<p>One of my first brutal realizations here on CC was that being an international student--that is, someone who is neither citizen nor permanent resident--puts you at a disadvantage in admissions. What I'm wondering, though, is whether an unusual nationality can actually work to your advantage if you <i>do</i> have a green card.</p>
<p>According to what I've read about the admissions process, a permanent resident of the United States is for all intents and purposes considered alongside American citizens. Wouldn't citizenship of an underrepresented country (in my case, Sweden) actually provide a boost? You'd get the diversity without the hassles of student visas and paperwork.</p>
<p>I don't have a green card yet (I have an A-1 diplomat visa) but there is a decent possibility that I'll obtain one before graduating in 2007. I'm just curious about what the consensus is on this one.</p>
<p>wow lucky you. Things should come out easier if you do succeed in attaining a green card. I've seen/heard that permanent residents are considered together with American citizens (on school applications, etc) so that should work to your advantage. I don't know about your citizenship becoming a "hook" though. There are many uber strong applicants from countries that you virtually never hear of, and aren't universities dying to brag about "diversity" by bringing in these students? </p>
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Btw, how are gonna get your green card?
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<p>I don't know the details yet, but it relates to my parents' work (possible offer by American employer). Otherwise I'll be applying to the diversity lottery and hope for the best...agh. There's no guarantee that any of this works out, but I was curious anyway.</p>
<p>uh, Im dying to get American citizenship via pemanent redidency too. The diversity lottery is a crapshoot, yes even more so than applying to HYPSM. :p</p>
<p>Yay another international o7er! Which schools are you shooting for?</p>
<p>Yes, my dad told me that "you're more likely to get into Harvard than to get a green card that way". It's very comforting. :eek:</p>
<p>My top choice and hyperreach is Yale, but I'm also looking at Harvard, Brown, Amherst, and Pomona. All reaches so far--but I still have time to diversify.</p>
<p>In my case, the omegareach/superaspiration is Princeton though. The schools that you mentioned are also ones that I'm (extremely) willing to attend ;).</p>