Dear All,

I wonder whether there is any negative impact on admission if I apply for financial aid? I have not enough $$ of my own to finance my study in US though the gap is not very big, so i need some financial aid. But i am afraid that by indicating i haven't enough money, the schools will be reluctant to give me admission! After all, I can try to borrow money from my friends or even my employer but i really hate to do that.

What's your opinions or experience? I intend to apply for aid from CLS, Cornell, and some other top 20 schools.

In my opinion your apprehensions are misplaced. There is absolutely nothing to fear at all in asking for scholarships.

Several law schools consider every candidate for merit scholarship without even asking for a separate application. I received Dean's Merit Scholarship from a Law School without making any application. In another school, one of TOP 20, I got the admission letter without any financial assistance; I wrote back enquiring about the amount of scholarship; they informed me that the matter has been referred to the Committee and that I should wait for their decision.

Asking for merit/need based scholarship does not weaken your application in any manner.

Some of the names in TOP 20, where you may consider applying, are : Yale, Harvard, Northwestern University, Vanderbilt and Washington University in St Louis alongwith application for financial assistance.

Wish you best of luck with your admission.

Thanks, nriattorney.

I know there are merit based scholarships. But my concern is that i don't think i am good enough to be awarded merit-based aid from schools like CLS. I am afraid the school would rather choose those similar applicants who are capable of financing the education by themselves...

I was just awarded a fulbright scholarship. Does this count positively towards my admittance?

I'm applying at Columbia as well, but I'm concerned about their preference for candidates with work experience.

Congratulations!
As far as I understand, ususally Fullbright is decided on the basis of your admission; in any case, many schools prefer candidates having Fullbright scholarship. therefore, it will may have a positive impact; but certainly not a negative impact of any sort.

Thanks! It's conditioned by admittance into an accredited US university.

Congratulations again!
I think their conditions vary in different countries.

I have been told recently that grant of Fullbright scholarship increases your potential for entry into a good school; therefore, your admission is almost sure; only question is which school?

Thank you for passing on quite interesting knowledge!:)

I replied to Columbia just before the deadline yesterday (and did not request financial aid;), so I'll keep my fingers crossed.