<p>Hi. I was hoping someone could help me out with this.</p>
<p>I've legally lived in the U.S for over 10 years, but I do not have a green card. It's currently processing right now, but I doubt I will receive it by the time I have to apply for colleges. So, my question is when I'm applying, will I be counted as an international student? I heard its tougher for international students to get accepted, but if I am considered one, will not applying for financial aid improve my chances a little bit?</p>
<p>It depends on where you apply. Some colleges are actively trying to increase their international enrollment, so being a full-paying international applicant would actually help you. Others (like Harvard and MIT) get a flood of applications from foreign students and not having your green card could actively work against you. </p>
<p>If worse comes to worst, you can always take a gap year and re-apply when you do have your green card in hand. </p>
<p>^ Its never easy for any student to get into the IVY’s international or not. On perspective, it is harder for internationals as these schools rarely take more than one candidate per country.</p>
<p>Back to your question, If you are not a US citizen; a permanent resident (Green card holder); Refugee, then you will be considered international for admission purposes.
If you have a temporary green-card pending final interview, some state school (mostly your state of residence) will admit you and allow you to pay instate, otherwise you will be considered an international till your Green card is processed.
I hope that helps.
Best of luck to you.</p>