How to Meet Scholarship Requirements for International Students?

I'm an international student looking to study in the U.S. and I’m trying to figure out what the typical requirements are for scholarships. Are there certain things I need to keep in mind as I prepare my applications?

First and foremost, as an international student, you'll want to identify scholarships specifically designed for international students. Not all scholarship funds are open to international students, often because of donor stipulations and U.S. tax laws.

So be sure to verify eligibility before dedicating time to any application. Websites like Appily, Fastweb, and the like have sections dedicated to scholarships specifically for international students.

Next, academic excellence is important. Many scholarships are merit-based, which means they are awarded based on academic achievements. Entrance exam scores (like SAT or ACT) can play a large role here, though many schools are still test-optional due to the prior discontinuation of in-person SATs and ACTs.

Extracurricular activities can help make you a more attractive scholarship candidate as well. Quality is more important than quantity. Scholarships might be looking for students with a highly-developed specialty so display your “spike” in which you've proven successful (athletics, art, leadership, community service, etc.)

When it comes to essays, make them personal, unique, and tailored to the scholarship. Avoid cliche topics like moving schools, immigrant stories, and working hard in a challenging class. Instead, try to focus on singular experiences that illustrate your character and aspirations.

Lastly, keep an eye out for financial need-based scholarships. If your family's financial situation indicates a significant need, you may qualify for these types of scholarships. Remember to accurately and honestly report your financial circumstances. Some need-based scholarships might require you to submit a CSS Profile.

Preparing for scholarship applications as an international student can be a comprehensive matter. Start early to gather all required documents and ensure everything is translated into English, if necessary. It's also important to be aware of deadlines, as they can vary greatly between different scholarship programs.