Education in the US now an affordable dream

Biggest deterrence for Pakistani students is tuition fee.

KARACHI: For most Pakistani students, travelling to the United States for higher studies remains a distant dream. Apart from the daunting experience of getting a US visa, the main reason behind the deterrence for students is the high tuition fee that most of them cannot even imagine to afford.

“If you really wish to study in the best institutions in the world, the cost should not deter you,” said Eduardo Garcia, the economic officer at the US Consulate General in Karachi. “There is always financial aid out there for those who look for it.”

He was speaking at a workshop, titled ‘Financing Your US Undergraduate Education’, organised by the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan. The seminar was attended by over 60 students, who expressed their wishes to study in the US.

The former assistant dean of admissions at Amherst College in Massachusetts, Garcia stressed that universities in the US were inclined towards Pakistani students as they were able to provide a unique perspective to their respective portfolios. “The university wishes to inculcate as many foreign students as possible. This gives the local students a chance to communicate and mix with foreigners and understand their ideas and cultures.” Garcia explained that this was one of the main points that the university took into account when looking at the admissions applications. “When you fill out your essays or admission forms, you must strive to stand out. Tell the university what you, as a person, will be able to provide to the diversity of the university,” he said.



On the excessive tuition fees at the universities, Garcia had an advice. “You must look at all your options before you commit to any one institution.” There are cheaper alternatives, such as community colleges, where one may avail the first two of the four years of undergraduate studies. The tuition fee is exponentially less in these community colleges, he explained.

Apart from this, there are need-based scholarships, where students are accorded waivers off the tuition fee according to the family’s economic conditions. “You must be careful to list every little detail when filling out the form for financial aid. If you don’t know, ask. Don’t assume the university knows anything about you.”

The better alternative, Garcia said, would be to apply for merit-based scholarships. Though highly competitive, these scholarships are for those students who excel in their fields.” He stressed that students must mention qualities the make them stand out - something that will help them achieve the financial aid they are looking for.

For those who may wish to earn a little extra to cover their everyday expenses, students may work for up to 20 hours a week. “This generates a modest income to support one’s everyday needs,” he suggested, adding that students did not necessarily have to do menial jobs, such as work in cafeterias, but could avail a research assistant job if the university offers one. “You must bear in mind, however, that income generated from this source will not be able to cover your rent or your tuition,” he warned.

Having said this, Garcia was careful to point out that college acceptance letters and the terms for financial aid may be quite confusing and often end up misleading the student. “You may have been given a merit-based scholarship but it may only be valid for the first year. Be sure to read the fine print before you commit to the college,” he stressed.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 20^th, 2013.