Hunting for scholarships to study in the US 2024: Conditions and application experience

Date 25-01-2024

Scholarships to study abroad in the US are always the dream "ticket" of Vietnamese students as well as international students around the world. The United States is a country with the world's leading education system, a "promised land" that everyone wants to visit to experience, explore, and learn. Therefore, universities in the US often set very high requirements, especially for international students who want to apply for scholarships/financial aid.

Popular types of scholarships from American universities
American scholarships are financial support provided to international students who want to study abroad at universities in the US. Usually divided into 2 common types:

Need-based financial aid

This type of financial aid is awarded based on the applicant's financial profile. Once admitted to the school, the Student Financial Aid department will consider the student's financial requirements.

Calculation formula:

Financial Need = All expenses while studying abroad (Cost of Attendance) – Expected Family Contribution

Whether or not receiving this type of financial support depends largely on the financial ability declared by the student as well as the competitiveness of the application. If your financial conditions are quite tight but you are the piece of the puzzle that the top American universities (with an admission rate of only 5-20%) are looking for, you will have a chance to win scholarships. Large financial support, even full.

If your profile is not impressive enough, the possibility of being refused admission to the school for financial reasons is too small is very possible. In case the school cannot afford to lose a potential student, they will encourage the student to try to find a way to pay another fee.

Merit-based Scholarship

Unlike Need-based, this type of scholarship does not consider the candidate's financial condition but will be based on the student's academic achievement, leadership ability, athletic talent, music, art, etc. This type of scholarship will range from a few thousand USD to full tuition. Some schools like Clark University will give a small additional amount (stipend) for students to cover living expenses.

These scholarships are extremely competitive. To receive a Merit-based Scholarship, your profile must be excellent and special. International students are more likely to receive Need-based than Merit-based. Students who have received Financial Aid still have the right to apply for additional scholarships.

In addition, there are a number of other types of scholarships such as Government-Funded Scholarships, Privately Funded Scholarships, Country-based Scholarships,

Is it difficult to apply for a scholarship to study in the US?
Scholarships to study abroad in the US attract the attention of many students around the world, helping to reduce the cost of studying abroad, so competition is very high. Therefore, to hunt for full or high-value scholarships to study in the US may require a lot of effort and preparation from students.

Some information about American university scholarships is as follows:

Less than 1% of students receive full scholarships.
The average scholarship value for undergraduate students is 7,400 USD.
Only about 200,000 students receive private scholarships.
Of the many applicants for athletic scholarships, only 1.3% receive full or partial scholarships.
The rate of students receiving scholarships of 25,000 USD or more in a year is 0.2%.

However, it cannot be affirmed that applying for a scholarship to study in the US is completely difficult or easy. It also depends on many factors such as the popularity of the school, the value of the scholarship, the number of students applying, etc. The important thing is that you need to focus on preparing well, trying your best and raising your value. personal values to increase your chances of receiving scholarships. Follow the next part of the article for more information about the conditions to hunt for scholarships at universities in the US.

Conditions to apply for American scholarships in 2024
Admissions committees of US universities always evaluate overall applications based on the following factors:

GPA accounts for 20% of the application for a scholarship to study in the US.
Scores for IELTS and SAT/ACT certificates account for 20%.
Personal essay accounts for 25%.
Extracurricular activities account for up to 35%.
Letter of introduction and interview.

To catch the "eyes" of schools, students need to have a "beautiful" overall profile that clearly shows their personality and abilities.

Hunting for scholarships to study in the US is an arduous and strenuous process. Therefore, to prepare an effective application to hunt for scholarships to study in the US, students should start preparing their application as early as possible, possibly as early as 10th grade or even earlier (for English). students need to get used to it from a young age). The minimum time should be about 2 years before studying abroad to have time to study and review for certification exams, consolidate GPA, and participate in extracurricular activities.

