Sorry man, don't bother wasting your money applying. Only a handful of schools might look at you. Just apply to those.
And when it comes to this s#$% either you have perm. res./citizenship or your letter explaining your situation/intentions is not worth anything.
I don't know if I totally agree. Yes it is very difficult but not totally imposible.
I applied last year as an international student, no green card/ citizenship. If you have good grades and a good MCAT score, you have a chance. However, so many people have good grades and MCAT scores so the only way to have a great chance is to totaly distinguish yourself in ECs. Be an outstanding researcher, leader, commuity service, whatever you like to do. win some awards, have your letter writers say incredible things about you, etc. This is the best way to rise above the competition IMO, especially if you are considered international.
Yes financial Aid is tough as hell if you are international. Had I had a green card last year, I would have gotten a lot more aid. One finaid director told me that herself. I was luckier than most coz the few internationals that get in usually have to borrow the entire amount.
Research your schools well so you dont waste money applying to schools that won't accept you. I was very successful last year. won't elaborate unless someone is bored and wants to know. My grades and MCAT were good but not spectacular. My ECs and letters were
Like I said, its really hard but not impossible. From my experience, a 3.5, 30 MCAT with outstanding ECs with a couple of awards and amazing LORs will get you much much further that a 3.8, 35 MCAT with average ECs and LORs. The latter will probably get you an acceptance somewhere, the former will make you a top 10 school (usnews) candidate.
Remember that if you are considered international, you can't just go to your state school You don't have one officially, unless you live in texas, and most state schools won't accept your application. Your best bet are private schools. Also, If you want any form of financial aid at all as an international student, top 20 (usnews) schools are your best bet so I will tailor my application towards these if I were you. That means that research is more important to you than the average US applicant. Even better if you are very good at it and have some awards/ presentations etc to back it up. Don't know any international students that have gotten in without research.
Finally, the most important factor if you are considered international. I said MOST important, that is, from my experience. APPLY EARLY. I mean have all secondaries sent before August 1st of the application year. July is even better. Notice I said secondaries, not primary. That should be sent the very first day. You will greatly improve your chances.
Once again, difficult but not impossible. Sorry for the long post. You probably didnt want all that but oh well, Best of luck!
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