Is an American Born and Abroad a US Citizen Applicant or an International Applicant to US Colleges?
Many individuals, especially those born in the United States but currently living abroad, are often uncertain about their application status when entering the college admissions process in the US. Is someone who was born in the US and has lived in the country for most of their life, but is now residing in another country, considered an international applicant or a US citizen applicant? This article aims to clarify the situation and guide such individuals through the application process.
No. as a US Citizen Living Abroad, You Are Not an International Applicant to US High Schools
Contrary to popular belief, just because you live outside of the United States does not make you an international applicant for public high schools in the USA. According to the rules, you can only be an exchange student for one year at a US public school. Most countries have organizations that provide pathways to become an exchange student in the USA, likely as a 11th-grade "junior". This does not apply to private boarding schools where you can apply from your country and obtain a student visa (F-1 visa) to attend in the USA. This process might be available for all 13 years of schooling (K-12th grade) in some cases. However, please note that public high schools do not consider you an international applicant as you are a US citizen regardless of your current place of residence.
Yes. As a US Citizen, You Can Apply to Private Boarding Schools, whether Living in the US or Abroad
For private boarding schools, whether you are living in the US or abroad, you apply from your country using the private school's online admissions web site. If you are admitted, the private school will provide you with instructions for obtaining a student visa (F-1 visa) to attend school in the USA. This applies to all 13 years of schooling (K-12th grade) because as a US citizen, you have the right to apply in the same way as any international student would.
Yes. US Citizens Living Abroad Can Apply to Public and Private US Colleges as US Citizens, Not International Students
Note that for public and private US colleges, the process is the same as an international student would apply to a private boarding school. However, as a US citizen, you have the privilege of applying as a US national and will not come under the limited seats reserved for international students at top-tier colleges. This can make the application process relatively easier for you. However, you may not qualify for in-state tuition at any public college, and thus you will have to pay out-of-state tuition fees at public colleges.
It is important to note that some forms of financial aid do require US citizenship, so you should validate the eligibility requirements at your target college's online blog or contact the admissions office directly.
Remember: being a US citizen and living abroad does not exempt you from the language proficiency tests, such as TOEFL or IELTS. Please validate the TOEFL or IELTS requirements at your target college's online blog to ensure you are prepared for the application process.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are a US citizen living outside the US, you will be applying as a US national and not as an international applicant. This can simplify your application process, but it is crucial to be aware of the potential tuition fees and language proficiency requirements. Good luck with your application process!