International students seeking college scholarships in the US?

I'm an international student currently in high school and I'm aiming to attend college in the United States. Does anyone have advice on the best ways for international students to secure scholarships for college in the USA?

Absolutely, securing a scholarship as an international student can seem difficult but there are certainly opportunities available! Here are a few steps you can take to improve your chances if you're seeking scholarships:

1. Focus on Academic Excellence: Most colleges in the U.S often have scholarship funds allocated for international students based on academic merit. Make sure your grades, SAT or ACT scores are high to enhance your attractiveness to the admissions committee.

2. Develop Your Leadership and Service Experience: As part of a holistic review, activities that showcase your leadership skills or demonstrate a commitment to community service can also make you a stronger candidate for scholarships.

3. Look for Scholarships Specifically for International Students: There are scholarships specifically designed for international students, like the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, the Global UGRAD Program, or resources available through the EducationUSA network.

4. Research Each College's Policies: Some universities have generous aid policies for international students. For example, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Princeton University provide need-blind admissions for all applicants, including international ones. That essentially means your ability to pay doesn’t affect your chances of admission, and if you’re admitted, your demonstrated financial need will be fully met.

5. Write High-Quality Essays: Many scholarship applications require essays. This is your chance to tell your personal story and show what makes you unique. If asked about your home country or culture, think about ways you could contribute unique perspectives to discussions and activities on campus.

6. Use Scholarship Search Platforms: Use scholarship search platforms to help you find more opportunities. Some platforms include Fastweb, Scholarship.com, and Appily. They can help you identify scholarships you might not find otherwise.

Remember: applying for scholarships can be time-consuming and different scholarships have different application processes and requirements. Start early, stay organized, and don't be discouraged if you don't win right away--every bit of scholarship money you earn reduces the amount you’ll have to pay out of pocket or borrow in student loans. Best of luck!