<p>As only a sophomore who is looking to enrole in a highly competitive college (think HYPS), I have not only come across some logistical questions over the whole admission process, but a slightly more abstract one.
After my freshman year I moved half way across the world to a third world country because of my mother’s job with our government. At this rate I will finish my junior year here and then move to another country (maybe Russia?) or less likely some random place back home for my senior year. I take online classes, although I technically go to school in a very small English-speaking international school in the capital.
What I am trying to say is that would diplomat brats (or third-culture kids, whatever the correct term may be) like me have some sort of “diversity” appeal in the college admissions process, that would give us not necessarily an edge, but a different perspective that make us more attractive applicants because of whatever “life experiences” we may or may not have? I know that many diplomat brats come from a staunchly “born-and-bred American” background, as I once heard it put, but, frankly, living in random foreign countries can do things to people.
Obviously I am asking this much on the behalf of myself because I’m already thinking about college, but this is a concept never really taught about. I in particular have a very unique place in the world of diplomat brats because 1) I lived most of my young life in America anyways, 2) I have an extra Eastern European background that many diplomat brats don’t seem to have (my mother immigrated from Ukraine and married my father, an all-American), and 3) unlike the stereotype of the rich kids living in western European countries that are all awesome and stuff, I currently live in a rather harsh third world country in central asia.
So, well, I am interested in all of your opinions on this idea, if diplomat brats have an “edge” (for lack of a better word) in the college admissions process.
Thanks people for your responses…</p>
<p>I think those schools get their fair share of “diplomat brats”. It can certainly be a good source for essays.</p>
<p>dexterd155 -</p>
<p>If you continue to study in the US curriculum international schools in the locations where your family is transferred, there is every chance that the guidance counselor there will be expert at helping you find the best possible places to study. Some are duds, true, but many more are skilled at helping their students navigate the whole process.</p>
<p>If for whatever reason you find yourself in a school that does not have a good counselor at college application time, get in touch with the closest office of [EducationUSA</a> | Study Abroad, Student Visa, University Fairs, College Applications and Study in the U.S. / America](<a href=“http://educationusa.state.gov/]EducationUSA”>http://educationusa.state.gov/) The staff there will be able to help you out. They are more likely to deal with locals than with US citizens, but they have enough colleagues around the world to be able to help you find whatever advice it is you need.</p>
<p>Lastly, have a heart-to-heart with your parents about paying for college. You will be considered out-of-state by all public colleges and universities unless your parents have property in a state that will grant you in-state status. Ask your parents to help you run the Net Price Calculators at several college and university websites. The sooner you know what your budget is going to be like, the better.</p>
<p>Wishing you all the best.</p>