - but you need to research them.
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You can apply to schools that have a full ride - a list was provided by @DramaMama2021 above but includes Wash & Lee, SMU and more.
#1 is most critical because you need a home. #2 and #3 are optional but #1 is required.
Stop saying Top 50. There is no such thing as a top 50. It’s made up. Doesn’t exist.
Now if you want to go through who US News says is top 50 and check each and every one for their international cost of attendance and merit opportunities for international students…then go ahead. Maybe you’ll find one that can be in bucket #2 above.
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As long as you have a guaranteed acceptance to an affordable school…you can apply wherever you want.
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We all know what I mean by T50. Is the ranking made up? Sure, but you can’t deny that there is SOME truth to it.
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It doesn’t matter. You are on a strict budget and need an affordable school.
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Again - in most cases there is not difference, other than environment from a #43 Ohio State to a #47 Georgia or Va Tech to a whatever they are ranked Oregon, Colorado, Missouri, Arizona, Tennessee, Delaware or whatever - some of which are sub 100.
Most kids stay home and everyone one of these schools - even #170 Alabama (which actually imports more than half its kids) - every one has Ivy Caliber students on campus.
You have Bama which buys kids in - which is how you can afford it - with the most National Merit Scholars in the country.
You have schools like Arizona with huge merit for 4.0s - but not for international - or Florida State waiving OOS tuition for high test scores (not sure if for International).
You have ASU and U of S Carolina - neither close to top 50 - with the top Honors Colleges in the country. They are loaded with top kids.
You have kids who go to regional schools by choice - size, location - what have you - my daughter in at Florida, Georgia, UMD (all top 50) and top tier (or former before the last ranking) W&L. Her good friend at school got into Rice, Vandy, and Penn but chose a regional public - by choice.
So I have to disagree with you.
Now are there pockets that may be better than others. Sure - Arizona State and Michigan State are tops or near for Supply Chain. A Mizzou near the top for journalism, etc.
But by and large and especially for a science degree like Chem you can believe the “top 50” but I think it’s garbage.
Last year, in fact, US News changed the methodology - and schools that were top - like Tulane (fantastic school) or Northeastern - no longer are - and schools that weren’t - Rutgers, U of Illinois - now are. A Wash U - perenially top 20 - no longer is. And Wake Forest - typically top 30 is barely a top 50.
Did they get worse? Nope US News needed to sell more magazines so they changed the formula.
You don’t get a better job or status in life because you go to #46 instead of #83.
For the most part, with few exceptions, a flagship is a flagship is a flagship. Not just me but others have demonstrated that to you through this thread.
You can believe what you want - but those rankings aren’t paying off your loan to your folks.
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What I’m asking is not whether you agree with the ranking or not, but rather whether with my budget, stats and immigration status it’s worth to apply to the schools that are ranked top 50 in the country by US News. I am, by no means, saying that they are the best schools. I’m just asking whether I should try applying to those schools.
Medical students don’t really have significant incomes because they simply have no time for that. Once you get to the rotation stage of your medical school, you won’t be able to work, at all. Some students do tutoring or babysitting. But you won’t be earning a significant amount doing that while in medical school.
Most of your “spare time” will be spent studying.
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Please move on from discussing rankings. The OP would like to know what schools they should apply to.
OP, I suggest framing your question differently and simply ask what schools you should apply to. You muddied the waters by bringing up rank/top 50. You need a balanced list of safety/target/reach… for your specific stats and circumstances.
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If they meet buckets 1,2, or 3 above yes. If not - no.
Privates that meet need are different. You can run the net price calc for a Harvard or others and see what they say. Not sure if they work for intl tho
Take top whatever out.
You need the #1 bucket filled and the rest have to be in 2 or 3 whether ranked 5 or 500.
Good luck.
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OP- you know yourself…we don’t. If you get accepted somewhere you can’t afford will your reaction be “I’m so proud that I tried” and then go happily off to your more affordable choice? Or will it grind away at you… especially if someone you dislike from your HS ends up going there?
If you are the type to let disappointments roll off your back then sure…apply, see what happens. But understand that some people would have a hard time with this situation.
One of my kids is Teflon…aims high, sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t. Never bothers him. A different kid…ooh, not the same personality at all!! These ups and downs are really stressful.
You know yourself!
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The University of South Dakota is just under $24,000 a year for international students and it looks like there are scholarships available.
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Great point. Here may be more.
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I think you are right. They had 6k junk fees. However, someone needs to get there too and flight can be pricy.
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I looked under international students- Vermillion SD campus.
I assume there are multiple campuses.