<p>I'm wondering how in-state tuition and chance of acceptance works for Virginia. I lived in VA 1.5 years ago, but have lived in DC for the 1.5 years since. I've worked in VA all 3+ years. Now I'm planning on applying to law school for fall 2009. If I were to move back to VA next month, will I be eligible for in-state tuition for 2009 at George Mason, William & Mary, UVA, etc.? I've also been told that being in-state increases your chances of acceptance at certain state schools. Would moving in the next month help my chances as well? I've checked on a number of school webpages and all of the information is pretty vague. </p>
<p>If it were to help my chances of admission and cut my tuition costs, I would definitely move in August. Can someone help me figure this out? Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>Q: What is domicile?
A: "Domicile" is the present, fixed home of an individual to which one returns following temporary absences and at which one intends to remain indefinitely. The domicile of a dependent or a minor is presumed to be that of the parent(s).</p>
<p>Q: How long must I be domiciled in Virginia before I can be considered "in-state"?
A: A student, parent(s) or spouse must be domiciled in Virginia for at least 12 continuous months immediately preceding the first day of classes. This means the student parent(s) or spouse must actually reside in Virginia during this period while simultaneously demonstrating their intent to be domiciled in Virginia. Intent is demonstrated by, among other things, paying resident taxes to Virginia, obtaining a Virginia driver's license, car & voter registrations.</p>
<p>Looks like you must have lived in VA for the last year to qualify for in-state status. So I don't think moving in August will help you any for this admissions cycle...</p>
<p>yeah, that's exactly what I read; however, if I were to move in early August and classes don't start until late August the following year, I would be living in VA for the 12 months prior to the first day of classes. Couldn't I apply for in-state right away when I submit my applications in Oct. then.</p>
<p>Yes you can. If you move now, immediately get drivers license, and get voting card at first opportunity, and start paying taxes in VA you can apply in the fall 2008 for fall 2009 entry and will be able to pay in-state tution because you will meet one year in-state requirement with intent to stay indefinitely when you actually begin school. The requirement is the same for all three Va schools you list.</p>
<p>However, being in state does not mean you will be favored over out-of-state for admission. All three evaluate in-state and out-of-state on the same basis for admission. In other words, don't make the move on the belief it will help you get admitted.</p>
<p>I was just reading an article regarding DC residents getting in state tuition in VA and MD. Guess you would have to call the schools and ask to verify this.</p>
<p>I believe that does not apply to graduate schools. There is a college program for DC residents, the DC Tuition Assistance Grant Program, where DC residents can apply and be accepted to college (undergrad) in a number of states and pay in-state tution (basically the difference in in-state v. out-of-state tuition is subsidized by US government).</p>