What can international students do to enhance their chances of getting financial aid?

College Admissions

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What can international students do to enhance their chances of getting financial aid?
Kristina DooleyIndependent Educational ConsultantEstrela Consulting

What can international students do to enhance their chances of getting financial aid?

Unfortunately, most colleges do not offer need-based financial aid to international students. However, an international student can enhance their chances or getting merit-based aid by displaying excellent academic progress in school while staying involved in extracurricular activities. It’s important to meet all application deadlines as many schools require international students, or at least those applying for merit-based scholarships, to submit all of their application materials earlier than some regular decision deadlines.

Sarah ContomichalosManagerEducational Advisory Services, LLC

What can international students do to enhance their chances of getting financial aid?

The first step is to be sure the colleges you are applying to offer FA to international students. The next step is to visit the websites of the colleges you are interested in and read about their individual requirements for awarding FA to internationals: CSS Profile and Certification of Finances. Once you have narrowed down your lists, it is worth contacting the admissions officer who covers your area to ask questions about the amounts available and the level of competition. Start the process early as some colleges have early application and FA deadlines!

王文君 June ScortinoPresidentIVY Counselors Network

What can international students do to enhance their chances of getting financial aid?

many international students have financial needs but they prefer to get in first and then asking for aid. that’s the common mistakes and do not serve the college well.

be honest first, then pick the right school. if the school is right for the student, then the financial aid will come with the package.
王文君 June ScortinoPresidentIVY Counselors Network

making informed and educated decision for applying financial aid

Most Chinese students did not apply for financial aid, or told not to apply for financial aid by agencies to enhance acceptence rate. For most Chinese parents who are willing to support their children in US Boarding schools, they should do more beyond paying for tuition and expensive live style. It is true that many Chinese parents can learn a few excuses that they never had enough time to communicate with their children before of their final decision of sending their child to US boarding school. But the Chinese parents don’t know they are actually sending their children to not just a different school, but a different world. That would involve the necessary and much needed support system ultimately require the parents’ participation. From parents’ point of view, it is enough for them to receive emails, student reports and notifications from the school for tuition. Do more than that is not necessary, not required, and a waste of time. I can tell them one thing for sure that is wrong as what we say in America the scariest thing in America is that you don’t know what you don’t know. A typical US parent decide to consider boarding schools for their children involve a standard procedure and interview process for final decisions. And that is being done through numerous interviews between the parents and the headmasters of US boarding schools. The American parents will typically visit the school first, listen to what the school has to say, and then they will all have to opportunity to ask the headmaster face to face what they had in mind and what they expect the school will do for them. In the end, the American parents or guardian will select the best possible school based on their agenda. Or course, the Chinese parents cannot do the same as American parents do for their children when it comes to selecting the right school for their children. Most of those Chinese parents will be told what to do, which school to go, by the Chinese agencies. They never have the ability to visit a school, talk to teachers, or have a conversation with the headmaster. It is common that they have very limited information about the boarding school they’re sending their child to and it’s typical to receive the wrong information for that school in the beginning. Let’s talk about what US boarding schools must do for their students regardless domestic or international students. Chinese parents will not read this through any brochures, marketing materials, or even here, directly from boarding schools. But it is essential for Chinese parents learn what the boarding school can do for them. Therefore, as a parent they know how to support their children and work with boarding schools shoulder to shoulder. For example, boarding schools should communicate with the parents and adults and require the parents’ ability to understand the communications from boarding schools regarding the students’ well-being including academic and psychological issues and emotional stage. If the boarding school chose to have one-way communication with the Chinese parents and does not require the Chinese parents to appoint a US guardian to receive communication from the school and function as the intermediate person for the school and the parent, then the Chinese parents must consider the consequences without a US guardian. The first question for the Chinese parents is: why would a US boarding school not require a US guardian in the first place? Who is going to be responsible for the students during the holiday session and make informed decisions for the students during the school year? If the boarding school expect the Chinese parents who are 5000 miles away, 12 hours time difference, to be able to make emergency calls and take care of the students without a delay that is called delusional and irresponsible policy. That is the number one support system and number one priority for the Chinese parents to consider as part of the support system for the child. When it comes to college admissions for Chinese students at US boarding schools, what the Chinese parents can expect US boarding schools to handle the admissions process. Boarding schools have counselors office which must provide services as early as ninth grade all the way to senior year. Normally American parents will keep contact with the counselor’s office regularly and have a face to face meeting with the college counselor during the school year on a regular basis. In this case, Chinese parents are not in the position to talk to counselors in the boarding schools and have a face to face meeting with them at any given time. The disadvantage of not being able to take advantage of the counseling service at us boarding schools is obvious. Those Chinese students chose to bring their Chinese students back to china during the summer in order to attend test prep and toefl classes. In addition to that, more and more Chinese parents decide to hire Chinese agencies for college admissions. All those would not happen if the Chinese parents know how to support their children at a us boarding school. Because they’re already paid for the services which should produce much better results for them.

