<p>Hi!</p>
<p>I am planning to attend college in the USA; an mechanical/computer science engineering undergrad course. I’d like some advice on the following:</p>
<p>1.Which cities are the most undergrad friendly? i.e. with a good balance between low cost, high education standard/good colleges, friendly people, etc.</p>
<p>2.Which colleges are known for giving foreign-students perks/scholarships more often?</p>
<p>3.Any other random stuff I would need to know before I decide.</p>
<p>Also, this is sort of a hybrid question, since I would also like to know what my chances are of getting into Princeton or UT,Arlington ( I know the latter is more of a safe college in comparison ).
Also, are there any other colleges, I should be considering? I’ve heard that if you attend a college whose averages are below your stats, then there are better options for financial aid and acceptance. I’m not bent on Ivy league colleges - so if there are any other good colleges you know that fit my criteria or are known for my courses, please help.</p>
<p>About Me: </p>
<p>I’m from India and am presently finishing my junior year. I will be writing the SAT on May 5, 2012. Presently I have a ~3.8/4 GPA.</p>
<p>ECs and Stuff:</p>
<p>I play basketball and handball, for the college team, though, nothing state-level yet. I have been going to karate since 2nd Grade in the USA, and I continued that over here. So now I’m a Black Belt in Okinawa Karate.
I’ve won tons of school and inter-school Debate, Topical Speaking and Essay Writing competitions. I qualified for the international round of the MARRS spelling bee twice. I was the president of my ‘House’ at School.
I actively participate on forums like techsupportguy.com and love helping people out - I’m the guy whose number everyone in the class has, for help in studies and tech/computer issues. :)</p>
<p>Another thing:</p>
<p>I lived in San Jose, California for 7 years, and attended Castlemont Elementary and Rolling Hills Middle, till 6th grade, before moving to India. I was part of the student council and Peace-keepers, then. I was also in GATE. Does this help my admission chances in any way?
What if I attend a college in California? - Though I haven’t considered this due to the higher living costs in Cali.</p>