Achieve a very high GPA
According to a survey from 250 top universities in the US, Grade Point Average (GPA) is a prerequisite, accounting for 20% of the scholarship application. The higher the candidate's GPA, the greater their chances of competing for scholarships.

GPA should range from 7.0 - 9.0 or higher for best and this score should be maintained throughout high school. In particular, for students who want to apply for a full scholarship, you should achieve a GPA of 8.5-10 (equivalent to 3.5-4.0 in the US). But remember that GPA is not everything for you to receive a scholarship. Because many students have the same GPA, the admission committee will continue to consider other factors.

IELTS, TOEFL iBT and SAT/ACT academic certificates
An effective way to apply for a scholarship to study in the US is impossible without a foreign language certificate, specifically English. Achieving high scores will be advantageous in the eyes of the admission committee, especially for candidates whose English is not their official language. Normally, universities will have different requirements for IELTS, TOEFL iBT scores and equivalent certificates, but to hunt for scholarships, you need at least IELTS above 6.5, Duolingo score 110 and TOEFL iBT score 90/120. Therefore, students need to seriously cultivate and practice their English to at least achieve the school's minimum score.

The SAT test includes Math and Reading and Writing; The ACT test includes Math, Reading, English and Science. Both of these exams are recognized and used by leading universities in the US in the admission process. Similar to GPA, SAT and ACT scores are also used by universities as indispensable criteria in the scholarship review process. SAT/ACT test scores account for about 20% of the same set of application documents. scholarship. The acceptance rate of top universities in the US is quite low, so to increase competitiveness, your SAT score should best range from 1300 - 1600 and ACT from 32 - 36.

Actively participate in extracurricular activities
In the US and many countries around the world, extracurricular activities play a very important role. Getting good academic results is not too difficult, but participating in social and community activities will show your interest in the world around you as well as soft skills such as the ability to work and lead a group. ... This will be your highlight compared to other applications for scholarships to study in the US from students around the world. In the same survey of 250 leading universities in the US, students' extracurricular achievements accounted for 35% more than GPA and certificate scores.

However, you should remember that quality trumps quantity. Schools in the US often value and pay attention to students' positions, roles, and leadership skills when participating in extracurricular activities. Compared to participating in dozens of activities as "attendants" or "members", you will be evaluated higher if you only participate in 2-3 activities but in the position of founder or leader. In addition, you should also choose to participate in activities related to your chosen field of study or projects that you are truly passionate about, dedicated to, and willing to spend a lot of time on.

Invest time in writing your personal essay
If your GPA, IELTS/TOEFL, SAT/ACT certificates show how hard you have studied and how much effort you have made, then the Personal Statement is a mirror that reflects who you are. You should not feel pressured about the essay because this is the part of the application where you have complete control over preparation time, topic, content and approach. Although there is no perfect formula for every personal essay for top universities in the US, there is a simple secret: Take the time to analyze the topic, choose your own content. and convey the right message. Don't try to turn yourself into someone else, but show your true self. That's what the Review Board wants to know.

Introduction and interview letter

Depending on the requirements of the university you plan to apply to, the number of letters of recommendation will also vary. A good letter of recommendation should come from your teachers and academic advisors in high school. They must be people who have worked with you for a long time to know your capabilities and personality. The scholarship review board will prioritize letters of recommendation that clearly and honestly express who you are through your work with close teachers; On the contrary, they will not appreciate it if you let another famous professor write and just talk about you in general terms without any clear information.

You should prepare some documents and information about yourself via email or directly discuss with your teacher so they can prepare a better letter. Some information can be provided such as CV, list of extracurricular activities, projects - classes that have accompanied the teacher/teacher...

The interview is optional and depends on the requirements of each university. Some schools will invite applicants to an interview and you can completely decline the offer. However, if you have the opportunity, you should participate to increase your chances of winning a scholarship and making your mark in the eyes of the review board.

