<p>I am just curious, why do adcoms have higher standards for international applicants?
Do permanent residents get the same treatment or are they viewed equally as applicants that are US citizens?</p>
<p>What higher standards are you referring to? If it is the GREs, then it is well known that these tests are occasionally compromised and the scores can’t always be relied upon. Also, when a lot of emphasis is placed on preparing for these exams, the scores sometimes mask real ability. If you are referring to GPA, then it is partially because committees have a built-in understanding of domestic universities and their quality. Therefore, they can assess a 3.5 GPA from an Ivy as compared to a directional state university (rightly or wrongly…). Committees are far less familiar with international universities and grading scales. English proficiency is always an issue when looking for Teaching Assistants as well. Finally, most U.S. universities have many international applicants, the admission rate is therefore low.</p>
<p>As to your question about PRs, that is not really an issue, it is more about whether the applicant has done his/her B.S. in the U.S. If an international applicant has 4 years of undergraduate work in the U.S. there is an expectation of good English skills and a clear understanding of performance on tests and in the classroom.</p>
<p>All that being said, lots of international students are admitted to U.S. universities.</p>