What is the admission selectivity for an American citizen applying from abroad?

Applying to College
1

I am an American citizen applying to top 20 schools from Pakistan. There is definitely a difference in selectivity among domestic and international applicants. This is a given since fewer seats are available for international students. I am curious to know which of the two more closely represents the admission selectivity I would be facing. Would the admission selectivity for me be similar to that of international students or domestic applicants?

I am aware that in terms of financial aid I am considered domestic.

I have already posted this in the international sub forum but think it warrants discussion here as well.

2

bumpity

3

There is no difference in fees paid if international or domestic. This difference would be in terms of financial aid given.

I know nothing about your course rigor, grades, or test scores, so…
Your chances are perhaps marginally better than an international, but it might be very dependent on the kind of school you attend. For instance, do you attend a school that has IB, or offers AP’s and standardized US tests? At any top 20 school, your chances are still very low. You really need to set yourself part from other applicants. If there is an advantage, it’s so small that its negligible, as compared to other internationals anyway. I would think that in your case, a more telling factor would be if your school has sent any other kids to Top 20 schools. If so, I would aply to those schools. Many top colleges have relaitonships with certain high schools.

On the other hand, your chances might be marginally worse. The college can’t put you in their stats as a true international student. They can’t say you fulfill a geopgraphic desire for a student from North Dakota. And if your school is not an international school, I would say that will not help. I think you need to ensure you apply to a range of schools, and that means finding some of the amazing colleges not in the Top 20.

In short, I think you should assume that if you apply to Harvard, your chances are just as bad as anyone’s, and probably worse, on the whole.

4

I’m sure it is challenging just as it would be here.