<p>I am a US citizen, but I've lived all my life outside the States. Apparently, I am considered a normal freshman (not an international). Does that increase or lower my chances? Would they use the same criteria or would they use the criteria used for internationals? Take into account that in my school we do not have AP courses or Honor classes. Nevertheless, we have subjects such as Calculus and Organic Chemistry. But, we are not given any extra credit; we are just required to take them. Consequently, our grades may be lower and officers may not be aware of the classes we take. Are admission officers aware of this?</p>
<p>Being a US citizen definitely helps with one aspect: financial aid. You will be eligible for federal/need-based aid.</p>
<p>In terms of the schoool you went to and what it offers, I feel like you’re probably in the same boat as students coming from diverse high school backgrounds in the US. They can’t hold it against you to not take AP classes when AP classes aren’t offered. They will take into account the rigor of your schedule, though, and even if o-chem and calc are standard at your school, that’s still a challenging courseload and they’ll take that under consideration. Are there counselors at your school who regularly deal with admissions to US colleges? They could probably help you with the details of how your experience there relates to the application process.</p>
<p>If your parents own property in the US, check the residence policies at the public colleges and universities in that state. You might qualify for in state tuition and fees.</p>
<p>You do need to let each place that is on your list know that you are a US citizen who has been educated abroad. Each of them will have its own system for evaluating students like you. Often the school records are read by an admissions officer who knows about the country you have been educated in.</p>
<p>Just do make certain that your list contains at least one dead-on safety that you know for certain will admit you because it is open-enrollment or because you meet GPA and test score requirements for guaranteed admissions, and that your family can afford without any aid other than federal aid (as determined by filing the FAFSA) if it is in the US, or that your family can afford in another country.</p>
<p>We’re also expats abroad. Older D is now in college back home & younger D is applying this year. A few thoughts…</p>
<p>Growing up abroad won’t hurt your chances, and in some cases may improve them because you bring international (and possibly linguistic?) diversity. Work your experience into your essays, realizing that your background can be considered different and interesting.</p>
<p>Colleges will have an admissions counselor familiar with your <em>school’s</em> region read your application as they are most familiar with the grading systems, rigor, opportunities, etc. of the area where you live. But you’ll be presented in committee and considered as a domestic applicant. Best of both worlds, IMHO.</p>
<p>Talk to your parents about filing taxes early for financial aid purposes (US citizens abroad get an automatic filing extension so when you’re applying for financial aid it will seem <em>really</em> early to them.) Luckily most of the process can be done online now, but keep an eye out for schools that need things to be sent in hard copy (iDoc, etc.).</p>
<p>Both of my daughters benefitted from advice from the EduUSA office at our local embassy. Some of their workshops/programs were geared toward local students applying as international applicants, but they’re also very experienced with US citizens abroad.</p>
<p>Recognize that your transition “back home” will be in many ways just like that of an international student going to the US for the first time. Even if you’ve visited every summer, it’s quite different to <em>live</em> there, so don’t be surprised if the adjustment is more difficult than you expect. When looking at schools, consider the diversity & sense of community that exists. Some colleges specify that US students who have lived abroad are welcome at their international student centers, for example. My older D decided to attend our state university & live at home with extended family. She’s technically a “commuter” student but to her it’s not living at “home” - it’s a new experience. The direct connection to family was important to her, as it was something she really missed during her life abroad. Everyone is different.</p>
<p>Best of luck on this new adventure - feel free to PM me if you have more specific questions.</p>