If the Chinese parents have options to function like American parents, it is highly recommended and must consider a qualified US guardian plus academic advisors for the student and parents. This way, the Chinese parents will protect their best interest and hold US boarding schools accountable. For what this is supposed to do in the first place. Most boarding schools totally understand what the Chinese parents expect them to do. They will have no problem working with professional guardian not only on the holidays but also the academic plan and student life on all aspects. It is a great challenge for Chinese students to work alone at a US boarding school without support system from the parents or guardian. Because their ability is limited the Chinese parents should expect less results and lower their expectations when it comes to college admissions. However, the misunderstanding of many Chinese parents are totally the opposite. They expect the return of their investment should directly result in successful college admissions at highly selective US colleges. But the reality is that percentage is low, probability slim, without a support system for the Chinese students. In order to support the Chinese students at the US boarding schools, it is required that the Chinese parents are willing to change and work with the school. As part of the support system, Chinese parents should improve themselves and encourage their child to succeed. That cannot be done through expensive lifestyles alone but has to be done through hand-holding advisory services to bring not only the parents but the students to the level that belong truly belong to the boarding school community.
王文君 June ScortinoPresidentIVY Counselors Network

What Chinese parents must do to support Chinese students at Boarding schools?

For most Chinese parents who are willing to support their children in US Boarding schools, they should do more beyond paying for tuition and expensive live style. It is true that many Chinese parents can learn a few excuses that they never had enough time to communicate with their children before of their final decision of sending their child to US boarding school. But the Chinese parents don’t know they are actually sending their children to not just a different school, but a different world. That would involve the necessary and much needed support system ultimately require the parents’ participation. From parents’ point of view, it is enough for them to receive emails, student reports and notifications from the school for tuition. Do more than that is not necessary, not required, and a waste of time. I can tell them one thing for sure that is wrong as what we say in America the scariest thing in America is that you don’t know what you don’t know. A typical US parent decide to consider boarding schools for their children involve a standard procedure and interview process for final decisions. And that is being done through numerous interviews between the parents and the headmasters of US boarding schools. The American parents will typically visit the school first, listen to what the school has to say, and then they will all have to opportunity to ask the headmaster face to face what they had in mind and what they expect the school will do for them. In the end, the American parents or guardian will select the best possible school based on their agenda. Or course, the Chinese parents cannot do the same as American parents do for their children when it comes to selecting the right school for their children. Most of those Chinese parents will be told what to do, which school to go, by the Chinese agencies. They never have the ability to visit a school, talk to teachers, or have a conversation with the headmaster. It is common that they have very limited information about the boarding school they’re sending their child to and it’s typical to receive the wrong information for that school in the beginning. Let’s talk about what US boarding schools must do for their students regardless domestic or international students. Chinese parents will not read this through any brochures, marketing materials, or even here, directly from boarding schools. But it is essential for Chinese parents learn what the boarding school can do for them. Therefore, as a parent they know how to support their children and work with boarding schools shoulder to shoulder. For example, boarding schools should communicate with the parents and adults and require the parents’ ability to understand the communications from boarding schools regarding the students’ well-being including academic and psychological issues and emotional stage. If the boarding school chose to have one-way communication with the Chinese parents and does not require the Chinese parents to appoint a US guardian to receive communication from the school and function as the intermediate person for the school and the parent, then the Chinese parents must consider the consequences without a US guardian. The first question for the Chinese parents is: why would a US boarding school not require a US guardian in the first place? Who is going to be responsible for the students during the holiday session and make informed decisions for the students during the school year? If the boarding school expect the Chinese parents who are 5000 miles away, 12 hours time difference, to be able to make emergency calls and take care of the students without a delay that is called delusional and irresponsible policy. That is the number one support system and number one priority for the Chinese parents to consider as part of the support system for the child. When it comes to college admissions for Chinese students at US boarding schools, what the Chinese parents can expect US boarding schools to handle the admissions process. Boarding schools have counselors office which must provide services as early as ninth grade all the way to senior year. Normally American parents will keep contact with the counselor’s office regularly and have a face to face meeting with the college counselor during the school year on a regular basis. In this case, Chinese parents are not in the position to talk to counselors in the boarding schools and have a face to face meeting with them at any given time. The disadvantage of not being able to take advantage of the counseling service at us boarding schools is obvious. Those Chinese students chose to bring their Chinese students back to china during the summer in order to attend test prep and toefl classes. In addition to that, more and more Chinese parents decide to hire Chinese agencies for college admissions. All those would not happen if the Chinese parents know how to support their children at a us boarding school. Because they’re already paid for the services which should produce much better results for them.

