Hello guys, how are you?

I'm applying as an Econ major and I've seen a lot of people that kinda reframes their profile to a less competitive major (ex: Child Studied.)

I have lots of extracurriculars related to educational policy so I'm thinking of focusing on that for some schools.

What about you folks? Are you using a similar approach or something?

Very random ik but does it play a part?

Hi everyone,

I’m a 23-year-old international student from Pakistan, and I’m planning to pursue a master’s degree in AI or Computer Vision in the USA for Fall 2025. Here’s an overview of my profile:

Education: Bachelor’s in Computer Science, GPA: 3.15.

Research: Published and virtually presented a conference paper titled "Deep Learning Applications for Vehicle Detection through Surveillance Drones" at ICECET 2024 (published in IEEE proceedings).

Experience:

Currently working as a Junior Computer Vision Developer at a startup (2 months so far).

Completed a 2-month Computer Vision internship during my undergraduate studies.

IELTS: 7.0.

Activities: At least 2 years of volunteer experience - Participated in various university's NGO club events both as a volunteer and donor. Student Clubs and university events member and leadership experiences. Won 1st position in an ideathon competition 2nd position in inter-departmental English Essay writing competition.

Challenges:

1. Financial constraints: My father, the sole earner in the family, recently lost his job. I’m now the primary hope for my family’s financial stability.

2. Health challenges: I’ve been dealing with obesity due to hormonal issues and weak eyesight since birth, which has made things harder but has also motivated me to succeed.

Despite these challenges I was able complete my undergraduate educations, done my research and final year project and landed a job right after graduation on my own.

Goals:

I want to become a skilled AI/Computer Vision engineer and work in big tech or start my own AI-focused startup. I’m more inclined toward development-focused programs rather than research-intensive ones.

What I’m Looking For:

1. Universities in the USA offering full funding (scholarships, assistantships, or fellowships) for master’s programs.

2. Suggestions for schools that waive application fees or are need-aware/need-based.

3. External scholarships for international students that can help cover costs.

4. Institutions with strong industry connections in AI or Computer Vision.

I’d really appreciate any advice or suggestions on universities or funding opportunities based on my profile and goals. Thank you for your time and help!

I applied in 2023 and got waitlisted. This is my second gap and I’m reapplying, but I fear they will not evaluate my application for CC because of my second gap… I don’t/can’t study at their general studies school.

Hi everyone,

I'm a transfer student who has been accepted to South Dakota State University for the spring semester, but I'm facing a major issue. Despite contacting them through every possible method (emails, calls, online forms), I haven't received my I-20, nor have I gotten any information about which of my credits they’ll transfer.

I submitted my WES course-by-course evaluation weeks ago, but still—nothing. I’m currently outside the U.S. and can't go there in person, so I’m really worried about running out of time to apply for my student visa.

Has anyone faced a similar situation or have any advice on how I can escalate this? Are there specific departments or staff members you’ve found more responsive? Any help or tips would be hugely appreciated!

I just got accepted into Northeastern University. However, I’m still in the process of applying to a few other ambitious universities.

The acceptance letter mentions that I need to pay the enrollment fee by July 15th to officially confirm my spot, but it doesn't specify how many days I have to accept the offer otherwise. I’m wondering if it's okay to wait a bit before making a decision or if there’s some unspoken timeline I should be aware of.

Would it be risky to hold off while waiting for decisions from other schools? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Hi! I've applied early to Wellesley College. People who applied to liberal arts schools, did you guys get requests for the CSS Profile? Especially if you applied for a fee waiver too. The decisions date is looming closer and it's fuming the fires of anxiety lol

Guys, I'm freaking out right now and could really use some advice. 😰

I applied to 4 schools EA and 1 REA. I finally worked up the nerve to ask my counselor if I could peep my rec letter, and holy crap, it's SO extra.

We're talking stuff like "none quite like this" and "strongest rec I've ever written." I mean, I know my app is pretty competitive, not gonna lie. But this letter is just drowning in hyperbole. Also my school has very few students that have went to US (maybe 7-8 students in last 10 years).

Don't get me wrong, she hit all the key points - my grades, my achievements, some nice anecdotes that totally capture my essence. The content is great. But the wording... oof. Way OTT.

I'm terrified that this one letter is going to torpedo my whole application. Like AOs are gonna read it and just cringe. And obvs my counselor can't unsubmit and edit it now. I feel so helpless.

Sooo yeah. Anyone else deal with this before? Am I totally screwed or just catastrophizing? Any words of wisdom to talk me off the ledge? Plz help, I'm spiraling over here! 🙃

TL;DR: Counselor went HAM on the adjectives in my rec letter, now convinced it's gonna ruin my admissions chances. Help.

I have 1210 sat score, 7 ielts and 3.60 gpa. I want to pursue my undergraduate degree in neuroscience. Is there any university in usa that will provide coa of less than 20k ?

