Additional Resources for Undocumented Students in Connecticut

1. You can go to college & will receive your diploma even if you are undocumented. 

• There are no laws in Connecticut that prevent you from applying or going to school.
• If a college admissions officer or other staff member tells you that you cannot go to school, reach out Connecticut Students for a Dream so that they can help navigate the situation.

2. You can pay the in-state tuition rates at Connecticut Public Colleges if you meet the following requirements(instead of out of the state tuition rates or international rates)

• 2 Years of high school in Connecticut
• Graduate from a CT High School or GED program
• Sign an affidavit with the university that you will regularize your status when you are able to do so (see your admissions office)

3. Colleges will not share your or your family’s status. 

• You will not get in trouble if they know that you are undocumented, you are protected(the law that protects you is called the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act- FERPA for short)

4. If you feel uncomfortable answering any questions about your status you can simply say, “I’d rather not answer that. Why do you need to know?” You can then ask a friend/ally to help you reach out to folks and ask questions you might have! 

5. There are scholarships available to undocumented students.

• Current College students and high school seniors check out www.ct4adream.org for more information (College Access tab) and to get scholarship lists.
• Do you research and call schools to find out what kind of scholarships and aid they give to undocumented students.

6. You can call schools & ask about their policies on undocumented students and if they don’t know, ask who at the University you can speak to that would have information. 

• Some schools may give you specific resources that may be helpful in terms of applications, scholarships, etc.
• Some schools have special scholarships that you may be eligible for from the alumni association or foundations.
• Some schools may not have any information, do your own research and see if the school is the right fit for you.

7. You don’t need a social security number to fill out a college application.

• If you don’t have one, leave it blank; do not fill in fake numbers.
• If an online application  doesn’t let you submit online without the SSN-simply submit a paper application instead.
• Never lie on your college applications, if you are not a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident (green card), don’t say that you are.

8.If you are undocumented or have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in most cases you should NOT be classified as an International Student.

• If you are, confirm with your institution about their policies (some schools still list undocumented students as international)
• International students pay higher rates than in-state tuition students so if you are falsely classified as an international student talk to admissions so they can make the change.

9. Everyone’s path is different. Do not feel pressure to take a certain path!

• Community Colleges are a great place to start your education.
• Not everyone graduates college in four years, many students take several extra years to graduate.
• Don’t sell yourself short either; if you meet the requirements for a private or selective school. Apply. You just might get in!
• College is not the right next step for everyone, reach out to us to talk about careers and other opportunities.

10. Be your own advocate.

• You can find help and guidance outside of school.
• Sometimes it helps to selectively “come out” to those you can trust at the school- a counselor, professor, teacher, they may be able to advocate for you in the system, for scholarships and financial aid.
• There are educators and organizations that support you, seek them out- Build a support network of friends, educators, and community leaders.