<p>It depends on the specific policy of each institution. Some will consider you a transfer applicant if you take ONE credit after finishing high school, others will consider you a freshman applicant if you have completed less than one year of college courses. Even if you must apply as a transfer student, your credits might not transfer at all, and you might have to spend a full four years at the new place. It is very, very variable. If you visit the Transfer Forum, you can read through the thread titled “Transfer Admissions 101” at the top of that forum for guidance.</p>
<p>If you truly want to study in the US, your best option is to plan a Gap Year and then reapply for admissions this coming fall. There are a lot of threads (especially in the Parents Forum) about Gap Years. Here is one: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/192395-no-acceptances-one-kids-story-year-later.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/192395-no-acceptances-one-kids-story-year-later.html</a></p>
<p>If you have other good options on the table, such as admission to a good local university that is affordable for your family, my personal advice would be to complete your first degree there. Then apply to grad schools in the US or elsewhere that will help you achieve your long-term goals. The simple truth is that that is what the vast majority of students in the US do. They attend their local community colleges or in-state public universities.</p>