So 4 of my friends in school applied EA to UIUC,( idk why I didn’t I regret it ) and I’m planning to apply RD. I know that I have a better application than at least 3 and the other one is pretty good . They are applying for engineering and one is for CS and I’m applying for Econ. Does me applying RD now hurt my chances since some people already applied EA to UIUC

Hi, im currently finding a list of universities for the rd round but quite unsure Major: CS/CSE Stats:

• gpa: 9.2-9.4-9.6-n/a
• test score: 1550 sat, 5 in ab calc
• most rigor ( ap isnt offered but i took it myself)
• no hooks
• efc around 30k, can be a bit flexible

ecs:

• news club
• volunteer to rural areas
• tutor (paid)
• a bunch of school spirits
• schools robotics team

So im currently configuring a list of schools: here's what I have so far: For EDs: upenn ed1, tufts ed2 For EAs: uiuc, purdue, umass, stony brook, northeastern, drexel, uva For RDs(considering): cwru, haverford, lehigh (csb), nc state, texas a&m, umd, grinnell

I wasnt cost-conscious during the ed/ea round so some options might be a bit unrealistic. Can you guys recommned somes schools for my rd round. Thanks (sorry for vague ecs but they are just kinda weak overall)

Hey! Here's a tip to avoid paying application fees on common app without a fee waiver.

1. Go to the profile section of your common app.
2. Tap on common app fee waiver section
3. Select "yes, I do meet requirements for a fee waiver"

Check the last requirement to get a fee waiver. If you can convince your counsellor to verify that you need a fee waivers then congratulations. Go on a wild spree of applying.

When will next interview slots open in Nepal??

Hi everyone,

I’ve been a lurker here for a while. I’m an Indian student who, like many others, was preparing for the IITs. However, I regret focusing on them. I never thought studying abroad was an option due to my family’s financial situation, but recently, my girlfriend told me that some foreign universities offer generous financial aid and don’t charge application fees. That inspired me to change course and aim for opportunities abroad.

I’ve never been passionate about IITs, so please don’t criticize me for this decision. My girlfriend and I have similar stats, and based on her conversation with a U.S. admissions counselor, her profile is considered competitive—so I believe mine is too. I’m still working on improving certain aspects of my profile, but here’s a snapshot:

My Stats

• SAT: Yet to take.
• Extracurriculars:
  • Built a robot independently.
  • Created several GitHub projects.
  • Research internship at one of India’s top colleges.
  • Internship with the CEO of a company.
  • Volunteer work.
  • Olympiad tutor.
  • School science club president.
  • Regional-level basketball and chess winner.
  • School head boy and basketball captain.
• Grades:
  • 9th: 92%
  • 10th: 80% (due to health issues).
  • 11th: 96%
  • 12th (predicted): 95%

Background

• First-generation low-income student.
• Disabled parents earning approximately $1,200 annually (father is unemployed).
• Studied in a rural school where no one has ever applied abroad. I’ll need to guide my school through the application process, which I’m not entirely familiar with myself.

Concerns

• I’m unsure whether to take an English proficiency test. Some universities waive this if you’ve studied in an English-medium school for three years or scored 75%+ in English in Class 12.
• I have recommendations from my research mentor and company CEO, but I don’t think they’ll send recommendations individually to all schools.
• My parents and relatives are abusive and won’t fund my education as they only support IITs. I want to escape this environment and build a future elsewhere.

What I’m Looking For

• Universities with full-ride scholarships or at least full-tuition aid. I can work part-time to cover living expenses.
• Preferably institutions with no application fees or those offering waivers.
• Open to any country except European ones requiring language proficiency beyond English.

I’m doing everything on a tight budget and am grateful for my girlfriend’s financial support when needed. However, I hope to minimize expenses, including the CSS Profile fee. I also acknowledge that my essays may not be perfect, but I’m working on them with her help.

Any recommendations for universities or advice on the process would mean the world to me. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Please help let’s make a list of ED2 schools that have a TEST OPTIONAL policy… Let’s go please drop the school’s name , it can be one or 2

Should I email them? fml

OMG, I applied early decision to Swarthmore. That was a nightmare. My PS was terrible and two supplements were written by chatgpt. Most stupidest thing is i filled up common up that I would send English Proficiency Score in November which is Duolingo. Because I got 6 on IELTS. Also my teachers are so busy to write my rec letter so I am writing it by myself in my first language and show it to them and translate into english. OMG what do I have to do first. Help Meeee

Gpa average grade9-12 :3.6 (12 gpa 3.14) Toefl: 87 Sat : giving soon on December (1300-1400) Plenty of eca and cca of school level

Besides that I work experience for multinational brands such as bmw etc

Desired major: CS

Now i have come to finalize Minnesota state uni, Mankato, Mcneese state uni , University of south dakota and South dakota state university

Anyone who have went to these unis On campus job availability? Mainly about Minnesota Since its a small city

And also if you wanna suggest some other uni please!!!

