We are relocating to the UK and my child will finish senior year abroad in an American school. It’s a smallish class and we’re told 40% tend to apply to US schools.
I’m trying to understand how her application will be read. Will it be read by AO assigned to UK or is there an AO that is assigned to Americans living abroad? Normally you are compared against your peers at school, but given size it is entirely likely only one applying to a given school.
Has anyone been through and have insight?
Yes
I’m unaware of any college with such a thing.
The applicant will be compared with students from the region as well.
Thanks, given early deadlines I also wonder about having no data points at the new school. Made me wonder if they would seek out old school profile? It’s so confusing to me given its senior year only. Appreciate help.
Well, they’ll be looking at the 9-11th grade info as well. I’ll add that if your child has not yet lined up recs from their current teachers, they should do so ASAP, since 12th grade teachers won’t know the kid, and likely have little experience in writing for American universities.
Not experienced in this but I’d assume that since there is already a grade 9-11 record it will be most helpful since most decisions are made from there. That it’s an American school hopefully means the student can easily pursue the same curriculum path they were on.
I also assume the LORs will come from the 9-11 school.
I’d think - but again haven’t experienced this - but seems your student will be fine short of failing next year.
Good luck. What an awesome experience they get to have.
Because 40% of the class does apply to US universities, and because most schools abroad that cater to expats are accustomed to students coming and going during their high school career (even senior year), this would be a great question to ask the college counselor at the new school now. In particular, you can find out what you should get from your old school that might not be in their normal transfer documents (such as school profile, teacher recs, etc.)
Ages ago, I attended a similar school (different country) and I still marvel at how well they placed incoming students and then sent them off to schools and universities all over the world – all without missing a beat. I would not hesitate to reach out – no need for what can be a terrific experience to be soured by administrative glitches.
Good luck with your move!
At the school where I read apps, both a domestic and an international person would review the app.
We would also pull the US school profile if it’s not sent to us. I agree you should talk with the new counselor, and give them a copy of the US school profile to send with your D’s apps.
Good luck on the move, exciting!
Thank you! She already has her recommenders squared away from 11th, one had to write one already for the London school. I will make sure a school profile is sent. The new school seems on their game and has addressed how they use the school change as an asset in their counselor recommendations. I just wanted to get all my questions in order before we get a chance to meet, they are on holiday so between that and time change communication is slow.
@isitmayyet what a very exciting opportunity and time. Like @gardenstategal, my DH (back in the Stone Age) moved high schools from one country abroad to another. His new school handled everything very very efficiently, and placed students from a lot of different countries into a lot of different colleges. They had no problems and are very used to doing this.
As an added aside…my DH took “a few” years off of college. When he applied to continue, he needed to send transcripts from a college, and two high schools abroad. The two schools abroad were the ones that got this done most quickly. They just know how to do these things.
Thank you! Yes, this is just another day of the week for them it seems and very excited that there will be several new seniors as well.
I’m just a true CC parent so have to overthink like it’s my job. 
That’s great she will have good counseling at the new school, and that the counselor will address the HS change in their rec. Your D will also list both schools in the common app education section and address the school change here (text box partially cut off at bottom, but has 250 word max):
