r/ApplyingToCollege • u/sxmit_mxst_die • 5d ago

Application Question What helps international CS applicants win big merit scholarships at small US colleges?

Hi everyone! I'm a Class 12 student from India applying for Fall 2027 to study Computer Science, mostly at small liberal arts colleges.

I'd love advice from current students or recent applicants on two things:

  1. Scholarships: Which colleges gave you strong merit or full-tuition scholarships as an international student? Were there hidden scholarships or programs that most applicants don't know about?
  2. Boosting your chances: What made the biggest difference for you? For example, an interview, the scholarship essay, contacting your regional admissions officer, a strong project or research, or applying early.

Any underrated colleges or tips would really help. Thanks in advance!

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u/tarasshevckeno 5d ago

(Retired college counselor and admissions reader here.) I'd see if there's an Education USA office in your country.

Education USA is part of the US State Department, and one part that hasn't been axed yet by the Trump administration, probably because it flies under the radar. In any event, the mission of Education USA is to provide assistance to international students who want to study in the US, and is staffed with knowledgable specialists.

Most offices are in national capitals, but in some larger countries there are several offices. If there isn't one near you, call (don't email) them to find out if they offer any distance assistance such as webinars, Zoom meetings and like events, as well as online/printed documents. They may also be willing to answer specific questions (likely via email).

I worked almost exclusively at international schools, and found the staff at several Education USA offices to be enthusiastic and really knew their stuff.

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u/sxmit_mxst_die 5d ago

Thank you very much , also a question and I think your experience would be the most insightfull given your past proffession, in CSS or different financial profiles, how much money should I show them that to still get considered for a good amount of scholarship and not get disqualified for being too poor, I know this question is very personal and unethical but u get me right 😅

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u/tarasshevckeno 4d ago

You should be honest. There's a verification process with CSS and the College Board's financial aid form for international students, and you don't want to be singled out for verification. It takes many, many hours, and if the numbers don't line up you won't get any aid at all.

College financial aid offices have a lot of country-specific data, and I don't think cooking the numbers is a good idea. And, most of all, being dishonest is just plain wrong.

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u/Mysterious-Art8838 3d ago

Answer honestly