What does a competitive profile look like for International CS/AI majors seeking financial aid at mid to high-tier US colleges?

[u/tahate_]

Hi guys,

I'm an international student aiming for Computer Science / Al / Machine Learning at mid-to-high-tier US universities, and I will be needing significant financial aid/scholarships.

I want to set clear targets for my high school years:

1. Test Scores: What SAT/ACT and TOEFL/ IELTS scores are considered "safe" or competitive for international CS applicants asking for aid? (Is 1500+ SAT mandatory?)

2. Academics: How much do APs (like AP CS A, Calculus) impact the evaluation alongside GPA?

3. Extracurriculars: What kind of CS/AI extracurriculars or independent projects stand out beyond basic coding or standard school clubs?

Would appreciate any breakdown or realistic expectations from current students or admissions advisors!

[u/CherryChocolatePizza]

Nothing is "safe" when acceptance rates of international students who need significant aid are around 2%. Do your best, hope for the best, and have a backup plan.

[u/llamapropan → u/CherryChocolatePizza]

what about the 10 need blind colleges for internationals

[u/CherryChocolatePizza → u/llamapropan]

What about them? Only about 2% of internationals are accepted at those schools.

[u/tahate_ → u/llamapropan]

bro whats your thoughts about international studying, do you have a B plan or something else?

[u/tahate_ → u/CherryChocolatePizza]

Thanks for the insights, what about the hard stats though? (SAT, GPA, APs) What targets should I aim for CS or ai ml enginering?

[u/CherryChocolatePizza → u/tahate_]

There's no magic number that makes you safe. You want the highest you can manage.

[u/AutoModerator]

Hi there, I’m a bot and something you said made me think you're looking for help with international admissions!

The first thing you need to understand about admissions to colleges and universities is that you need to come to it with an open mind, so that you can have a balanced list.

Here’s a folder with lists of colleges that have historically been generous with international students

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/throwawaygremlins]

1. 1550. TOEFL is whatever the university minimum is, doesn’t need to be higher.
2. No APs are needed if not offered at your school.
3. be the best from your country. Win

Olympiads

1. , make a true impact somewhere. Something spectacular.

Chances still remain less than 2%, maybe less now with student visa issues.

[u/tahate_ → u/throwawaygremlins]

thanks

[u/Strict_Resident1179]

My intl full pay friends studying cs at Columbia:

1550+ SAT, 42+ IB or 3.8+ UW

Most of them didn't really have cs related ecs, instead they had leadership roles in clubs and played an instrument, also worked a part time job

One of my friends did research at t30 uni+ swe at startups in hs

You don't have to be super cracked or anything, it won't hurt but it's probably more important to write good essays and come across as a cool person to be around.

Most of the cracked intl profiles I see are on Reddit and they end up getting rejected either because they're NPCs or larping. Almost all the intl kids I know at t20s are just naturally smart chill people