Harvard vs Wharton for internationals requiring financial aid
I am an international that requires financial aid. I can only apply early to one of these (due to Harvard having Restrictive Early Action). I want to eventually do NY buyside. If I don't get in then I will have to go to a uni in my own country.
Harvard is need blind for internationals, therefore I can apply for financial aid without consequence, but applying early to Harvard does not increase my chances of getting in (quote me if im wrong).
Applying to Wharton ED would give me a higher chance of getting in (as it is binding) but Wharton is not need blind, so applying for aid would reduce my chances even more.
Should I apply to Harvard or Wharton considering these circumstances? Or should I go for a different college to increase my chances of getting in (eg. Princeton, Yale)? (undergrad btw)
You should apply to all schools which are interesting to you and have a realistic chance of being admitted.
Funding - combination of grants, scholarships, loans, personal loans and savings. Potentially a credit line against an asset (not your family home).
Check which schools allow certain grants for international students in the 3rd semester, many only block you for the first year. It may not be a tuition waiver, but could be a reduction that helps a lot. You are also allowed to work on F1, with limitations set by USCIS.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, it seems like you're in a bit of a pickle. Both Harvard and Wharton are excellent choices, but your need for financial aid and the restrictions of early applications complicate things.
Harvard's need-blind policy for internationals is indeed a big plus, as your need for financial aid won't impact your chances of admission. However, you're correct that applying early to Harvard doesn't necessarily increase your chances of getting in.
On the other hand, applying to Wharton under Early Decision could potentially boost your chances of admission, but they're not need-blind, so applying for aid might affect your chances.
In this situation, you might want to consider a few things:
Remember, you're allowed to work on an F1 visa, with limitations set by USCIS, which could help offset some costs. Also, check which schools allow certain grants for international students in the 3rd semester, as many only block you for the first year. It may not be a tuition waiver, but could be a reduction that helps a lot.
Ultimately, the decision is a personal one and depends on your specific circumstances and priorities. Good luck!
Sources: Wharton, Harvard, and Columbia, Ask mbaMission about Business School Admissions, Recently realized I want an MBA - Do I have a shot at Harvard, Wharton, Stanford?, Why people talk bad about JD/MBA?
International student needing aid who went through the US admissions process here. Apply to H REA, but don’t count on it. Unless you’re a superstar, it’s unlikely you get into any T20s, let alone H/W. Not saying this to be discouraging, but that’s just the unfortunate reality. If you really want to study in the US, expand your college list to include LACs, less popular T50s etc.
Why is M7/T20 out of reach? What is a superstar to you. There is some very average profiles out there.
yeh but the average profiles who do make it aren't international and don't need aid. there is legitimately 0 reason to take a chance on this kid unless he's exceptional. No school is truly need blind even if they put some bullshit on their websites. He is competing with thousands of sweats all in the same bucket held to much higher standards than americans. also looking through his post history he's asian, even asian american men who do everything right get fucked all the time in applications.
Unless this guy is the luckiest person in the world or some kinda genius or goes to an elite prep school which I doubt given the financial aid need, I would bet my life he doesn't get into any top 10 school.
Is it more so the financial aid need? For example, I am international (Canadian), have good scores but my work exp isn't good (no IB,MBB, startup etc), could survive without the aid but would be nice.
Work experience does not matter what so ever in regards to undergrad admissions. MBA I have no clue, but I would assume external factors aren't as big of a deal since admissions rate are much higher for example i go to chicago which has like a 6 percent acceptance rate, but booth is 30, so the margins aren't as tight to keep internationals out.
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