If the Chinese parents have options to function like American parents, it is highly recommended and must consider a qualified US guardian plus academic advisors for the student and parents. This way, the Chinese parents will protect their best interest and hold US boarding schools accountable. For what this is supposed to do in the first place. Most boarding schools totally understand what the Chinese parents expect them to do. They will have no problem working with professional guardian not only on the holidays but also the academic plan and student life on all aspects. It is a great challenge for Chinese students to work alone at a US boarding school without support system from the parents or guardian. Because their ability is limited the Chinese parents should expect less results and lower their expectations when it comes to college admissions. However, the misunderstanding of many Chinese parents are totally the opposite. They expect the return of their investment should directly result in successful college admissions at highly selective US colleges. But the reality is that percentage is low, probability slim, without a support system for the Chinese students. In order to support the Chinese students at the US boarding schools, it is required that the Chinese parents are willing to change and work with the school. As part of the support system, Chinese parents should improve themselves and encourage their child to succeed. That cannot be done through expensive lifestyles alone but has to be done through hand-holding advisory services to bring not only the parents but the students to the level that belong truly belong to the boarding school community.
王文君 June ScortinoPresidentIVY Counselors Network

What Chinese parents must do to support Chinese students at Boarding schools?

For most Chinese parents who are willing to support their children in US Boarding schools, they should do more beyond paying for tuition and expensive live style. It is true that many Chinese parents can learn a few excuses that they never had enough time to communicate with their children before of their final decision of sending their child to US boarding school. But the Chinese parents don’t know they are actually sending their children to not just a different school, but a different world. That would involve the necessary and much needed support system ultimately require the parents’ participation. From parents’ point of view, it is enough for them to receive emails, student reports and notifications from the school for tuition. Do more than that is not necessary, not required, and a waste of time. I can tell them one thing for sure that is wrong as what we say in America the scariest thing in America is that you don’t know what you don’t know. A typical US parent decide to consider boarding schools for their children involve a standard procedure and interview process for final decisions. And that is being done through numerous interviews between the parents and the headmasters of US boarding schools. The American parents will typically visit the school first, listen to what the school has to say, and then they will all have to opportunity to ask the headmaster face to face what they had in mind and what they expect the school will do for them. In the end, the American parents or guardian will select the best possible school based on their agenda. Or course, the Chinese parents cannot do the same as American parents do for their children when it comes to selecting the right school for their children. Most of those Chinese parents will be told what to do, which school to go, by the Chinese agencies. They never have the ability to visit a school, talk to teachers, or have a conversation with the headmaster. It is common that they have very limited information about the boarding school they’re sending their child to and it’s typical to receive the wrong information for that school in the beginning. Let’s talk about what US boarding schools must do for their students regardless domestic or international students. Chinese parents will not read this through any brochures, marketing materials, or even here, directly from boarding schools. But it is essential for Chinese parents learn what the boarding school can do for them. Therefore, as a parent they know how to support their children and work with boarding schools shoulder to shoulder. For example, boarding schools should communicate with the parents and adults and require the parents’ ability to understand the communications from boarding schools regarding the students’ well-being including academic and psychological issues and emotional stage. If the boarding school chose to have one-way communication with the Chinese parents and does not require the Chinese parents to appoint a US guardian to receive communication from the school and function as the intermediate person for the school and the parent, then the Chinese parents must consider the consequences without a US guardian. The first question for the Chinese parents is: why would a US boarding school not require a US guardian in the first place? Who is going to be responsible for the students during the holiday session and make informed decisions for the students during the school year? If the boarding school expect the Chinese parents who are 5000 miles away, 12 hours time difference, to be able to make emergency calls and take care of the students without a delay that is called delusional and irresponsible policy. That is the number one support system and number one priority for the Chinese parents to consider as part of the support system for the child. When it comes to college admissions for Chinese students at US boarding schools, what the Chinese parents can expect US boarding schools to handle the admissions process. Boarding schools have counselors office which must provide services as early as ninth grade all the way to senior year. Normally American parents will keep contact with the counselor’s office regularly and have a face to face meeting with the college counselor during the school year on a regular basis. In this case, Chinese parents are not in the position to talk to counselors in the boarding schools and have a face to face meeting with them at any given time. The disadvantage of not being able to take advantage of the counseling service at us boarding schools is obvious. Those Chinese students chose to bring their Chinese students back to china during the summer in order to attend test prep and toefl classes. In addition to that, more and more Chinese parents decide to hire Chinese agencies for college admissions. All those would not happen if the Chinese parents know how to support their children at a us boarding school. Because they’re already paid for the services which should produce much better results for them.

