Scholarships for international students at Occidental College?

I'm an international student interested in applying to Occidental College. I'm wondering what scholarship opportunities might be available for someone in my position. Has anyone gone through the process and can share some insights?

Occidental College offers a few different scholarships that international students are eligible for. The college's commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity means international students are very much part of the college's financial aid programs.

Firstly, the college offers need-based financial aid which all international students can apply for. If accepted, the college meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, including international students. To apply, you'll need to fill out a College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile.

Furthermore, Occidental also offers Merit Scholarships, which are based on academic achievement and extracurricular involvement rather than financial need. These scholarships are awarded at the time of admission and do not require a separate application. All applicants, including international students, are automatically considered for these awards.

The college also offers third-party scholarships in partnership with certain organizations. While eligibility can vary, many allow international student candidates. However, these often require separate applications, so it's best to check directly with the specific scholarship for criteria and deadlines.

It's important to remember that you do need to apply for financial aid every year while you're studying at Occidental. Your aid package may change from year to year due to factors such as changes in your family's financial situation or the availability of funds.

If you have specific questions about the process at Occidental, it may be helpful to contact the financial aid office directly. They can explain the procedure in detail and help you understand what documents will be required from you.

Please note, applying for financial aid does not negatively impact your chances of admission. Occidental practices need-blind admission for international students, which means your financial need will not be considered during the admissions process. So don't hesitate - if you need assistance, apply! It's all part of making your college experience as fulfilling as possible.