Seeing “scholarships available” on a university page tells you almost nothing. For international undergrads, the first useful move is to sort the money into need-based or merit-based before you spend hours applying 🎓

1. If the page asks for family income, tax forms, CSS Profile, or “ability to pay,” treat it as need-based 💸
Your grades help admission, but the award depends on your family finances.

2. If the page talks about GPA, test scores, leadership, portfolios, or “top applicants,” treat it as merit-based ✅
Usually you are competing against other strong applicants, not proving financial need.

3. Make one note for each school: Need / Merit / Both / Unclear 🗂️
If it says “limited aid for internationals,” do not assume a full ride. Check whether a separate scholarship form, earlier deadline, or interview is required.

This quick split changes your strategy: need-based schools require stronge

Open Hack Admission