<p>I am a student from South Asia living in the US with a diplomatic passport (my parents are diplomats). I went to high school in the US for 3 years (freshmen year was done in my home country), so does this mean that US colleges will compare me to students from the US or from my own country? Note: I am applying as an international student.</p>
<p>Compared to students from my own country I would be extremely well off, but compared to US students it may not be as impressive in terms of ECs, therefore I hope you understand why your answering this question is so important to me.</p>
<p>If you’re an international, you’ll be evaluated as one. Though you seem to be Asian, and many Asian internationals are OUTSTANDING (or total liars and cheaters lol) so don’t be so sure about your chances… Best of luck though!(: </p>
<p>I disagree. Your application will most likely be read by the admissions representative in charge of your current American high school. Unless the college is trying to increase its international enrollment, it seems unlikely that your application would be evaluated at lower standards than those of your classmates (who have had access to the exact same resources).</p>
<p>College admission guidebooks stress that selective colleges make an effort to evaluate each application in its proper context. For example, students from wealthy communities are expected to accomplish more than students from poor communities because the former live in an environment more conductive to success. Similarly, international students applying from abroad may not be expected to have the same list of extra-curricular activities as their American peers; foreign school systems may not offer anywhere near the range of organized activities as American high schools and the culture may not value non-academic activities either. </p>
<p>However, you have lived in the US and have had access to American-style resources for three years. The fact that you did not fully utilize them might set off a red flag. Selective colleges really want students who will make a positive contribution to the campus community. If you haven’t gotten involved by now, what are the odds that you will start in college?</p>