Oceans Apart: The College Process

  • Published
  • By Sophia Seawell
  • Ramstein High School
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  As we all know, living overseas is a radically different experience than living in the United States. Everything from the food we eat to the languages we hear set us apart from those living in the U.S. For high school students, there is an addition to that list of differences: the college application process.

When living in the U.S., students can - and should - visit colleges that they are interested in. The "feel" of a campus is sometimes the deciding factor for prospective freshman. Tara Stone, a 2008 Ramstein High School graduate, had narrowed her choices down to two schools. She could only choose between them once she visited the campuses.

"One was drastically cheaper, in a "college-town" location, ultimately making it my first decision," she said. "The other was much more expensive and was in a smaller town. After visiting the college school, I didn't want to spend another moment on campus or speak to anyone else. My second choice had a breathtaking campus, upbeat and energized students and faculty. I knew the moment I stepped on campus it was the school I had to complete my undergraduate at. I am now a sophomore at Ringling College of Art and Design, and have not come close to regretting my decision once."

Unfortunately, students overseas may not have the same opportunity as Tara, normally due to time or financial restraints. The next best thing is a virtual tour. Many colleges now offer these on their Web sites to at minimum show what the campus physically looks like. This way, you will be able to see how looks and is set up. In addition, PrincetonReview.com offers the students' honest of their campus life. The Web site also ranks colleges on topics such as "Easy To Get Around" and "Most Beautiful."

Back in the U.S., students are more likely to know someone who goes to this college or hear the reputation of that college. This way, they can help determine if a particular school would suit them. From all the way across the Atlantic, students may have a difficult time judging the right college for them. Rebecca Seawell, an RHS 2007 graduate, explained why keeping an open mind is therefore crucial for overseas students.

"I didn't have any idea what [University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill] would be like. Of course, I had heard about good things about UNC when it came up in conversation, so that in itself gave me a positive vibe," Rebecca said. "In the end, I think I was just lucky. It's important for overseas students to keep an open mind when it comes to colleges, because you never know which one is going to be a good fit until you've personally experienced it."

Fortunately, two options exist for students to learn more about a school. Many colleges' Web sites now have forums and chat rooms on which you can speak to currently enrolled students. Ask them what they do and don't like about the school, or if a rumor you heard is true. If you know personally know someone at a particular college, take the opportunity to contact them for a more personal conversation. Additionally, on PrincetonReview.com, direct quotes from students describe the faculty, academic rigor, student body, and other aspects their school. Princeton Review is an excellent tool for finding your perfect college, giving the inside scoop on hundreds of schools.

State residency is another important factor that comes up while applying. For public schools, an in-state student will pay average $7,000 less than an out-of-state student. Luckily, under the Higher Education Opportunity Act, dependents of servicemembers receive in-state tuition in their sponsor's state. Some states even offer lowered tuition to all military high school students. For those who have lived overseas their whole life, make sure to find out early enough which state offers you the lowest tuition. Felicia Gonzalez, an RHS senior, has lived in Germany almost her whole life; therefore, determining her state residency has been a difficult but crucial process.

"Unlike most seniors, I have no idea where I receive in-state because I've spent my entire life overseas. My dad spent the last 25 years in the military and we no longer identify with any state in the U.S. I really wish I had figured out this issue earlier; I'm not even sure if I am eligible for in-state anywhere. Time is running out and I could end up paying thousands of dollars in student loans if I can't determine the best school for my financial situation."

All of these differences may make it seem as if overseas students are at a disadvantage. However, attending a Department of Defense Dependents School impresses college admissions officers. RHS guidance counselor Fred Lopez was on an international college tour when he learned something interesting from the directors of admissions of those schools.

"When asked of their experience with DODDS students, they stated such students were more mature, focused, goal-oriented and adaptable than students applying from within the states," Mr. Lopez said. Their immersion in various societies gave them a wider picture of the world, making them more understanding of the different and more accepting of the foreign. Because of this, DODDS students have more to offer to the population of a school. Though there are no 'hard points' awarded, a DODDS student would receive the benefit of the doubt when matched up point-wise. "For example, if test scores are low but everything else is outstanding, being a DODDS student can make up for it. The bottom line is that our kids need to let admissions officers know that they've had an overseas experience. There is nothing that says "check here" on an application, so it's important to make contact," added Mr. Lopez.

Still wish you were a regular U.S. high school student?