Update: I'm at a loss of what to do, college-bound senior

Original: http://dreamact.info/forum/showthread.php?t=65918

Hi Everyone,

Since I received so many mixed responses from forum members here, and I am sure that there will be students in similar circumstances scouring for every possible resource when it comes to applying to colleges this fall, I just wanted to post this update and a summary of what I've learned through this strenuous process (my summary became a longer advice post, so I will post it as a reply to this).

I listened to the posters here who encouraged me to aspire towards those top schools, and I am lucky enough to be attending Amherst College in the fall. Amherst is one of only a handful of schools that is need blind to temporary legal residents (MIT, Harvard, Dartmouth, Cornell, Williams College, being some of the other <8 total). Any future student who wants advice or just someone to talk about this challenging process, feel free to pm me. Thank you to those who supported my endavour and I appreciate the info and opinions which this board provided me through this.

First, and most importantly, don't let the outcomes of these college decisions affect your aspirations or how you see yourself.

I've already met several people in similar circumstances as many of us who were just as qualified, yet things didn't go their way..something which could have easily happened to me..

Leading me to my next point...

Second: Accept that much of what applies to domestic students will likely be much different for you.

Most students apply to a safety where they can get in. Well as an international, you need to apply to a completely affordable safety, a place where you can receive nearly a full ride with your qualifications. It can be southern Texas Christian state university college, it doesn't matter how you see that school. You need to have an absolute safety that will not compleltly throw your plan of attending college out of line.

With this second point, I also mean that it is essential to realize that the claims of "holistic admissions" and thoughtful consideration is a rare occurrence for international students requesting fin-aid. Most schools will be need-aware to daca recipients, meaning they do consider how much your family can afford to pay when they consider your admission, and they will pick someone similarly qualified who can more over you. You're at a disadvantage, and it is important to realize that from the get-go, so that you do not build up expectations upon a deck that begins stacked against you.

Finally, make the best of whatever circumstances you find yourself in. Be proud of being to afford going to school, a luxury which many people in this world and from our former countries do not have access to. Appreciate what you have earned.

Two resources especially worth mentioning.

Questbridge.org
Goldendoorscholars.org

Have you been offered a financial package?

Yes, no loans, reasonable summer contribution, and an efc below 4k. This package accounts for nearly all costs including books, travel costs, and personal expenses. I know for sure that several other dreamers are at Amherst or will be attending Amherst this fall.

wait.. you had a thread already with 5 or so pages so instead of just updated that you made another thread?

Sorry, I couldn't seem to find it when I went to post this and I ended up finding a way to search my posts and find it soon after. I am going to link this to the original now.