About my U.S. citizen status

<p>I study in China. Now the question obviously is whether my status helps or hinders my college application; namely whether my SAT score will be compared with you guys', which are undoubtedly a lot higher than that of average Chinese applicants, or the latter, in which my 2300+ should outshine most. Yet I learned that Chinese are desperately wanting to get hold of a green card, not sure of the reason though.</p>

<p>Are you a US citizen? Your work will be compared within the context of your school opportunities.</p>

<p>And you can’t fathom why a person would want a US green card? Really?</p>

<p>Well, for immigrants the motive is conspicuous. But if for some random Chinese high school students wanting to attend colleges in U.S. , I don’t see at all why a green card would be of use. Is it really worth it to throw away one’s own nationality, the very identity that has molded his soul, for the sake of getting into a good college. I think I missed pointing out the keyword student in my post. In fact, if my U.S. status will be in any way hamper my chance of being admitted, I would fault it.</p>

<p>You US citizenship relieves you of having to be compared w/other (and many) non-US applicants – if you’re applying to a US college. Your chances are heightened.</p>

<p>For the avg Chinese to get Green Card status, it confers them the ability to live in and work in and travel to the US practically unhindered – a coveted dream among many people in the world. It also is a path to US citizenship as well. </p>

<p>As for college applicants, they also get considered in the pool of US citizens, versus the non-citizens. Again, better chances there.</p>

<p>It would be easier to get into US colleges if you are a US citizen, especially if you are asking for aid.</p>

<p>Really, a better chance in the pool of U.S. citizens? How is that possible. It’s like saying comedians have a better chance winning an Oscar.</p>

<p>Never mind. I think my logic failed to serve me correctly. I should probably get some rest. But if my SAT score is relatively low compared with U.S students, isn’t that a drawback?</p>

<p>If you weren’t a US citizen, you would be compared with other international applicants, many of whom have international Olympiad medals or other such honors and achievements. Trust me - that pool is much harder. Most universities also have limited aid budgets for international kids and therefore they are not need blind - making the process even more difficult.</p>

<p>As it stands, you have the distinct advantage of allowing colleges to claim “diversity” without the potential financial and other problems of admitting a “true” (i.e. Non citizen) international.</p>

<p>G thanks Frank. I see my dumb now. Obliged to T26E4 too.</p>

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<p>Those who have permanent resident status maintain their original nationality but are also granted the right to reside permanently in the United States. For college admissions they are considered domestic students.</p>

<p>In most cases, not being a domestic student places you at a distinct disadvantage.</p>

<p>To add to what franchn said: There is a question of financial aid. Many schools have no aid for foreign students or take into account the ability to pay when making decisions i.e. it is not need blind when foreign students are concerned. As a US citizen for example, you are eligible for Stafford loans, which a foreign student would not be. Hence there is an advantage. But that said, if your scores are low it will not help.</p>

<p>If you are not a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident or eligible non citizen:</p>

<p>Conditional permanent resident </p>

<p>Other eligible noncitizen with an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from the Department of Homeland Security showing any one of the following designations: </p>

<p>“Refugee,” “Asylum Granted,” “Indefinite Parole,” “Humanitarian Parole,” or “Cuban-Haitian Entrant”
A citizen of the Republic of Palau (PW), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (MH), or the Federated States of Micronesia (FM) </p>

<p>then you are considered an international student.</p>

<p>There are only a small number of colelges that are need blind to international students. This means that your ability to pay is a factor in the admissions process. Overall there are about 10 colleges in the country that are both need blind and meet 100% demonstrated need to international students. The pool for international students is much larger than the number of seats available to them in colleges/universities.</p>

<p>International students are not allowed to work in the U.S. and will need to have their funding documented and monies available in order to get a visa to study in the U.S.</p>

<p>International student are not eligible for federal aid : ll, SEOG, AGC, Smart and teach grants They are not eligible for stafford loans or federal work study. Tey are not eligible for state aid associated may come with filing the FAFSA for federal aid. </p>

<p>International students who have graduated from high school in the US may be eligible for in-state tuition in the state that they graduated high school. Otherwise they are Out of state students and the cost between in and out of state can be exhorboriant.</p>