If the Chinese parents have options to function like American parents, it is highly recommended and must consider a qualified US guardian plus academic advisors for the student and parents. This way, the Chinese parents will protect their best interest and hold US boarding schools accountable. For what this is supposed to do in the first place. Most boarding schools totally understand what the Chinese parents expect them to do. They will have no problem working with professional guardian not only on the holidays but also the academic plan and student life on all aspects. It is a great challenge for Chinese students to work alone at a US boarding school without support system from the parents or guardian. Because their ability is limited the Chinese parents should expect less results and lower their expectations when it comes to college admissions. However, the misunderstanding of many Chinese parents are totally the opposite. They expect the return of their investment should directly result in successful college admissions at highly selective US colleges. But the reality is that percentage is low, probability slim, without a support system for the Chinese students. In order to support the Chinese students at the US boarding schools, it is required that the Chinese parents are willing to change and work with the school. As part of the support system, Chinese parents should improve themselves and encourage their child to succeed. That cannot be done through expensive lifestyles alone but has to be done through hand-holding advisory services to bring not only the parents but the students to the level that belong truly belong to the boarding school community.
Benjamin CaldarelliPartnerPrinceton College Consulting, LLC

What can international students do to enhance their chances of getting financial aid?

Most schools do not offer need based financial aid to international students, but you can earn merit based scholarships at some schools.

Mark GathercoleUniversity AdvisorIndependent University Advising

What can international students do to enhance their chances of getting financial aid?

They should do the same things that will help their chances of admission – take challenging courses in high school (if they have a choice of courses) and do as well as possible in them. Also, choose one or two activities (in or outside of school) that they are passionate about, and participate with quality in those activities over time. Make yourself as attractive to a college as possible.

Annie ReznikCounselor/CEOCollege Guidance Coach

Financial Aid Very Limited For International Students

International students who will be enrolling on an F1 or J1 visa will not be eligible for federal financial aid programs. Most private or institutional aid is also limited to US citizens and permanent residents. Students who live abroad but will not seek a visa for study will be eligible for aid and should apply. To offset costs, International students should seek institutions that use merit scholarships to actively recruit students from abroad.

David AllenManaging DirectorGlobal College Counselors Ltd

Apply

Simply put, apply using the correct forms, make sure everything is honest and accurate and then submit your forms as early as is prudent.

David AllenManaging DirectorGlobal College Counselors Ltd

Apply

Simply put, apply using the correct forms, make sure everything is honest and accurate and then submit your forms as early as is prudent.

Helen H. ChoiOwnerAdmissions Mavens

What can international students do to enhance their chances of getting financial aid?

There is very little financial aid available for international students who want to pursue their undergraduate degrees in the U.S. While that should not stop you from applying for aid, you should be aware that chances are very slim that you will receive grants or scholarships. For more information on aid for international students, please check out this site: http://www.edupass.org/finaid/.

It is a part of FinAid — which is one of the most reputable authorities on financial aid for college students in the U.S.
Tyler BurtonPresident Burton College Tours

Have a dynamic application.

