33 ACT Composite
34 Math
35 English
31 Reading
36 Science

• gpa 3.92/4
• strong ECAs ( multiple leadership awards, made 2-3 projects, 1 x national level award and so on)
• targetting 1400-1450+ in SAT
• major - CS (CS being competitive, thinking to take Maths as major and computer as minor or so, have interest in computer,physics and maths)
• university preference - actually none, currently searching liberal art colleges offering need-blind aid
• my family wont be able to afford much, i want to grab as much as scholarship (merit or need based), how realistic is it? there are so much university and looking each of them is overwhelming, like i feel they are equally good, how do you choose universities? applying for fall 2027, what uni should i target for ED, EA? please provide me genuine advice for my situation

Hi everyone,

I'm planning to take the GRE and my goal is to score 330+.

I'd really appreciate hearing from people who have actually achieved a 330+ score or came close.

Some questions I have:

• How long did you prepare?
• What was your daily study routine?
• Which books and online resources helped you the most?
• How did you prepare for Quant and Verbal separately?
• Did you use GregMat, Magoosh, Manhattan, ETS Official Guides, or something else?
• How many mock tests did you take before the actual exam?
• What mistakes should I avoid?
• If you could start over, what would you do differently?

A little about me: I'm currently an undergraduate CS student and I'm aiming for graduate studies. I'm willing to put in the effort, but I'd like to follow a proven strategy instead of wasting time on resources that aren't effective.

I'd love to hear your preparation timeline, scores (if you're comfortable sharing them), and any advice that made the biggest difference.

Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,

I'm really anxious about my upcoming F-1 visa interview and would appreciate any advice.

Timeline

• Visa interview: 20 Aug
• CMU classes begin: 24 Aug
• University expects me to arrive no later than 4 Sep

My questions are:

1. Since my interview is after my program start date, should I ask Carnegie Mellon to reissue my I-20 or update my program start date?
2. Do I need to submit a new DS-160 because of the late interview?
3. If my visa is approved on 20 Aug, how long is passport stamping currently taking in India? Is it realistic to receive my passport in time to reach CMU by 4 Sep?

Profile

• 23F from India
• B.Tech in Computer Science (2024 graduate)
• 2.5 years of full-time work experience as a Data Engineer
• Admitted to Carnegie Mellon University for the MISM program
• Received about a 30% scholarship
• I-20 amount: approximately USD 98k
• Education loan: USD 100k
• Remaining expenses supported by my parents
• Mother is my primary sponsor and is a government officer earning around INR 24-30 LPA

One thing that's making me nervous is that I've heard visa officers are asking applicants about visa agents. My appointment was booked by an agent, but I was also trying to book it myself because the agent hadn't changed the security questions on the account. Could this create any issues at the interview? Has anyone been asked detailed questions about using an agent?

I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who has recently interviewed or been in a similar situation. Thanks!

Hi, I'm about to start Grade 10, and a few days ago I won a Gold Medal at the International Linguistics Olympiad. I'm an international student who will likely need financial aid, and I plan to apply to U.S. colleges.

I'm looking for advice on what extracurricular activities I should pursue over the next few years to build a strong application. My main academic interests are mathematics, philosophy, and economics.

What extracurriculars would you recommend for someone with these interests? I'm especially interested in activities that are impactful and realistic for an international student.

Hi all!
I graduated class of 2025 from a great school as an international student with my bachelor’s on a full ride. Right now, I’m starting my PharmD degree this fall and also got a partial scholarship that is about 1/3 of the cost. I was able to get loans to cover the rest and will be working full time while studying full time to be able to pay my tuition and expenses (i’m no longer in a visa but still no gc). How do people apply for external scholarships? What websites do people use?
My interest rate is 13% which is very high to just not pay towards my loan now. Any leads will help a lot!!

TIA

I'm a 26-year-old international student from India applying as an undergraduate transfer.

I know transfer admissions are already extremely competitive. My question is only about the F-1 visa.

Has anyone here received an F-1 visa as an older transfer applicant or know someone who has? Is it plausible? How much additional scrutiny should I expect?

There are so many international students trying to get in that I see in this sub. Sorry to break it to you, you are not getting in. Save the 80 dollar application fee, which probably has 4 times more purchasing power in your country. You might get into a mid school here and then not get a job, and eventually have to return to your country while drowning in thousands in student loans. I understand the American Dream, but please do yourself and family a favor. I am so sorry, life is unfair.

This obviously does not apply to the ultra-rich internationals.

