Am I in the int'l pile?

b_r_um
Mon, 29 Feb 2016 19:33:32 +0000

Would colleges consider the fact that I’m not a green-card holder so that I may not be eligible for academic competitions such as USAMO when comparing me with my classmates?

We wouldn’t know if a specific admissions officer has these limitations in mind while reading your application. A couple of thoughts about the international science olympiads:

The USAMO is a selection process for the IMO. You are excluded because you cannot represent the US at the IMO. However, you are eligible to represent your country of citizenship. If you want to participate in the IMO, find out how to participate in that country's selection process.

If you would have qualified for the USAMO but couldn't participate because of your immigration status, you can note that in your application. (If you happen to get a letter of recommendation from your math teacher, he can state that too.)

There are several high-profile privately-sponsored science competitions that are open to all students of US high schools, regardless of immigration status (like the Intel and Siemens competitions). If you happen to be enrolled at a community college or university, you can also sign up to the take Putnam exam (a college-level math competition).