I'm planning to apply to UIC as an international student and want to know more about scholarships. What are the types of scholarships offered, and how can I increase my chances of receiving one?
University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) offers a few scholarships for international students. One of the prominent scholarships for international students is the UIC Merit Tuition Award, aimed at new first-year and transfer students with strong academic credentials. It's a merit-based scholarship and does not require a separate application. The award is renewable every year for a certain period, provided you maintain a certain GPA.
Considering this, if your primary focus is on increasing your chances of receiving a scholarship, then maintaining a strong academic record will significantly help your prospects. GPA, course rigor, and standardized test scores (if applicable) are all critical elements that can influence your chances of receiving merit-based aid.
In addition, seeking out and applying for external scholarships can be beneficial. Websites like Appily can be used as a resource to find scholarships that cater to international students. It's a matter of diligently researching to find opportunities that suit your profile and meet the specific requirements each scholarship entails.
Apart from merit-based aid, there could be department-specific scholarships depending upon your intended major. I encourage you to get in touch with the respective departments to explore any such opportunities.
It's important to note that financial aid opportunities, especially for international students, can be highly competitive. So investing time in creating a robust application, with thorough responses to any essay prompts, can make a difference.
Remember, meeting the priority deadlines can often increase your chances of receiving financial aid, as sometimes funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Keep in mind that your budget for education should not solely depend on obtaining a scholarship; make sure to have a backup plan if you don't secure one.
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