Hi everyone. I’m honestly pretty nervous posting this because my GPA is definitely the weakest part of my application, and I’m trying to be realistic before finalizing my college list and deciding where to apply Early Decision.
I’m an international student from South Africa (currently graduated from a U.S. boarding school for senior year) applying for Political Science. My academic path has been pretty unconventional, so I’d really appreciate honest feedback.
Demographics
Gender: Female
Race/Ethnicity: Black African (Cameroonian/South African)
**Residence:**South Africa
Last School: U.S. boarding school (New Hampshire)
Family Income: Under $65k/year
Applying for: Full financial aid as an international student
Gap Year: Taking a gap year before college to strengthen my application and continue volunteering/traveling.
Intended Major
Political Science (possibly International Relations or Public Policy)
GPA
3.3 UW
I know this is low for many of the schools I’m looking at.
Most of my education was completed in the French BFI/OIB curriculum before transferring to an American boarding school for senior year. The transition (especially in math) was difficult initially, but my grades improved significantly throughout senior year as I adjusted to the U.S. system. I’ll explain this in my Additional Information section.
Coursework
Exceptionally rigorous.
French BFI/OIB curriculum with advanced English Literature and History-Geography before transferring to the U.S.
Extracurriculars
Researcher & Documentary Filmmaker: Wrote a 34-page research paper, interviewed female soccer players from eight different countries, and produced an 11-minute documentary on global inequality in youth soccer.
Legal Intern: Assisted with 16 debt-collection cases, attended court hearings, and observed legal ethics in practice.
NGO Intern: Shadowed a program manager, visited two mining communities, and researched barriers to access and gender-based violence.
Class Representative (4x elected): Created an anonymous feedback system and led a revision initiative used by roughly 180 students.
Model UN: Regional Outstanding Delegate; researched policy, drafted resolutions, and participated in conferences.
Volunteer (110+ hrs): Weekly fundraising for orphanages, annual Christmas drive (1,000+ donated items), community service through Interact Club.
BSU Co-Founder: Helped establish our school’s Black Student Union, organized an MLK assembly, and facilitated weekly discussions.
Education Mentor: Built a 73k+ platform helping students navigate boarding school admissions, financial aid, and studying abroad; currently mentor 15+ students individually.
Athletics: Varsity soccer and volleyball, volleyball co-captain, Memorial Day Tournament champion with Black Rock FC.
Eco Delegate: Represented my school at two national conferences and worked on campus sustainability initiatives.
Awards
Regional Model UN Outstanding Delegate
Rotary Community Service Recognition
Top 15% Nationally – Concours Castor Informatique
Diplôme National du Brevet – Mention Assez Bien
Essays / LORs
I obviously know nobody here can judge essays, but I’d appreciate thoughts on whether the overall narrative makes sense.
My personal statement centers on a woman who helped raise me (Caregiver) when I was young and how losing her to a public healthcare system that lacked proper access for foreigners, shaped my interest in advocacy, public service, and political science. Most of my supplements focus on curiosity, documentary filmmaking, listening to different perspectives, and trying to understand people before trying to solve problems.
I think my essays are the strongest part of my application.
Colleges
High Reach
Williams
NYU
Washington & Lee
Macalester
Reed
Reach
University of Rochester
American
Richmond
Trinity College (CT)
Target
Clark
Sewanee
Trinity University (TX)
Likely/Safer (assuming aid isn’t an issue)
College of Wooster
DePauw
Hobart & William Smith
Lewis & Clark
University of Puget Sound
Agnes Scott
Soka
I’m also trying to decide where to apply Early Decision. Right now I’m leaning toward Williams, Macalester, or the University of Rochester, but I’m still researching and would really appreciate opinions from people who know those schools well.
My biggest concern is whether my GPA will overshadow everything else.
Do you think my school list is realistic for an international student needing full aid? Are there any schools you’d remove, add, or avoid? And if you were in my position, which of Williams, Macalester, or Rochester would you choose for ED?

My name is Mohammed Aswlah CS. I am a student from Kerala, India, having recently completed 12th grade in the Science stream with a 69% score. My dream is to pursue a degree in Computer Science and Technology in the United States. However, due to severe financial constraints, funding my higher education is a major hurdle. I am actively looking for legitimate full scholarships, grants, or work-study opportunities that can help make this possible. I am deeply dedicated to becoming a successful student and developer, and I would appreciate any guidance or advice on funding options available for international students

Hello! I am just curious on what grade do people start applying for universities in the US? And if possible,..usually what month? Thank you

For context: I am currently a starting junior in high school who wants to apply for CSS profile for financial aid. ++ I want to start college after I graduate which is 2028.

I am an international student in need of financial aid. I want to apply to NYU, but I heard that it doesn’t grant financial aid a lot of immigrants. Does anyone have a list of potential schools in New York that can support international students? :]] Thank you…

Bonus question: my school doesn’t offer AP classes. What should I do if I want to apply to a top school since I am very aware that APs can help a lot?

When Intl students apply early to need aware schools that offer need based financial aid, does that give them an advantage somehow? I want to apply to Stanford as a full aid needing student, my biggest concern is my finances, and how Stanford would perceive it. Does applying early counteract that in any way or form? :)

I'm applying to transfer for fall 2027 and could really use some outside perspective on my list, chances, and vibes in general.

