<p>I'm a non- US citizen, non-permanent resident that is living in America with a Visa. I go to a high school here and I plan to apply to selective colleges. How would being an international student affect me? Would I be pooled in with the other international students that live in different countries? Or would I be compared with students that live here with a citizenship?
I am considering applying for permanent residency. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>Until you have your green card in your hot little fist, you are an international applicant because you aren’t eligible for federally determined (FAFSA) aid. If you don’t need any aid, your admissions chances are a bit lower than those of a citizen or permanent resident. If you need aid, your chances are much, much worse.</p>
<p>Find out how much your parents can pay. Your best options may be inyour home country.</p>
<p>Quoting from Stanford website (believe most colleges use this approach)</p>
<p>[International</a> Applicants : Stanford University](<a href=“http://www.stanford.edu/dept/uga/application/international/index.html]International”>http://www.stanford.edu/dept/uga/application/international/index.html)
“If you are an international citizen attending school in the U.S., we will read your application within the context of your high school. However, your citizenship will also be noted in the evaluation of your application, particularly if you are applying for need-based financial aid.”</p>
<p>So the answer to your question is for admission purposes, you will be considered in context of your high school. Aid is a different issue, where your international status will kick in.</p>
<p>I do need aid. Does that mean I should definately apply for permanent residency?</p>
<p>Life would be a lot easier if you were a permanent resident. However, if you are minor it might not be possible to apply for a change of status on your own. You need to get advice about this from a competent immigration specialist.</p>