Intl Student
Class 2020
GPA > 8 /10
SAT1 - 1170 (Cri + Math)
ECs - Ok
Interests - Engg. (CS or Mech)
FA - Not very particular
Can someone suggest safe bets for Fall’16 on 2 options
(i) without FA but tuits < $35k
(ii) some FA like part or full tuit waiver
Would you consider re-taking the SAT, or taking the ACT instead? (Many non-native speakers find the ACT easier than the SAT because it de-emphasizes vocabulary.)
You’d have many more scholarship options with an SAT score above 1,300 (or ACT >= 30).
Where are you from?
Is 8/10 average? or is it considered very good?
Am studying the Indian CBSE curriculum in Dubai. Frankly I am at a loss to normalise the Indian 10-point scale to the US 4-point scale.
Yes… will be retaking the SAT as well as taking the ACT too.
Did you see WES’s grade conversion guide?
Thanks b@r!um… so my CGPA up to end of Junior year in high school translates to an A 
So… what ARE my safe schools with my existing SATs and nil FA requirement?
What’s your intended major?
I mentioned that - Engineering… prefe CS or mech
For CS/ mech E safety, I suggest U of Alabama or UAH. If you suceed in getting at least 28 Act or math and Cr 1280, you will get partial tuition waiver. I fyou get 1400 or act 32, you will get full tuition waiver.
The only safe schools are the ones that will guarantee you admission based on your grades and test scores. Read through these two threads, then check each university to find out if they also extend that policy to international applicants:
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-admissions/1562918-updated-list-of-schools-with-auto-admit-guaranteed-admission-criteria.html#latest
http://automaticfulltuition.yolasite.com/
@advent I would say that UMass Lowell would be a safety. Total COA is 33k. You might get a scholarship. It’s a good engineering school with commuter train access to Boston. Lowell is not a fancy area though.
@advent Also South Dakota School of Mines. COA less than 20k.