Experience applying for full or partial scholarships to study in the US
Complete 5 elements in your study abroad application
To hunt for full or partial scholarships to study abroad in the US, you need to clarify 3 academic achievements, leadership abilities and personal achievements through the 5 factors mentioned above.

Ensure excellent academic performance

As mentioned above, GPA determines up to 20% of the success rate of your application. Therefore, high school students must study hard to ensure a high GPA. Ideally, GPA is in the top 1% of the class (GPA > 9.4). The lower the GPA, the lower the chance of winning a full scholarship.

In theory, a high SAT score can improve scores, but a student with a high SAT score but a GPA below 7.0 will still not be highly appreciated, because this shows that the student is smart and has the ability to think. but lazy to study. The GPA score is not high but increasing each year is also a plus point because it shows the candidate's progress and efforts throughout.

SAT 1400+ is a safe enough level to hunt for scholarships, but SAT 1500+ would be more ideal. The English certificate score only shows the level of proficiency and ability to satisfy language requirements and has no further value, including 9.0 IELTS or 120 TOEFL.

Demonstrate leadership ability

Leadership ability is demonstrated through extracurricular activities. American universities, especially top schools, are always looking for students with outstanding leadership abilities who can later contribute to building the school's reputation. So make sure to have at least one position like Chairman or Founder in your profile. Participating in many activities/projects as a member is sometimes a big minus point of the profile.

Personal achievements

All will be expressed through a curriculum vitae (CV). By looking at the CV, the Admissions Committee will have a quick overview of that student's achievements and goals. Your CV is not a complete list of all the activities you have done, but it should succinctly highlight the most impressive and relevant achievements to the scholarship you are applying for.

In short, to hunt for scholarships at top American universities, the more comprehensive the application must be. All 5 elements need to be prepared carefully, intelligently, and reasonably.

Clarify personal colors
An application with a high chance of winning a scholarship needs to clearly show the student's personal colors. Personal colors should be shown throughout the application, especially through extracurricular activities and personal essays. At universities with competitive scholarships, where the academic quality of candidates is quite uniform, extracurricular activities and personal essays are important factors for the Admissions Committee to make a decision. intend to award scholarships.

Declare strong financial records
Declare financial records to study abroad in the US to prove to US universities that students and their families have enough financial capacity to pay tuition and additional fees incurred during the period of study abroad, from That ensures your studies will not be affected by money issues.

Declaring too little financial capacity can be the main reason why your application is rejected. Because schools will doubt your ability to pay minimum expenses during your studies and whether your real purpose in coming to the US is to study or not.

Therefore, you need to have a financial declaration strategy to consider smart financial aid, declare just enough to make American universities trust you and consider awarding generous grants/scholarships.

Time to prepare documents and apply for US scholarships?
Normally, American universities have two application deadlines: November, January of the following year and the Rolling Admission round - there is no specific application deadline but will accept applications until the quota is met. Good, top schools only stop accepting applications in January. Furthermore, the later you submit your application, the less likely you are to win a scholarship and the less valuable it will be.

Therefore, the golden time to start preparing your application to study in the US is from the beginning of the 10th grade. And complete all elements in the application no later than January of the 12th grade, the results after that will not be available. value in the application (unless you choose a gap year - only after year 12).

How to find scholarships from American Universities
To search for free American University scholarships, you can refer to the following ways:

1. Refer to the University's website - where you want to apply for a scholarship to study abroad

For Government scholarships, refer to the US Government website.
For school scholarships, please refer to that school's website.
Normally, the scholarship program will be announced by the school and the Government on the website very early, about 3 - 6 months before expiration. Therefore, you need to research carefully to make the most complete preparation. If you can't find information about free scholarships on your school's website, contact your school's finance or student aid department directly. They can provide detailed information about scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students.

2. Use online scholarship search tools

There are many websites and online scholarship search engines for international students such as USNEWS, Fastweb, Scholarship.com, College Board, and Cappex. You can search for free scholarships for American Universities through these tools.