Students who would like to increase their chances of getting institutional financial aid need to present a wonderful application and show a demonstrated interest in the school that they wish to receive aid from. The best way to have a dynamic application is by following the advice of an American college counselor or by reading college counseling books published for American high school students. The best way to show a demonstrated interest in a school is by visiting campus. Colleges have a record of students who visit campus verses just sending in an application. When students visit campus they should schedule an appointment with the admissions counselor who is in charge of international recruitment and will be the person reading their applications. Skype is an excellent way to schedule and off campus meeting. Skype is cost effective.

Karen Ekman-BaurDirector of College CounselingLeysin American School

What can international students do to enhance their chances of getting financial aid?

Most institutions, unfortunately, have little or no need-based financial aid for international students. This does differ from school to school, however, so it is important that you investigate the financial aid procedures at each of the schools you will be considering. Although, international students do not qualify for financial aid from the U.S. government, either, it may be that you can access financial aid from your own government for studying in the U.S.

Many colleges/universities have generous merit-based financial aid awards, however, which are available to both domestic and international students. Merit-based aid is awarded with consideration given to a student’s high school grades, standardized test scores, demonstrated leadership skills, or other specified criteria. That means that the best way of enhancing his/her chances to access this financial aid is for a student to maintain outstanding performance in high school, make every effort to achieve outstanding standardized test scores (if they are required by the schools to which the student will be applying), and, if it is appropriate to the individual, become involved in leadership positions while in high school. Some schools have the financial resources to guarantee that they will cover the full financial need of all admitted students, both domestic and international. In many cases, these schools are “need-blind”, meaning that they accept students without considering whether those students will ultimately need financial aid or not. For obvious reasons, admission to these schools is highly competitive. It is important to keep in mind that your family’s idea of your “full financial need” may differ considerably from the determination made by the institution. There are several public institutions, which, because they want to attract and develop their international student populations, offer international students the same tuition rate as in-state students. This rate is considerably less than the tuition required of domestic out-of-state students. International students taking advantage of this significant discount are usually asked to become involved with community out-reaches in which they familiarize others with the cultures of their home countries.
Karen Ekman-BaurDirector of College CounselingLeysin American School

What can international students do to enhance their chances of getting financial aid?

Most institutions, unfortunately, have little or no need-based financial aid for international students. This does differ from school to school, however, so it is important that you investigate the financial aid procedures at each of the schools you will be considering. Although, international students do not qualify for financial aid from the U.S. government, either, it may be that you can access financial aid from your own government for studying in the U.S.

Many colleges/universities have generous merit-based financial aid awards, however, which are available to both domestic and international students. Merit-based aid is awarded with consideration given to a student’s high school grades, standardized test scores, demonstrated leadership skills, or other specified criteria. That means that the best way of enhancing his/her chances to access this financial aid is for a student to maintain outstanding performance in high school, make every effort to achieve outstanding standardized test scores (if they are required by the schools to which the student will be applying), and, if it is appropriate to the individual, become involved in leadership positions while in high school. Some schools have the financial resources to guarantee that they will cover the full financial need of all admitted students, both domestic and international. In many cases, these schools are “need-blind”, meaning that they accept students without considering whether those students will ultimately need financial aid or not. For obvious reasons, admission to these schools is highly competitive. It is important to keep in mind that your family’s idea of your “full financial need” may differ considerably from the determination made by the institution. International students with outstanding skills in sports, music, dance, art, or other specialized areas may qualify for financial assistance from the relevant departments within a university. Students who feel that they fit in this category should investigate the scholarship offerings of the schools at which they are looking to determine what application processes are required, There are several public institutions, which, because they want to attract and develop their international student populations, offer international students the same tuition rate as in-state students. This rate is considerably less than the tuition required of domestic out-of-state students. International students taking advantage of this significant discount are usually asked to become involved with community out-reaches in which they familiarize others with the cultures of their home countries.
Patricia KrahnkePresident/PartnerGlobal College Search Associates, LLC

What can international students do to enhance their chances of getting financial aid?

