A question about international vs. domestic admission

<p>I have a question that have long been kept unanswered. I wonder if anyone here knows something about it. </p>

<p>I am a green card holder (permanent resident in the USA), however I have neither lived nor studied in the USA, thus making me an international student (??). </p>

<p>and the question is:</p>

<p>Do colleges consider me as an international applicant or a domestic applicant? or maybe both? </p>

<p>What do you think? </p>

<p>b.t.w </p>

<p>The reason I'm asking is due to the fact that on one hand it's considered harder to get in as an international (competition over free spots) while on the other hand it wouldn't be fare to compare me to an american applicant (different grades\different studies). </p>

<p>Hopefully I've explained myself adequately enough.</p>

<p>Ok, I am confused. If you are a permanent resident in the USA, why are you not living here? As far as I know, people lose their green card status if they do not reside in the USA. You need to give more details of your circumstances.</p>

<p>@fall2016parent </p>

<p>You’re right, I just got my green card this year. And I’m moving to the US this March.</p>

<p>As a legal Permanent Resident you are a domestic applicant because you are eligible for federally determined financial aid. You can file the FAFSA. This is a very good thing, and will make a huge difference if you need financial aid. Have either of your parents been living and working in the US? If so, you may qualify for in-state tuition and fees at the public colleges and universities in the state(s) where they reside. </p>

<p>Since all of your academic records are international, your application will most likely be read by the international admissions officer.</p>

<p>There are many students in your situation, so the colleges/universities that you apply to won’t be surprised to receive your application. It is perfectly OK for you to call or email the admissions offices and ask what you should do. While you are still outside the US, your best resource is [EducationUSA</a> | Study Abroad, Student Visa, University Fairs, College Applications and Study in the U.S. / America](<a href=“http://www.educationusa.info/]EducationUSA”>http://www.educationusa.info/) Contact the closed advising center, and talk with them about your situation. If no one in that office has worked with a US Citizen or Permanent Resident lately, they have colleagues in other offices who have and who will be able to help you.</p>

<p>Somewhere in my computer I have a list of other people who have posted this kind of question here at CC. When I find it, I will send it to you in a PM.</p>

<p>Wishing you all the best.</p>

<p>@happymomof1</p>

<p>Thank you for your private message and your response! :)</p>

<p>My dad is an american citizen living in New York, does that mean I could get my tuition paid by the state of New York if I decide to study in NY? Is that only for public schools? (what about Cornell, Columbia and NYU?).</p>

<p>I will try to contact the users that you suggested. </p>

<p>Thanks again!</p>

<p>You will need to contact the various public universities in New York State to find out what their policies are. If you are able and willing to live with your dad, commuting to one of the community colleges or one of the SUNYs might be possible. The community colleges in NYS are very good. If you need to start at one because of costs, you will be fine. NYS does offer some need-based grants to help pay for college: [NYS</a> Higher Education Services Corporation - We Help People Pay for College](<a href=“http://www.hesc.com/content.nsf]NYS”>http://www.hesc.com/content.nsf)</p>

<p>The Agriculture and Life Sciences, Human Ecology, and Industrial and Labor Relations divisions at Cornell are state supported. Enrolling in one of those divisions will mean a significant savings for you if you are a NYS resident, so do read through their programs carefully and see if there are good fits for your long-term goals.</p>