Knowing the system: How are American expats and international students viewed during the US application process? (2024)

By Donna Zilkha

Director of College and International Services at Aristotle Circle

When I lived in France, most expats, including fellow ALP board members, would talk about “playing the French Card” when applying to schools in the US. “The French Card” can mean either a French national applying to schools in the US or a US expat applying to schools.

Depending on which “French Card” you plan on playing, there are significant differences in the admissions process. Now, more than ever, it is important for international and expat students to understand the application process because the number of international students applying to US universities has gone steadily up and reached an all-time high of 723,277 in 2010.

If you are a US citizen applying from abroad, you are still considered a US citizen. You are compared to students in similar schools to yours in the area in which you live. You are not part of a foreign student quota and you are eligible to apply for financial aid just like any US student in the US. Fortunately, you do add to the geographic diversity of the school, which is an obvious benefit.

If you are a citizen of a country other than the US and you are applying to a US school, you are compared to all the students from a country in your application zone. For instance, if you are French, you will be in the European quota and be compared with students from Germany, Italy and other European nations.

For dual citizen applicants, it is generally considered to their advantage to apply as US citizens for admissions and especially for financial aid. There are no quotas for US citizens, so if you are an exceptional student, have achieved high test scores and have a solid application, you still have the same chance of getting in as other US applicants with similar credentials. Some schools are exceptions, and applicants can apply as US citizens to one set of schools and as international students to another set, depending on what the particular schools is looking for. Experts in admissions can distinguish between the two.

To improve your chances of admission, you should take the TOEFL if you are enrolled in a foreign language school or hold a foreign passport. Good TOEFL scores can counterbalance lower SAT reading and writing scores.

Where you are from is only one aspect of the admissions process. Grades, SATs and the application are of great importance as well. It is important to do your research to make sure that you mitigate the stresses that can be part of the US admissions process.

Donna will be joined at the Library by Charlotte Goodwin of the Fulbright Commission on Wednesday, November 7.

Knowing the system: How are American expats and international students viewed during the US application process? (2024)

FAQs

Knowing the system: How are American expats and international students viewed during the US application process? ›

If you are a US citizen applying from abroad, you are still considered a US citizen. You are compared to students in similar schools to yours in the area in which you live. You are not part of a foreign student quota and you are eligible to apply for financial aid just like any US student in the US.

How do Americans view international students? ›

In addition, 43% said they believe international students “take seats” or university or college places that would otherwise have gone to US students, up from 37% in 2017. (Also up: 57% said they “believe” most international students are better prepared for college than American students; that figure was 53% in 2019.)

Are international students expats? ›

While both the expatriate and the international student have lived outside of the country, they differ drastically in beliefs, knowledge and upbringing. The next time you meet an “international student,” keep in mind the difference between an expatriate and a born-and-bred international student.

Are US citizens considered international students in USA? ›

If you're not a U.S. citizen or you do not yet hold U.S. permanent resident status, you'll apply as an international student.

What is the process for international students? ›

  • Step 1 - Letter of Offer.
  • Step 2 - Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
  • Step 3 - Proof of English proficiency.
  • Step 4 - Genuine Student (GS) requirement.
  • Step 5 - Proof of sufficient funds.
  • Step 6 - Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
  • Step 7 - Health requirement.
  • Step 8 - Character requirement.

What problems do international students face when they study in the United States? ›

The learning is personal and interactive. However, being an international student is not always easy. International students can experience challenges in a number of areas, including language barriers, academics, social and cultural differences, discrimination, financial stressors, and mental health concerns.

Why are international students important to the US? ›

International students enrich U.S. universities and communities with unique perspectives and experiences that expand the horizons of American students and makes U.S. institutions more competitive in the global economy.

Which country attracts the most international students? ›

In 2021, there were over 6.39 million international students, up from 5.12 million in 2016. The most popular destinations were the United States (with 833,204 international students), the United Kingdom (600,589 students), and Australia (378,439 students) which together receive 28,37% of international students.

What is the meaning of expat student? ›

An expatriate or "expat" is somebody who leaves their country of origin and settles abroad for an extended period of time, often permanently.

What are expat students? ›

The term often refers to a professional, skilled worker, or student that intends to return to their country of origin after completing their purpose for residency in another country. However, it may also refer to retirees, artists and other individuals who have chosen to live outside their native country.

Do international students have rights in the US? ›

1. I am not a citizen of the U.S. Do I have any rights? Yes. All individuals have basic rights, regardless of immigration status, country of origin, or citizenship.

Is it hard to be an international student in USA? ›

International student experience in the US

It can be overwhelming, and it usually takes a month or two for culture shock to really set in, but it helps to keep yourself organized, take things one step a time and take advantage of student resources wherever you can.

How long can international students stay in us? ›

F-1 student visa

They can stay in the US for up to 60 days after finishing their academic program unless they applied for and were accepted to carry on working for a while under the OPT Program. F-1 students must complete their studies by the termination date on their I-20 form.

How long does it take for an international student to become a U.S. citizen? ›

Timeline for being eligible for U.S. Citizenship
Obtained permanent residency as …… is eligible for naturalization in
Spouse of U.S. citizen3 years
All other avenues5 years

How do international students apply to America? ›

The first step is to apply to a SEVP-approved school in the United States. After the SEVP-approved school accepts your enrollment, you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The SEVP-approved school will issue you a Form I-20.

Is it harder for international students to get in? ›

While the United States remains a top choice for international students, those seeking admission to highly selective programs in the U.S. face additional barriers than their domestic counterparts, leading to lower admittance rates among the international applicant pool.

Is the USA friendly to international students? ›

The US is home to people from all over the world. It's where diverse cultures come together. If you study in the US, you'll always be surrounded by friends. It's not only because Americans are friendly but because there are already so many international students there due to the high-quality education and universities.

Is USA a good option for international students? ›

From cultural diversity to economic factors, many things add up to why studying in the USA is desirable for international students. The USA is not only known for tech-related courses, but it is also popular for its management courses in universities like Princeton University and Harvard University.

Is USA a good place for international students? ›

According to the 2022 Q.S. World University Rankings, the U.S. has the most universities in the top 100, and U.S. universities dominate in many fields, including engineering, technology, and business. Thus, a foreign student in USA has the opportunity to obtain a prestigious, quality education.

Is USA better for international students? ›

Overall, studying in the USA as an international student offers many advantages, including top-quality education, scholarship options, internship opportunities, and a vibrant campus life.

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