<p>I have heard two different stories about this from 20 different people, and I would really want to know the answer for sure now. I am currently enrolled in college, first year, in my home country, and would like to apply to study in the U.S. </p>
<p>Now, my question is: May I, or may I not, by law and college admission policy, apply for freshman year, or do I have to do the transfer application?</p>
<p>So many people say different things, from just saying: "Of course, why not?" to "Are you crazy, you can get kicked out, don't lie to the college, you will get in trouble!!!". This has me completely confused, as I don't want to lie or anything, but I really don't understand what's the point and what the rules say, as I can't seem to find them anywhere.</p>
<p>The general rule is that you must apply as a transfer student once you have completed the equivalent of a full year of college coursework.</p>
<p>HOWEVER, each institution sets its own policy. Some will consider you a transfer applicant if you have taken only one course, others will allow you to apply as a freshman if by the time you start classes there you won’t have whatever that institution considers to be a full year’s worth of courses.</p>
<p>You really do indeed have to read through the specific policies of each college and university that you are interested in. If you can’t figure out which category of applicant THAT PARTICULAR institution would consider that you belong in, then you should contact the admissions office directly. The folks there answer this question all the time.</p>