Need-Blind Admission Policy for International Students
AMHERST, Mass.—Amherst College’s board of trustees has voted to extend the school’s need-blind admission policy to international students. The change, which will take effect during the 2008-09 admissions cycle, makes the school one of just eight colleges and universities in the United States to offer such a consideration to applicants from other countries.
“From the earliest days of Amherst’s existence, the college has recognized the value of attracting the most talented students from all over the world to our community,” said President Anthony W. Marx. “By making the admission process need-blind for all applicants—including those from other countries—we hope that we are only reinforcing the message that we welcome all students to apply, regardless of financial standing. It is in everyone’s best interest that we are doing what we can to educate the best mix of future leaders.”
“Need-blind” means that a school makes admission decisions without holding financial need against that applicant. Amherst also agrees to meet the full financial need of every student who is admitted. Under previous guidelines, the college was need-blind only for American citizens and permanent residents.
Tom Parker, Amherst’s dean of admission and financial aid, said that when he meets guidance counselors from outside the United States, they always ask whether Amherst is need-blind for international students. “If it’s not the first question they ask you, it’s the second question they ask, because it’s so critical.” Parker added that he expects—and welcomes—a jump in applications from outside of the United States this fall. “Now, everyone will be compared with everyone else. It’s a level playing field.”
The policy change builds on Amherst’s long leadership in the areas of accessibility and affordability. The college was one of the first in the country to adopt a need-blind admission policy, and, in 1999, the first to eliminate loans for low-income students. Then, this past July, Amherst became one of the first in the nation to eliminate loans for every undergraduate, beginning in the 2008-09 academic year.
In recent years, international students have made up about 8 percent of the college’s student body. Many of them receive financial aid in the form of college grants and work-study jobs, like their American classmates. Students from Africa and Latin America are also eligible for two need-based scholarships, the Koenig Scholarship for talented low-income students and the Nelson Mandela Scholarship for students from South Africa or Mozambique. Unlike their American classmates, however, those from other countries are ineligible for federal grants.
Amherst records show that the earliest international student to attend the college was Nicholas Petrocokino, a member of the Class of 1829 and a native of Chios, Greece. Other notable international alumni include Joseph Hardy Neesima of Japan, Class of 1870, founder of the school that would become Doshisha University; Albert II, Class of 1982, Prince of Monaco; and Kimmie Weeks of Liberia, Class of 2005, global activist and humanitarian who founded Youth Action International.
Founded in 1821 for “the education of indigent young men of piety and talents,” Amherst College is now widely regarded as one of the premier liberal arts colleges in the nation, enrolling a diverse group of approximately 1,600 young men and women. Well known for its academic excellence, Amherst is also considered among the very best schools in the country in terms of accessibility: The college’s financial aid packages are consistently among the most generous in the U.S., and, among its peer universities and colleges, Amherst has the greatest economic diversity.
Diversity, in its broadest sense, is fundamental to Amherst’s mission. The college enrolls students from every state and more than 40 countries, and, for the past several years, nearly 40 percent of Amherst’s students have been students of color. Amherst offers the B.A. degree in 34 fields of study.
My name is Serkalem Solomon. I am a fourth year Mechanical Engineering student in Mekelle University which is found in Ethiopia. I am highly motivated if you give me a scholarship opportunity at your University.
Best regards,
My name is Serkalem Solomon. I am a fourth year Mechanical Engineering student in Mekelle University which is found in Ethiopia. I am highly motivated if you give me a scholarship opportunity at your University.
Best regards,
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Thanks.
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God bless you.
Levi Ahamed Bona.
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Dear sir/madam
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Regards
Toza
How do you apply for this scholarship?
Hello, I. I would like to get more info on admission procedure, scholarship/ financial aid to Amherst College. I am already interested.
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My name is Mohamed Abdel-Rahim Ahmed, I live Sudan I finished high school
two years ago and now in 20 I search for financial assistance and grant to
enable me to continue my career mode
Please
help me and thank you I am now
having a language problem I wish, therefore the study of language before
going to university and complete my studies and thank
Peace to you I want to apply for a scholarship
Mohammad Abdul Rahim Ahmad: – Name of the
Date of Birth: – 24 \ 10 \ 1990
Place of birth: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Jeddah
Country: – Sudan
City: Omdurman _
Title: – Omdurman – Revolution 31 warm house No. 188
Passport number: – p00194390
Reason to apply for the scholarship: -
1 – has a large poor physical conditions in the Fabius watched my back and my brothers and eight Praise be to God
Electronic-mail: – mohammed-19900@hotmail.com
Tel: – 00249915178379
In case of any person to! contact in case of contact anything, and my father
E-mail: abdom@yahoo.com _
00249915178379 telephone number and if there was anything else they will tell you and thank you for your attention
I am second year electrical engineering student,and i have great interest to learn in this university please give it!
Dear Si/Madam, How you doing? I am young boy aged 24years, expected Bachelor degree holder in education in July 2012 at St.Augustine University of Tanzania, pursuing Economics and Geography as the core subjects. I have a special interest in studying maters MA on economic development especially in poverty reduction at your college. Thanks in advance
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I am interested in this scholarship, how can i apply and where can i find the application form. thanks
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Thanks
I am a kenyan Citizen, just completed my studies at Kampala International University and attained Second class Honors Upper Division, I am looking for a University to offer Masters in Information Systems. Can you kindly assist and outline if you offer scholarships to needy students,
Thankyou.
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Tesfay Alemu
I want free scholarship in your good university.
Dear Sir/Madam:
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Thank you for taking time to read this letter of application for free scholarship.
I am waiting to hear from you soon.
Respectfully yours,
Tesfay Alemu
Mesfin Industrial Engineering PLC
Senior Purchase Technical Expert.
P.O.box 508 code 1250
Mekele,Ethiopia.
Mob.+251-9147272921, Office +251-344406803/344415074
tesfay¬_alemu@yahoo.com
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am a citizen of St. Lucia, who is interested in this scholarship. i would really like to know how I can apply for this scholarship, and what SAT score is needed to obtain this scholarship.
Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.
Yours respectfully
Elmina Fanis
STAND NO. 4477
MKOBA 17
GWERU
ZIMBABWE
02 JANUARY 2012
DEAR SIR/MADAM
RE: APPLICATION FOR A VACANCY IN RADIOGRAPHY/ ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING/ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING/ACTUARIAL SCIENCE
Considering that my father passed away, my mother got married to another man leaving me in a precarious position, I would like to register a request with your office that I be accorded assistance in the dimension of sharpening my intellectual curiosity at Amherst College.
My choice of discipline is Radiography, Electronic Engineering,Electrical Engineering and Actuarial Science.
At Ordinary level I passed eight subjects namely Maths, Integrated Science and English among others.At Advanced Level I had passes in Mathematics, Physics, Geography and Business Studies.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely
ELIAS MUNYARI(Mr) MOBILE: +263 774 607 032