Applying as International While Living in the US

[vkomm]

My situation is as follows. I have lived in the US, specifically in California for 6 of the past 7 years (I moved to Canada temporarily just for 9th grade). However, I am an Australian citizen on a H-4 visa despite being in the process of applying for permanent residency (pending I-485). My PR is on track to be approved in March, although it is prone to change.

Because of this, I will be applying as an international student for most colleges, except for the UCs. Here is my understanding of the process.

1. Applying to certain colleges (specifically state schools outside of California) will be a lot more challenging for me, as they prioritize in-state applicants over out-of-state and international applicants.
2. Admission at private colleges will not be significantly harder as my application will be considered in context of my current school, which is with other US applicants.
3. For the UCs, I will not be considered for in-state tuition, but will be considered as an in-state applicant.

Although international admissions change greatly based on school, this is my general understanding of my situation. Can someone with more knowledge of admissions make sure I’m getting things correct?

[Thorsmom66]

I think the only other issue is whether or not you will qualify for need-based aid from various privates (should you need that). Most US schools don’t offer need-based aid to international students so if cost is a consideration you’ll need to keep that in mind.

[me29034]

@vkomm

Admission at private colleges will not be significantly harder as my application will be considered in context of my current school, which is with other US applicants.

This isn’t entirely true. While your application will be considered in the context of your high school, even private universities will favor domestic applicants over international. The rule of thumb at selective universities is that the international acceptance rate is about half of the domestic rate.

[skieurope]

@vkomm

Admission at private colleges will not be significantly harder

Untrue in most cases. Their acceptance will be twice as hard.

@vkomm

my application will be considered in context of my current school, which is with other US applicants.

True. But they also have a cap in the percentage of international undergrads. And if you need aid, almost all colleges are need aware for international applicants. And a handful of privates, plus most publics, offer no need-based aid to internationals.

[MYOS1634]

The process would be significantly easier for you if you apply as a permanent resident, especially for selective private colleges.

[lilyesh]

Could you take a gap year and apply when you hold permanent residency?

[thumper1]

@vkomm

Admission at private colleges will not be significantly harder as my application will be considered in context of my current school, which is with other US applicants.

I’m not sure this part is true for you as an international student…as others have noted.

@skieurope addressed this.

[thumper1]

@lilyesh

Could you take a gap year and apply when you hold permanent residency?

Bigger question is…would this student be able to stay in the US, and still get instate for admission status at the UCs…if they take a gap year?

[SJ2727]

@vkomm

For the UCs, I will not be considered for in-state tuition, but will be considered as an in-state applicant.

If this understanding is correct, if you get admitted, you should be able to get the fee status changed once you get your green card. But i would double check it as my reading of say this page https://registrar.berkeley.edu/tuition-fees-residency/residency-for-tuition-purposes/immigration/ implies you would get instate tuition.