I’m a citizen of a foreign country, and I don’t have U.S. permanent residency (green card) or citizenship – my family is here on a special visa. Therefore, I would be considered an international for my application.
However, I’ve lived here for almost 6 years, and as a product of the American education system, I have had lots of encounters with SAT/ACT prep, AP classes/tests, SAT IIs, etc., whereas a typical citizen from that country wouldn’t have as many of these opportunities – aka. it’s probably harder for them to score a 36 on the ACT and whatnot, so this may push me to the top of that country’s applicant pool.
Do you think there’s an advantage in holding foreign citizenship but living in the U.S. for applying to top U.S. colleges? Do you think it’ll push me to the top of that country’s applicant pool?
Holding foreign citizenship has no advantage. You will still not be eligible for need based aid at many colleges. Having the opportunity for test prep and a resulting high score may be an advantage.
Private schools may give you a diversity advantage (foreign category admission) and they are not subject to state aid rules.
You may get instate residency but, you won’t be eligible for state funding.
@vonlost But many colleges do not give institutional need based aid to internationals.
And many private schools do!
So, basically, if someone from your country scored almost the same, have some high accomplishments and didn’t have all opportunities which you had in US, they will be put them above you, just because they come from more disadvantage background but achieved same. Also, colleges will look and compare you to your classmates no meter what; they will look what opportunities you had and how you used them. UMichigan told my friend who is graduating in Michigan state ( foreign citizen) that he will get in-state tuition and will be compared to his classmates + all students from his country.
But if you don’t ask for aid as other internationals, then you are clearly at advantage.