<p>I'm getting ready to start my applications (I know it's kind of late, but better now than never, right?) and I need to get some facts straight. I have a weird background that's got me confused about whether I fit into the normal US applicants pool or the international applicant one.</p>
<p>I came to study in China in the 8th grade and originally planned to enroll in an international school where classes are in English and the curriculum is similar to that of my old school in America. Due to its cost, I decided to go to a normal Chinese school and I've been doing that for 4 years now. Normally, a US student goes to an international school that's recognized by most colleges and they're still considered US applicants. But since I'm a US citizen going to a normal Chinese school, I'm not sure if I'd still be considered one. So if it turns out I'm not, I should probably reconsider the schools I'm applying to. To sum up: US citizen in a traditional Chinese school, US applicant or international applicant?</p>
<p>Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.</p>
<p>You would be considered as US applicants when it comes to FA, but you would be “read” or calibrated with students from China. This is based on your citizenship, not whether you went to an international school or not. </p>
<p>It will be easier to calibrate students from international schools because most US colleges will be more familiar with those schools’ curriculums. On the other hand, if you have done well at a traditional Chinese school then it may make you stand out.</p>
<p>That’s a relief to hear
I’ve been hearing a lot about taking TOEFL and applying as an international applicant lately, so I’ve become a bit unsure, but anyways, thanks oldfort and theteenagecurse!</p>
<p>You will need to ask each college/university that you apply to whether or not you need to take the TOEFL. Some may require it because you have not been studying in a school where English is the medium of instruction. Whether you do need to take it or not for admission, you should study a practice version of the TOEFL iBT exam as a way of reviewing your command of Academic English. The iBT has good examples of the kinds of situations that you will encounter in classes and college life.</p>
<p>I would encourage you to read through the information at [EducationUSA</a> | Study Abroad, Student Visa, University Fairs, College Applications and Study in the U.S. / America](<a href=“http://www.educationusa.state.gov/]EducationUSA”>http://www.educationusa.state.gov/) Some of this will apply to you because you are studying in a foreign school system. It may help you define some of the questions that you need to ask the colleges and universities when you are in the application process. You should also contact the advising center in China. [EducationUSA</a> - Center Profile - EducationUSA China](<a href=“http://www.educationusa.info/centers.php?id=1105]EducationUSA”>http://www.educationusa.info/centers.php?id=1105) The counselors there almost certainly have experience working with US citizens who have been educated in China. If for some reason, no one has, they can contact colleagues in other offices who have the expertise you need. </p>
<p>Thanks for the reply, happymomof1! Another question sprung up in my head, so I was wondering if you could shed some light on it. If I apply to a school would I be a part of the US student pool or the international pool? Also, I’m pretty sure TOEFL means Test of English as a FOREIGN Language. Technically, wouldn’t that mean I’m not required to take it even if I’ve been away from an English-speaking environment for 4 years?</p>
<p>Each college gets to set its own admission requirements…</p>
<p>I have American friends who lived overseas and took the TOEFL for college admissions. Granted, they also grew up overseas, but how would colleges know if you have spent only the last 4 years overseas or all of your life?</p>
<p>I have a passport with records, and school records from kindergarten to 7th grade in the US. It’s not that difficult to my hands on them. But yeah, I guess you’re right about each college getting to set its own admission requirements. I’ll just have to ask them prior to applying for them.</p>
