I understand that it is harder to apply to universities as a Chinese or Indian student, rather than a US citizen. However, how is the situation for under-represented international students? I am from Mongolia and I think my country counts as under-represented. Is my chance better or worse than an American student with the same application as me?
Most likely worse. Further many schools may be need blind for US students and need aware for internationals (i.e., your ability to pay may be considered in the admissions process). In addition, some schools may be 100% need met financial aid for US students and may have limited or no financial aid available for internationals. If you are full pay, there may be some schools where you do have an advantage.
I don’t believe being from Mongolia will give you an edge in of itself, but if you have an interesting situation and story to tell about yourself that derives from being from Mongolia, it may set you apart from other applicants. You of course will need to meet the academic qualifications for that school first.
US universities may be concerned about underrepresented groups within the US, but they do not stay up nights worrying about “underrepresented” countries in their student bodies. Most universities have about 10-12% international students, and most of them can choose from quite a good selection.
So, overall, I would agree with @BKSquared that the odds of admission for any international student are lower than they are for an American student and that the need for financial aid is almost always an important factor. But, I also agree that an interesting narrative can help you stand out.
I don’t think being from Mongolia will be a particular advantage for the reasons noted above – and colleges will also note that your HS education was done in an AP program in China. Since you said you don’t need aid, I’d carefully craft a list that includes reach, match, and safety schools for your academic stats.
For highly selective colleges - worse.
Most limit international students to about 10-12% of the undergraduate population, and international acceptance rates are roughly half of the overall rate.
While probably true, no college will admit to accepting a student from Mongolia and a student from Ghana vs admitting 2 students from Ghana just to stick another pin in a map. You may have an interesting story to tell in your essays; that might make a difference. But solely based upon your country - no.
Strictly speaking it’s easier if you’re from Mongolia than if you’re from China or India, but you’re still in the International pool, which is much more selective than the domestic pool.
I don’t think you’ll be in the same pool, so I don’t think it matters whose app is better. I think you’ll be competing with other international students.
I remember an ex-poster saying this:
U.S. colleges are NOT United Nations colleges.