Match me for t-50, 3.7 (un)gpa (no ap offered), central asian(3 mil population) [international, <$15-20k, architecture]

Chance Me / Match Me
1

Demographics

  • Gender: Male
  • State/Location of residency: Mongolian(international)
  • Type of school: Private not well known school

Cost Constraints / Budget
20k at highest but preferably 15k

Intended Major(s)

Architecture related major

GPA, Rank, and Test Scores

  • Unweighted HS GPA: 3.7
  • Weighted HS GPA: does not weigh
  • Class Rank: no class rank
  • ACT/SAT Scores: 1350 test optional

List your HS coursework

accelerated as its the only option

  • English:
  • Math: (including highest level course(s) completed)
  • Science: (including which ones, such as biology, chemistry, physics)
  • History and social studies:
  • Language other than English: (including highest level completed)
  • Visual or performing arts:
  • Other academic courses:

Awards: no awards

Extracurriculars
probably below avg but here it goes:

Helped a well known architecture book publication (about local city) during it’s research on archive of the city’s history

Designed posts for local magazine, researched article topics, and organized events with architects; reached 5,000+ views on social media.

An event for capturing moments of the city through art; organized biweekly events for 20–30 participants.

Organised “Temporary Volunteer Event” where, over 200 kids helped various vulnerable groups such as orphans, elders and lost pets.

Interned with an interior contractor, supporting on-site interior work, material planning, and contractor coordination.

Provided daily caregiving support for my mother during surgery recovery.

Co-founded a school chess club with 30 students attending weekly.

Essays/LORs/Other
great essay, mid LORs

Schools
Currently applied to Vanderbilt ED. Unsure about which schools to apply to.

2

If you have that much need, you are unlikely for Vandy. They are need aware. Applying ED was dangerous unless you can pay whatever they charge you. They admitted 362 international of 8641 and your GPA is low and you don’t have a test so.

When you say you want architecture related, do you mean architecture or something like these two?

There was a recent student with a similar budget but a higher SAT. Schools like Ole Miss, Southern Miss, Texas A&I international, Minot State and more were mentioned. I don’t know if your SAT will work but I’d check these types.

Will any have a major of interest is the question.

Good luck.

https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/slideshows/most-affordable-colleges-for-international-students?slide=2

3

With your budget and stats, would you consider broadening your search to any US architecture program that would meet budget?

What about Illinois Institute of technology? Chicago is an amazing international city and their architecture program is superb.

International students are eligible for need and merit based aid.

4

But with costs at $70k (without things like health insurance) and the max $25k scholarship, short of need aid too, how would the student get to cost ?

5

Did you mean to say “similar need” rather than “similar nudge”? The latter may confuse an international student .

6

Based on timing, it seems you applied ED II to Vanderbilt. Is this correct?

With respect to suggestions, look into HWS, about which information was posted above.

1 Like
7

My fault.

Similar budget. I’ll post the thread.

It’s a frustrating read but reality. The issue becomes - will any have your major or something related ?

8

Good point, with highest contribution of 20k, I don’t think IIT would work (but application is free so may be worth applying to see what actually is in the aid package)

In general I take the COA with a grain of salt. Many students are able to spend less. For example the COA for food is often $30 a day even for “off campus” housing. Lots of students can eat on $10 a day. That can save thousands of dollars a semester. Similarly, the campus library often has all the textbooks. While you can’t check them out you can use them in person at the library. It isn’t an easy way to attend college, but it is a way to lower the costs. Another way I think students can lower COA is to finish college in 3.5 or 3 years by using AP credits and/or taking more hours each semester (ie 18 hours rather then 15)

9

Where do you plan to be an architect? The architects we know have masters degrees in architecture.

After you finish your degree, you will be expected to return to your home country. So, please plan this as a possibility.

Could you please complete the template for the chance me/match me you have above. I don’t see the courses you have taken.

also, if you are planning to apply to more U.S. universities for fall 2026, you have a lot to do in a short time. Many have deadlines that have passed, some are January 15. Yes, there are some that are later. So you need to check.

Vanderbilt ED 2 decisions should be coming out soon! If you applied ED1, you would have heard in December. Can you please clarify.

Have you applied to any colleges RD? How bout in your home country?