<p>If you aren’t familiar with the application process for US universities, you should take the time to read through everything at [EducationUSA</a> | Study Abroad, Student Visa, University Fairs, College Applications and Study in the U.S. / America](<a href=“http://www.educationusa.info/]EducationUSA”>http://www.educationusa.info/) This organization is funded by the US State Department specifically to help provide unbiased information about higher education in the US. There doesn’t seem to be an advising center in Northern Ireland, but there is one in Dublin [EducationUSA</a> - Center Profile - The Fulbright Commission - Ireland](<a href=“http://www.educationusa.info/Fulbright-Ireland]EducationUSA”>http://www.educationusa.info/Fulbright-Ireland) The advisors at these centers are expert at helping students navigate the college application process.</p>
<p>Your daughter is Domestic for financial aid purposes, which means that she can file the FAFSA which makes her eligible for certain federally determined need-based aid, and will allow her to take out Stafford Loans ($5,500 Freshman year, $6,500 Sophomore year, $7,500 Junior year, and $7,500 Senior year). This isn’t a lot of money, but combined with what she can earn during summer vacations and/or with a part-time job during the school year, it will make a difference.</p>
<p>Depending on how long you have been out of the US, and whether or not you own property in the US, your daughter may qualify as an in-state resident for tuition and fees in a state where you own property. You need to investigate the policies of the public colleges and universities there. Your daughter also does have the option of moving to the state where she would like to study, and establishing residence on her own. Normally this would require that she find a job and a place to live, and be able to demonstrate after a year or so that she is fully self-supporting. Most recent high school graduates can’t do that.</p>
<p>The truth is that it is much easier for her to get in, and to get a scholarship, than it would be for an international candidate. You need to determine how much your family can pay, and then you need to track down places that are affordable within your budget, or affordable with the aid you qualify for with FAFSA (run the calculators at [EFC</a> Calculator: How Much Money for College Will You Be Expected to Contribute?](<a href=“http://apps.collegeboard.com/fincalc/efc_status.jsp]EFC”>http://apps.collegeboard.com/fincalc/efc_status.jsp) or work through the formula on paper at <a href=“http://www.ifap.ed.gov/efcformulaguide/attachments/101310EFCFormulaGuide1112.pdf[/url]”>http://www.ifap.ed.gov/efcformulaguide/attachments/101310EFCFormulaGuide1112.pdf</a> to determine this), or affordable with guaranteed aid. Here is one list of institutions that guarantee aid for certain GPA/SAT/etc. <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/848226-important-links-automatic-guaranteed-merit-scholarships.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/848226-important-links-automatic-guaranteed-merit-scholarships.html</a></p>
<p>If she didn’t take the PSAT last year in order to qualify for the National Merit Scholar status, you should contact the CollegeBoard, and ask if she can take it this year as she is outside the country. She might fall into a special category that can be granted that type of waiver [PSAT/NMSQT</a> - The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test](<a href=“College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools”>The PSAT/NMSQT – SAT Suite | College Board)</p>
<p>There are a number of families in your situation who have posted here in the past year. If you look for their threads, or send them a PM, they may have more ideas for you. Here are three that are in Europe:
Amsterdammum parent
JackUK - London
sarsfield - UK two children already studying in the US</p>
<p>Wishing you and your daughter all the best!</p>