So my mom got offered a job in France, and if she accepts it, she will have to go next summer (and I think the job is like a 5-year contract, but that’s besides the point), and the whole family has to go with her, including me (the summer before my senior year).
My question is::: How would that affect my college admissions? Do I get to apply to colleges as a California resident (where I live), or would I have to apply as an international student (from France) despite living in France for only a short period of time? Do I get to apply from my old high school that I move away from after junior year? If I apply to UC school like UC San Diego and get in, would I have to pay the out-of-state/country tuition despite already having lived in California my whole life??? Would it be preferable to just apply to colleges in France and just ignore colleges in America if it is too complicated?
I’m actually looking forward to my mom accepting the job offer since I am taking French in high school, and this would typically be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live the French high school life and immerse in French as a child since French IS my most favorite subject in the world. However, I don’t know how that would affect my college admission status. I am an Ivy-hopeful, but my target is pretty much any UC school.
Does anyone else have any experience moving out of country during their high school years. How did you deal with it?
It is likely that you would lose your in-state status in California if your family moves abroad, but you can attempt to retain your in-state status. Read the rules on “temporary absence” on page 21 here:
Make sure to arrange for letters of recommendation from your American teachers before you leave. If you are attending a French high school (vs an international high school in France), be prepared that they may not classify you as a senior.
Congratulations to your mother and to you for being so enthusiastic about this opportunity. Yes, you’re right, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime.
Definitely include Dickinson, Goucher, and St Olaf among your schools, since they’ll highly value your experience abroad. Consider adding Middlebury (although it’ll be a reach, too).
1° how much French and Math have you studied? Have you taken any AP class so far and if so, which ones?
2° where will your mother be located (ie. St Germain en Laye, Grenoble, Saclay… or a smaller town?)
3° have you taken the SAT/ACT and what are your scores?
If you’re interested in social science, contact Sciences Po (write in English to make things clear and professional) and ask if you would be considered “French” or “international” since you’ll only be in France a year. Look into the Columbia/Sciences Po program, as well as the Reims program. http://www.sciencespo.fr/en/education/undergraduate-studies
