<p>At Northwestern, would an international student (non-US citizen) attending a US high school be evaluated against his American classmates, or against all other international students, or against students from his country?</p>
<p>A late response, I know, but I’ve just joined. I’m not sure if you mean a US high school in the US, or an American school in another country, so here are my thoughts for each.
If you’re a non-US citizen living and studying in the US, you’d be evaluated mainly in comparison with your classmates and other American students. You could use your essays to bring out more about your nationality and what studying in the US means to you - and that would make you stand out against your classmates. If you’re in the US for only a couple years and have a non-US address, you’d stand out more as an “international.”
If you’re studying at an American school in another country, you would be evaluated as an international applicant. Depending on your exact circumstances, that could work to your advantage since Northwestern (and other top universities) seek diversity.</p>
<p>@EnglishDad. And what about a US and non-US citizen (double nationality) going to high school outside the US?</p>
<p>@EnglishDad: Thanks. But isn’t it true that colleges want to boast students coming from x states and y countries including A, B, C…If Northwestern current has 0 undergrad from my country, could that work to my advantage? 
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<p>P.S I’ve been in the US for only 2 years (began my studying abroad after freshman year) and don’t have a US address. </p>
<p>@rbfather - my son is also dual nationality. My wife is English, I am American, and we all have lived in England together for 18+ years. I’m sure that it’s a big advantage coming from outside the US. Northwestern (and others) love the diversity. But, there’s a caveat - I know of an international admissions director at another top college who is English herself and says she seeks less privileged students from northern England, as opposed to the more privileged London-based private school students. Completely understand the logic, but it’s something to watch out for.</p>
<p>@MBVLoveless - yes, agree. With 0 undergrads from your country, that should work to your advantage definitely!</p>
<p>That’s great to hear, since I’m considering between Duke and Northwestern as my ED choice next fall. A visit in March will probably seal the deal, but I’m already more inclined toward Northwestern for its location and well-roundedness…And after reading the Duke board I feel the students there spend too much time comparing their school to the Ivies, despite Duke being an amazing school regardless–I feel there are fewer prestige whores among NU students.</p>
<p>Wait, I’m so glad your’re applying to NU ED! Great choice! I don’t know why, ever since visiting I’ve been rooting for NU even though I ultimately had to turn them down for financial reasons. I felt the EXACT same way about the ‘prestige whore’ business when I visited campus. I guess a part of me will always be a Wildcat!</p>