How much do universities spend per student annually on average in the US?

American student expat (in France) looking to apply to the US?

• Hi, I'm applying to American Universities from a French school. I moved to France about 3 years ago from California with the intention of going back (my family still lives in the US). I will hopefully be getting the French Baccalaureate with joint international degrees referred to here as the OIB. I have taken the SAT and gotten 1670 (510 Math, 550 Reading, 610 Writing). My main concern, is the fact that universities look at American students that have excelled in an American context or French students that have excelled in a French context, I am an American student that has grazed by in a French school, I should get the diploma just not with flying colors. I have spoken with many people and seek clarification. I'm told that I'm golden regardless of what I do because of the exposure I've had, I'm also told that I need to start from square one and rebuild my profile in a more American way. Please, I'm specifically looking for people that know something about American student expats looking to apply to the US. My case is specific considering the fact that I'm studying abroad in a foreign school but I'm also an American citizen. Regardless of my future acceptance, I will be going back to the states. I'm just trying to avoid losing momentum and losing a few years of potential higher education, in order to embellish my American application profile which would potentially consist in retaking classes and the SAT. I understand the application process also depends on what I want to do and how much money I am willing to spend. For now I am looking for people that have gone through similar processes who may be able to enlighten my search. I've been told that some universities disregard the French baccalaureate whereas others cherish it. Some schools apparently only want the SATs some don't care... How important is the SAT when applying to College in comparison to the French Bac (OIB)? Are their certain schools that you know of that look at student's in my postion favorably? If not, instead of shooting in the dark, are their certain precise qualifications that I must obtain in order to reasonably apply to American Unis? Thanks in advance

• Answer:

  The French Baccalaureate is the equivalent of an American high school diploma. The SAT is a college entrance exam that most, but not all, American colleges require (or its equivalent ACT) for all undergraduate applicants, whether applying as an American or foreign student. Therefore, while you don't need to start re-taking high school classes in the states (assuming you earn the French Baccalaureate), you will need to submit SAT scores. Your SATs are slightly higher than average, and your grades sound equivalent, so don't set your sights too high on applying to American Universities; apply mostly to schools with a 50% or higher acceptance rate. You certainly should apply for a few "reaches" because your unique background (and, I'm assuming, French language skills) will set you apart somewhat, but don't expect the Ivy Leagues schools to beat down your door.