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US Admissions Newsletter Spring 2025PDF 2
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SPRING 2025 NEWSLETTER
Navigating the Financial Aid Process: We're Here to Help!
Applying to U.S. colleges as an international student can be exciting, although financially complex. Fortunately,
Aitchison’s U.S. Admissions Counselors are here to guide families through individualized support, helping you plan
confidently and honestly.
U.S. colleges offer two main types of aid: need-based aid, (awarded based on your family’s financial situation) and merit-
based aid (based on academic or extracurricular achievements). Some colleges will automatically consider students for
merit-based aid while others may require a scholarship application. It’s complicated, and that’s why it’s important to be
aware of the opportunities early in the process!
It’s also important to understand admissions policies: need-blind universities (very few for international students) do not
consider your financial need in admission decisions. In contrast, need-aware institutions do, which means that applying
for aid might affect your chances of being admitted. Above all, honesty is crucial in the financial aid process. Families
must provide accurate income and asset documentation. Misrepresentation can result in lost opportunities.
We strongly encourage families to begin early, ask questions, and meet regularly with our counselors. Whether you’re
exploring careers ideas in C1 or preparing applications in H2, we’re here to support you with personalized advice and up-
to-date resources.
NYU Visits Aitchison
We were delighted to welcome Mr.
Salelaye Samoura from NYU Abu
Dhabi who shared valuable insights
into NYU’s holistic admissions
process and the unique academic
opportunities at their global campus.
His visit offered students a clearer
understanding of what makes a
competitive NYU applicant.
This year, Aitchison also hosted
representatives from dozens of
leading universities through the Ed
Programs and USEFP College Fairs,
providing students with direct access
to a wide range of institutions.
More recently, the US Admissions
Office invited Ms. Alyson Lucas
from Duke University to meet
students, further enriching their
exposure to global higher education
options.
Pre-College Summer Programs: Are They Worth It?
For motivated C1, C2, and H1 students, pre-college summer programs can
provide a valuable glimpse into university life while allowing them to
explore academic interests and enhance their college applications. However,
not all programs offer the same value, and it’s important to consider both the
benefits and limitations before committing.
Benefits
Exposure to the rigor of college-
level coursework
Opportunity to explore academic
interests in depth
Some programs offer transferable
college credit
Selective programs may strengthen
college applications
Network with professors and like-
minded peers
Limitations
Academic quality and selectivity
vary widely
Non-selective programs may not
boost applications
Transfer credits may not be
accepted by all universities
Many programs are “pay-to-play”
and carry less weight
High costs, including tuition,
housing, travel, and other fees
Notable Pre-College Admissions for Summer 2025
Research Science Institute (RSI)
Yale Young Global Scholars
Economics For Leaders (FTE)
Wharton Global Youth Program
UPenn LPS Social Justice Research Academy
Columbia Pre-College Program
UChicago Pre-College Program
Pioneer Academics Research Program
Lumiere Education Research Program
To book an appointment with a US Admissions Counselor,
please email: counselingassistant@aitchison.edu.pk