Cost of attending colleges in USA is very high. Hence, most of these colleges at the time of giving admission to international students considers whether the international applicant and his parent’s or sponsor’s or loan etc. are sufficient to fund the entire duration in the colleges. Most of the colleges offer few numbers of merit-based scholarships and financial aid for international students. However, very few colleges are offering financial aid up to full demonstrated need of the international students. Here we will discuss the need blind financial aid offered by USA universities to international students.
Scholarships Vs Financial Aid:
Scholarships are based on the merits of the students. Admissions committee evaluates the entire application, materials and the profile of the applicant and offers the merit based scholarships. In this the financial need or circumstances of the students are not considered. It is purely based on merits. This is called scholarships. However, universities support the students by offering generous funds based on the need of the students. It is called financial Aid.
Need Aware Admission:
There are few universities before giving admission to any international students check whether students have sufficient funds available for the entire duration of course. If these funds are not available then college offers the funds up to the full demonstrated need of the students.
Based on financial circumstances the colleges calculate the family contribution and for the remaining amount the colleges provide the financial Aid. However, colleges have limited funds. Hence, they can not fund each and every student they want to admit. Therefore, before giving admission these colleges check the financial need of the student and they again check whether college can meet the full demonstrated need. If yes then only college will offer admission to that particular student otherwise not. Admission decisions are based on the financial need and availability of funds. This is called need aware admissions.
Need Blind:
There are few colleges who have enough funds available to meet the full need of all the admitted students irrespective of how much student need financial Aid. Hence, while evaluating these students’ application and taking the decision of admission the financial need of the applicant is not considered at all. Once student is admitted the college will meet the full demonstrated need of all the admitted students. This is called need blind admissions.
Need Blind colleges:
There are many colleges which are need blind for the US citizens. However, very few colleges are need blind for the International students.
Following is the list of colleges which are need blind for international students.
1. Amherst College:
It is a small liberal Arts college and admits very few international students.
2. Bowdoin College:
Bowdoin has recently since 2022 became need blind for the International students. It is a small liberal Arts college and admits very few International students.
3. Brown University:
It is a very old prestigious Ivy League college. Offers need blind admissions to international Students.
4. Dartmouth College:
It is a very old prestigious Ivy League college. Since 2022 it has become need blind for International students.
5. Harvard University:
It is a very old prestigious Ivy League college. Offers need blind admissions to international Students.
6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT):
It is a very old prestigious institute known for technology and for STEM. Offers need blind admissions to international Students.
7. Princeton University:
It is a very old prestigious Ivy League college. Offers need blind admissions to international Students.
8. Yale University:
It is a very old prestigious Ivy League college. Offers need blind admissions to international Students.
These are the universities which offer need blind admissions to international students.
How to get admissions into these colleges with full financial aid?
Since these colleges are giving full financial aid for international students, many smart and talented international students from all over the world apply to these colleges for admission. Hence, the competition for getting into these colleges is very high. However, the admission process is holistic. And there will be different priorities of the institute for offering admissions to various students. Hence you should apply to these universities and put your best foot forward by presenting your best case.
You need to build your strong profile around your interest and passion with leaderships, research, national international awards, doing impactful work and contributing the society etc. Colleges want to admit students who are likely to be leaders and in future do impactful work for the world and bring changes into the lives of the peoples around by which the name of the colleges also get prestige.
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Conclusion:
Though cost of attending universities in USA is high for international students, there are few universities who are funding the full demonstrated need. However, getting admissions into these universities is highly competitive. Hence, you need to develop strong profile and submit the solid application. You are likely to get admission into one of the need blind colleges above. Good Luck!
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