Expat Student Applying to US College: A Guide

An expat student applying to US college follows the same basic process as students in the US: a balanced college list, transcripts, recommendations, essays and, where required, test scores. The differences are logistics. Testing happens at overseas centers, transcripts may use another grading system, counselor support varies by school, and residency and aid rules depend on citizenship and where the family lives, so check each college’s rules early.

How students at international schools plan for US college

Ninth and tenth grade. Choose a curriculum with US college in mind (IB, AP or a national program) and keep every report card. Ask how the school reports grades to US colleges.
Tenth and eleventh grade. Start a college list and research how each college treats your curriculum, including predicted grades and final exams. Our guide on how to build a college list walks through it.
Summers and home leave. Use trips back to the US for campus visits. See our college visits guide.
Senior fall. Applications, essays and deadlines, including whether to apply early. See early decision vs early action.

US citizens are usually treated as domestic applicants even when they live abroad, though their file may be read by staff who cover the region where their school is located. Policies vary, so read each college’s admissions pages.

Testing, transcripts and counselor letters from abroad

Testing

The SAT and ACT are offered at test centers in many countries, but seats can be limited and dates may differ from US schedules, so register early. Many colleges are test optional; others require scores. Read our guides to SAT vs ACT and test optional policies. A student whose schooling was mainly in another language may be asked about English proficiency even as a citizen; check each college.

Transcripts

The school sends transcripts along with a school profile that explains its grading scale and courses. A student who attended several schools usually needs records from each one. Some colleges ask for course descriptions or an outside evaluation of foreign records.

Counselor and teacher letters

International schools often have college counselors who write the school report. Local national schools may not, so find out early who will complete the counselor portion. Give recommenders a short summary of activities and goals. See teacher recommendation letters.

Citizenship, residency and paying for college

US citizens and eligible noncitizens can file the FAFSA no matter where they live. It opens by October 1, sometimes earlier. Start at studentaid.gov and see our FAFSA timeline.
In-state tuition at public universities usually depends on where the family is legally domiciled. Families living abroad often pay out-of-state rates unless they keep ties that count. Rules vary by state; see in-state tuition and residency and ask each college’s residency office.
Financial aid forms may ask about foreign income. The college financial aid office, not a mentor, is the right place for those questions. Our guide to financial aid basics covers the terms.

Preparing a teen for the move to US campus life

Students who grew up abroad often look American and sound American but feel like newcomers. Some describe it as being a hidden immigrant. Preparing for the practical and social pieces before move-in helps.

Practical setup. A US phone plan, a bank account, health insurance through the college or a family plan, and a plan for where to go on short breaks if home is overseas. Our college move-in checklist helps.
Academic culture. Syllabi, participation grades and office hours may be new. See talking to professors in office hours.
Building credit and paperwork. A student with no US credit history may need help with a first lease or card later.
Social footing. Some campuses welcome students who grew up abroad at international student events. Our guide for students adjusting to US college has ideas that apply here too.
Family contact. Agree on a call rhythm that works across time zones, and watch for signs of homesickness. See college freshman homesick.

Where a mentor helps

Mentors are not admissions counselors and do not choose colleges or write essays. Where a mentor helps is the transition: the first semester on a US campus, when a student who grew up elsewhere has to build routines, manage deadlines and find their people at the same time. Mentoring is by video anywhere in the United States, so the natural starting point is the summer the student arrives. Learn more about college transition mentoring. For the full admissions calendar, see our high school to college calendar.

Common questions

Do US colleges accept IB and other international curricula?

Many US colleges are familiar with IB and other international programs. Each college sets its own rules for predicted grades, final exams and credit, so check their admissions and credit pages.

Is my child an international applicant if we live abroad?

US citizens are usually considered domestic applicants regardless of where they live. Their application may still be read by staff who cover the region where they attend school.

Can my child take the SAT or ACT overseas?

Yes, both are offered at test centers in many countries. Seats can fill early, so plan testing dates months ahead.

Will we qualify for in-state tuition?

It depends on the state’s residency rules and the family’s ties to that state. Families abroad often do not qualify, but ask the college’s residency office early.

Get started

Want support for the first semester on a US campus? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.

Planning for US College From Overseas: A Guide for Expat Families