I’ll be beyond grateful thanks!

I’ve been putting off studying for the SAT, and now it’s right around the corner on December 7th! Honestly, I’m feeling like I might not even hit that 1100 mark. Is it possible for me to submit my scores now and then retake the test in March? I’m hoping to request a new I-20 for a scholarship afterward, but I’m not sure how all of this works. Any advice would really help!

Hi, I sat my GCSEs through a fe college and private exam center as I was homeschooled, I sat 2 at the college and 3 at the private center, when it comes to filling out college apps how would I put down my GCSEs if taken at separate places? Thanks.

Hey! can anyone who has applied to UCs and is from CBSE commerce stream pls tell me what subject area / course category should i choose in the UC academic history part for my CBSE commerce subjects - Economics, Accountancy, Business studies and applied mathematics

Please anyone help me out as soon as possible, applications are due on 2nd Dec!!!

Hi, r/IntltoUSA!

I’m a 22-year-old male IT student from Scandinavia, and I’ll be coming to the U.S. on an exchange program from January to June 2026 (winter-spring). This is my first time studying abroad, and I want to make sure I choose a university that will give me the best possible experience.

Here’s the list of schools I’m deciding between (in order of preference):

1. University of Texas at Austin
2. University of Wisconsin - Madison
3. Michigan State University (East Lansing)
4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
5. University of South Carolina (Columbia)
6. Washington State University (Pullman)
7. University of Vermont (Burlington)

A bit about me:

• I’m looking for the “classic” American college experience: campus life, tailgates, student events, and maybe even Greek life.
• I enjoy sports! I’m not great at American sports, but I’d love to try something new or at least enjoy the excitement of watching college games.
• I prefer big cities or lively college towns with plenty to do.
• Budget is a consideration, but I’m prioritizing the overall experience since this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

If you’ve attended or know about any of these schools, I’d love to hear about their student life, campus vibe, or any challenges an international exchange student might face there. Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

I currently have SAT of 1460, should I send it or it is better to go test optional?

So I got the courage to post this after I saw a post just like mine.

So I want to apply to top unis like HYP and some others need blind colleges but I don't have lots of ECs as I barely had time to participate in activities. I was the primary caretaker of my grandmother who was suffering from 4th stage gallbladder cancer from 8th grade as well as all the household chores. Due to this I couldn't participate in any ECs. My 9th grade GPA is a 4 10th grade is a 3.75 but she died around the end of my 11th grade and due to which I bombed my exam and got a measly 3.2 GPA. I tried to recover from that but Went through depression which had me very hard and I could not recover from it and barely managed to score a 3.6 GPA in my 12th grade. After this, I have just recovered and want to study in USA. I have barely managed to do some ECs and have finished as a runner-up in an international team competition. I need a full ride and considering all the ECs and GPA people have applying to Those top need blind universities I am very discouraged and even if I study in my country it is very expensive for my family. I have applied to unis for 2025 fall but the responses are not positive So I am considering to take a gap year if I don't get any positive response from my ED uni and that's why I want do some activities that I have always wanted to do like in maths olympiad, and participate in some other programs. Please recommend any programs that I can apply to? Like a camp or any international thing. I did look around other countries and I found only one country where I could find a full ride but that application is only open in 2025 and is for 2026 so except that US is the only one with good scholarship opportunities. So what do you think? Please suggest me what can I do and what are the good things that I can do to improve my profile. This is a very important decision for me and I am very stressed.

TL/DR: SO I want to take a Gap year and apply for 2026 fall, so I need suggestions on what activities I can do to improve my profile as There is not much opportunity in my country.

Has anybody received a Colby CSS waiver yet? (ED applicant)

i am focus on the sat test 100 % it will be my first and last cause want to go to uni next year i listen david gogins i'm so sad sometime i have motivation sometime it discipline heart break family issue poor issue bandit issue politic issu i'm from haiti by the way heart break i feel i will give up need some sentence motivation of story to feel better or someone to tell me i'm not alone i'm so lonely i don't sleep i'm like elliot in mr. robot i'm cooked

1. Do UCs take into account our senior year grades for their GPA?

2. Do UCs use senior year grades in making a final decision?

3. What if I have a stellar academic record but a lot worse in senior year due to genuine circumstances?

Anybody applying to UC from india? I need some help with the academic history tab

I'm an international student with 1250 in SAT (ERW: 570 & MATH: 680), GPA 3.94/4 and above avg ECA, decent essay. Should I apply to FIU? Afaik their 75% SAT was 1250

I need the in state tuition scholarship and gotta send my score officially. I'm not sure should I give it a shot.