Hey everyone! I am a junior in high and want to study pre-med in college. I just moved to the states five months ago from Ethiopia. So I was wondering if I will be considered as an international applicant or an American one when I apply to colleges next year.
I am thinking of applying to very competitive schools and was thinking if anyone knew someone like me.
Thank you so much for your help, hope someone will reply soon!
Are you a permanent resident or citizen, or are you Ethiopian with a visa?
I am an Ethiopian with a visa but by the time I apply I will probably have my green card. Hence, I will be a permanent resident.
Make sure you apply as a permanent resident. Not before. It’ll make a big difference.
If you apply as a permanent resident, you’ll be in the domestic pool, meaning more favorable review, instate advantage for public universities, access to federal financial aid.
Most importantly, find now two safeties (schools you like, can afford, admit 50+% applicants) and discuss college costs with your parents, for whom it’s likely to be a huge shock coming from Ethiopia.
Thank you so much for your help I will be sure to do what you just told me. I was also wondering if you knew anyone who is in the same situation as I am.
It’s actually rather common. The key point is to apply after you’re a resident, not before, because being a visa applicant changes everything. Fingers crossed for that green card, work hard, take honors classes and AP classes, prepare well for standardized tests (prepare before you take the test, retake it twice or three times).
I will, thank you so much for your help, I really appreciate it.