<p>Hi everyone, my parents and I moved to the States legally almost 4 years ago. I wouldn't consider my English to be perfect, but I can listen, speak, read, and write in a pretty fluent level. But, I'm a permanent resident of the U.S., which means that I'm a legal Green Card holder.
Since English is not my first language, I did poorly on the SAT (CR: 580 MATH: 730 and Writing: 530 with 9/12 on the essay). So, I took my TOEFL anyway to "cover" my lower SAT score. I got my score back today. I got 110/120, which is a pretty decent score.
However, I'm a little bit concern about my application status now after I took the test. I've applied to schools like UChicago and Cornell. I'm looking for scholarships/financial aids to attend these schools if I can get accepted. Since I submit my TOEFL, will they automatically assume that I'm an international student and offer me no aids at all? I have my Green Card, my Social Security, and my parents' income tax report (W2). I'll complete my FAFSA application and CSS profile in the next few days. Will I be able to receive any kind of aids even if I submitted my TOEFL? Or will the admission officer see that I'm a permanent resident whose English is not fluent? Since Cornell explicitly say that TOEFL is required for internationally students (without mentioning anything about students whose first language is not English), will the office make the assumption that I'm an international student and don't even bother to look at my family's financial situation?
I'll really appreciate it if anyone can make some commends on my situation!</p>
<p>First of all, TOEFL is an English proficiency test, that’s all! SAT is a standardized admission tests, designed to examine your academics, readiness for college etc.
It is true that both tests can prove your English proficiency; but you can not use TOEFL as a cover for SAT.
That’t why I don’t think they look at your TOEFL scores at all!
And BTW, don’t worry about your citizenship status. Submitting TOEFL doesn’t have to do anything with that. Schools don’t just “assume” that you are international because you have TOEFL score on your application. TOEFL is just a test! Schools want it when they need it! And sometimes they need it from citizens who have spent many years abroad too; so don’t worry!
(P.S. You can always call the admissions office!)</p>
<p>Actually, even for permanent residents, if English is not your first language, it’s recommended to take the TOEFL to show that you overcame the language barrier and to provide context for “reading” your CR/W scores. While the TOEFL doesn’t replace these, it does help you/
TOEFL has no bearing upon your status. It only indicates that you’re not a native speaker of English.
Financial aid will indeed rely on your FAFSA, CSS, W2’s, etc.</p>