Short Answer:

If the college does not offer you a scholarship, and you really want to attend that institution, ask them if they can offer you some money to attend. (NOTE: Most colleges generate their scholarship award via the admissions office, which means any notice of scholarships will come via your letter of acceptance or in the spring as a separate notice. Financial aid is not offered to international students through the U.S. federal government; however, many colleges and universities give “scholarships” in the form of tuition discounting to international students to encourage them to attend (NOTE: These scholarships may only be for the first year.) This means they simply reduce the cost of attendance by making your tuition lower than an American student who is asked to pay full tuition. Often this discounting will be called an “academic scholarship.” But, hey, it’s money, right? Detailed Answer: If the college does not offer you a scholarship, and you really want to attend that institution, ask them if they can offer you some money to attend. (NOTE: Most colleges generate their scholarship award via the admissions office, which means any notice of scholarships will come via your letter of acceptance or in the spring as a separate notice. U.S. colleges are increasing their competition to get you to attend their college or university. They will say it’s because they welcome the diversity that you might bring, and certainly that’s a wonderful contribution you can make to our colleges. But the bottom line is that all almost all American colleges and universities are in financial crisis, and they believe you can pay for the education without much financial assistance from them. They know that many of their competitors are offering prospective international students substantial tuition discounts (which they are calling “scholarships.”) So if the institution you are interested in does not offer you a “scholarship,” you can either 1) agree to pay the full amount of tuition, 2) pressure them for money, or 3) you can tell them you will attend another college that is offering you a “scholarship.” Then see if the college you really want to go to will decide to offer you money. If you do receive a scholarship, make sure it is renewable over the four years of your undergraduate degree. Many, many colleges use scholarships (or tuition discounting) as bait to get students to attend the college the first year. They hope that the student will become emotionally and socially integrated to the point that they will do anything to pay the full amount to continue attending, even without a scholarship. This can place undo hardship on the international student’s family (it certainly makes it very difficult for American students.) To see which colleges (by state) in the U.S. offer scholarships to international students, visit http://www.internationalstudent.com/schools_awarding_aid/ [Keep in mind that the list of institutions mentioned on this page specifically are EXTREMELY difficult to get into, even for top students. But many, many other colleges and universities in the U.S. offer outstanding, prestigious degree programs.]
Patricia KrahnkePresident/PartnerGlobal College Search Associates, LLC

What can international students do to enhance their chances of getting financial aid?

Short Answer:

If the college does not offer you a scholarship, and you really want to attend that institution, ask them if they can offer you some money to attend. (NOTE: Most colleges generate their scholarship award via the admissions office, which means any notice of scholarships will come via your letter of acceptance or in the spring as a separate notice. Financial aid is not offered to international students through the U.S. federal government; however, many colleges and universities give “scholarships” in the form of tuition discounting to international students to encourage them to attend (NOTE: These scholarships may only be for the first year.) This means they simply reduce the cost of attendance by making your tuition lower than an American student who is asked to pay full tuition. Often this discounting will be called an “academic scholarship.” But, hey, it’s money, right? Detailed Answer: If the college does not offer you a scholarship, and you really want to attend that institution, ask them if they can offer you some money to attend. (NOTE: Most colleges generate their scholarship award via the admissions office, which means any notice of scholarships will come via your letter of acceptance or in the spring as a separate notice. U.S. colleges are increasing their competition to get you to attend their college or university. They will say it’s because they welcome the diversity that you might bring, and certainly that’s a wonderful contribution you can make to our colleges. But the bottom line is that all almost all American colleges and universities are in financial crisis, and they believe you can pay for the education without much financial assistance from them. They know that many of their competitors are offering prospective international students substantial tuition discounts (which they are calling “scholarships.”) So if the institution you are interested in does not offer you a “scholarship,” you can either 1) agree to pay the full amount of tuition, 2) pressure them for money, or 3) you can tell them you will attend another college that is offering you a “scholarship.” Then see if the college you really want to go to will decide to offer you money. If you do receive a scholarship, make sure it is renewable over the four years of your undergraduate degree. Many, many colleges use scholarships (or tuition discounting) as bait to get students to attend the college the first year. They hope that the student will become emotionally and socially integrated to the point that they will do anything to pay the full amount to continue attending, even without a scholarship. This can place undo hardship on the international student’s family (it certainly makes it very difficult for American students.) To see which colleges (by state) in the U.S. offer scholarships to international students, visit http://www.internationalstudent.com/schools_awarding_aid/ [Keep in mind that the list of institutions mentioned on this page specifically are EXTREMELY difficult to get into, even for top students. But many, many other colleges and universities in the U.S. offer outstanding, prestigious degree programs.]
Reecy ArestyCollege Admissions/Financial Aid Expert & AuthorPayless For College, Inc.

What can international students do to enhance their chances of getting financial aid?

They can’t file a FAFSA, but a personal meeting with the director of financial aid is highly recommended, and many colleges have special financial aid forms as well.