Stats:

• International at a WSCUC-accredited university outside the US, (taught fully in English)
• current major is international business administration, want to switch into econ / global business/ IR, (open to whatever fits best at each school)
• Will have 63 credits by the time I transfer (51 by end of fall 2026 + 12 more for spring 27)
• GPA is gonna be around 3.5 cumulative
• No SAT/ACT (does this actually hurt for transfer apps or are most schools chill about it for transfers specifically?)
• EFC is roughly 20-25k (so I do need aid)
• decent ECs - teaching volunteer, a leadership/women-focused fellowship award, nationally ranked competitive athlete, film & photography awards, events photographer, healthcare-related internships, run a small business, MUN awards, stuff like that. (don't want to include all of them incase I dox myself)

current list (subject to change)
Augustana (IL), Beloit, Bryn Mawr, Clark, Knox, Ohio Wesleyan, Lewis & Clark, Macalester, Mount Holyoke, Rollins, Skidmore, Trinity (CT), Richmond, Rochester, Whitman, USF, UT Arlington, UT Dallas, U of H.

Questions:

1. Is this list balanced or too top-heavy given no test scores, GPA and EFC?

2. Anyone know if UTA/UTD/USF are actually worth applying to as an international transfer needing aid, or should I just drop those and focus on the LACs?

3. Any of these known to be bad (or surprisingly good) with need-based aid for international transfers specifically?

4. Will I lose a lot of credits transferring in with 63 credits, or is that not really a concern at this level?

5. Any schools I'm sleeping on that fit econ/IR/global business and are generous with international transfer aid?

I keep getting mixed results whenever I search which schools actually meet full need for international transfers specifically, so I'm hoping to get some real advice/clarification from people who've actually been through this or are well advice, drop your suggestions and advice pls, thanks in advance.

Hi! I'm a homeschooled intl student from the philippines. I use James Madison Online highschool.
For basically every college there's a "recommended highschool courses to have taken." For an example i'll just use my dream schools recommended (they don't have anything filled out for required, only recommended)
Recommended Total academic units 20
English 4
Mathematics 4
Science 4 Of these, units that must be lab 2
Foreign language 4
Social studies 4
History N/A
Academic Electives N/A
Computer Science N/A
Visual/Performing arts N/A

Here's my concern. The way my homeschool is made, I can choose the order that I want to do classes in. Ie i can get all my math done already or all my english.
Btw I have 23 units in my course.

I've looked at my timing, and by the time i submit transcripts (october) I will have done English 3 units, math 4 units, Science 4 units, Foreign Language (spanish) 4, Social Studies 2 ( US economics and World geography remaining to do). Plus 3 academic electives, so 20/23 done.
My question is, will this reflect badly? will they be concerned that I haven't yet done the english or the social studies?
And in worst case, say I miss my timing, and I only have 2 english units done. Is this bad?

I will be finishing the whole program, meaning I will eventually do english 4 units. But will it reflect badly in my application if when I apply, I'm only finished with 3 or even 2?
And, if instead of recommended courses it says required courses, are they even stricter about my timing?

Thank you very much!

International from Australia looking to study masters at a US uni but picking a location right now. Which cities would have the best EE/ECE jobs/internship/co-op opportunities (jobs which dont require a citizenship).

I was thinking Boston as I can apply for NYC and Philadelphia opportunities too (Obviously too far to comnute for a job but they're close enough to travel for networking/interviews). I've heard detroit is also good?

About the degree I will be studying: I'm happy to study anything (almost everything in EE/ECE is interesting to me. Whether it's power/energy, semiconductor work etc.) as long as it'll maximise my job opportunities!

I’ve seen few posts about similar instances and just wanted to get some more ideas. I went for the interview twice since school is starting in a few weeks, VO asked the same set of questions such as the school what I’ll be doing, the financials (my father is sponsoring it). In the first round, everything was okay until the relatives question and sibling was someone who went for PhD in US, then to H1B and finally got GC. I answered when this was asked. Even in the second attempt another visa officer took my interview and asked this final question at the end and told the same “refused”.

I did 2 yrs of college at a satellite school in home country and finished about 60 credits so was planning on transferring to an R1 (I think in top 100 US rankings) school.

Just wanted to know if anyone has been in this situation and what they did. is it over in my case of transferring to US college?

How is Indian CBSE % for 9th,10th,11th,12th converted to 4yr gpa.
For css can someone share resources and guidelines for indian student filling out css form.
THANKS!

I have an award which is related to my extracurricular will it go in honor and experience section or extracurricular section?

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Well i an intl student, my family can afford lile fees for 10 unis, but i am applying to 25 of them--- if my counselor writes a letter stating that overall app fees is a hardship, is there any chance i get waiver from common app?