3. Use study abroad consulting services at reputable centers

If you and your family do not have much time or are not knowledgeable about scholarship programs to study in the US, you should choose consulting services at the center. These consulting units will help you complete your application as best as possible and choose a suitable school, with the opportunity to receive a scholarship worthy of your ability and time.

In addition, many students also want to be able to choose the most economical schools to study abroad. This is still entirely possible if you apply for a full or partial scholarship of up to 80%. At the same time, when enrolling, many universities in the US will support you to work part-time to cover living expenses and additional tuition fees.

Universities with full scholarships in the US 2024
To reduce the cost of studying in the US, you can hunt for scholarships. Universities in the US often offer partial or full financial support policies for students. Below are American universities that support full-ride scholarships for international students according to TimeHigherEducation and Scholarship Roar. You can visit the school's website or contact the consultant for choosing a school to study in the US at American Study to get the most accurate advice on scholarship programs and conditions to apply.

Harvard University – Ivy League group (MBA scholarship)

Scholarship value: 75% of tuition for MBA degree programs at Harvard University (approximately 47,500 USD per year).

The scholarship is awarded every two years for a two-year course at Harvard Business School. MBA scholarships will open new and better opportunities for students and give them access to advanced learning in undergraduate and graduate programs.

2. Duke University (Karsh International Scholarship)

Scholarship value: Full scholarship.

Duke is a prestigious private university in North Carolina, United States. The Duke University Karsh International Scholarship is awarded to bright students with the potential to succeed so that they do not face any financial obstacles during their studies.

With Duke University's Karsh International scholarship program, students receive a stipend that includes tuition for 8 semesters (4 years) and room and board

3. Baylor University (International Academic Scholarship)

Scholarship value: Eligible students will receive a full or partial tuition scholarship to cover their studies at Baylor University.

The Baylor University of Texas International Academic Scholarship applies to international students. The scholarship applies to an Undergraduate level program in All subjects taught at Baylor University.

4. Princeton University – Ivy League group
Scholarship value: Consider need-based scholarships.

Princeton University scholarships for students are based on need. This university does not offer any scholarships based on academic or athletic merit to international students. International students are considered equally for Princeton University scholarships.

5. Yale University Scholarship – Ivy League group
Scholarship value: Full scholarship or Need-based scholarship.

Yale University is one of the largest universities in the United States and is part of the Ivy League schools. Yale University offers full scholarships to international students. This scholarship is applicable for undergraduate, masters and doctoral degrees. The value of Yale University scholarships can vary from a few hundred USD to more than 70,000 USD per year; Yale's Need-based scholarship is more than 50,000 USD.

6. Clark University (Robert Goddard Scholarship)
Scholarship value: Partial Funding.

Named for Robert H. Goddard—Clark graduate and lecturer and founder of modern rocketry—whose daring approach to learning envisioned and predicted a world that did not yet exist .

The Robert Goddard Scholarship for First-Year International Students will open new and better opportunities for selected students and help them advance their studies in undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programmes.

7. Boston University (Trustee Scholarship)
Scholarship value: Full tuition fee waiver.

Trustee is Boston's most prestigious scholarship. The Trustee Scholarship covers full undergraduate tuition as well as some mandatory fees and is renewable for four years if certain criteria are met.

8. Illinois Wesleyan University
Scholarship value: 16,000 – 30,000 USD per year.

Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) is offering merit-based scholarships. Merit-based scholarships at Illinois Wesleyan University apply to qualified international students with excellent academic records and high scores on required entrance exams.

9. American University
Scholarship value: Full tuition fee waiver.

AU University offers a full scholarship covering full tuition and room and board for a student with an F-1 or J-1 Visa for four years of study. Note that the scholarship will not include mandatory health insurance, books, airfare and some other expenses.

And there are many other universities in the US that have scholarship programs. For more details, please contact consulting at American Study for the most detailed information.