How does need-blind admission work for international students in the US?

I've heard of some colleges being need-blind for international students, meaning they don't consider financial need when making admissions decisions. Does anyone have a list of schools that offer this? Any advice on maximizing chances here?

Need-blind admission policy means that a school will not take an applicant's financial status into account when deciding on their admission. This policy gives all students, regardless of their ability to pay, an equal opportunity for admission. However, not all colleges extend their need-blind admissions policies to international students.

A limited number of schools in the U.S. offer need-blind admissions to international students. Some well-known ones include Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Amherst College is another institution that practices need-blind admissions for international students. Keep in mind though, the list of need-blind schools for international students isn't very long.

Maximizing your chances at these institutions will require the same level of focus and dedication as any other competitive admission process. Create a strong academic profile, display a strong ‘spike’ or specialization in your extracurriculars, put effort into writing compelling and personal essays, and line-up strong recommendation letters.

Remember, these schools are among the most selective in the world, so even though they offer need-blind admissions for international students, gaining admission will still be highly competitive. The best strategy is not just to focus on need-blind schools but to apply to a balanced list of reach, target, and safety schools. Remember to consider other factors such as the school’s programs, size, location, and overall fit for your personal and academic goals. Good luck!