<p>I wonder if some of you posting are actually international students. As one who has gone through the process, the main goal is securing the visa. As such, the truth will have to be bend, any international student understands this. And as peter1412 alluded, any suggestion of a desire to work after the completion of studies may hinder the receipt of the visa. </p>
<p>Unlike what one poster said, the only repercussions for lying on a visa are if you decide to go back home after the visa expires and it is evident that you finished your program and decided to work. As a result, it would be tricky to get another visa to come back to the U.S. </p>
<p>Do not let them fool you. As long as you have a valid I-20 and are taking classes fulltime in the U.S, you will be ok even with an expired visa. Once you get here, it’s all about the I-20.</p>
<p>In addition, as peter1412 said, there are schools that provide need based financial aid, and yes international students make up a good portion of recipients. I and several other international students I know have benefitted from such. And to answer happymomof1’s query, yes, a large portion of the expenses are covered. Out of $51,000 of annual tuition, I was only responsible for $3000.</p>