Am I counted as California Resident for admission purposes into UC Berkeley?

Question

I am a student studying high school in another country. I have US citizenship, and I go to an international school, so it's basically like an american high school. My parents have a house in California, I'm not currently present in California and neither are my parents although we are paying taxes.

My question? Am I considered as a resident? I really want to get into UC Berkeley, but i understand that they give most of the priority to California residents.

I've also heard that if you show that you have an intent of staying, then that counts? I'm not sure about that one.

I do have a California driver's license though. I've also heard people talk about that. Not sure whether this would help or not...

Please help me! I really need it!

The thing is, i just called the school, and they said that they wouldnt know until I have applied and they have looked at my situation. I wasnt really pleased with this answer, or the lady that answered it as she was really impatient. Anyway, I'm sure theres a way to tell. Anyone?

Answer 1

You need to be physically living in California for at least a year to be considered a resident (there are some exceptions for dependents of military personnel, etc.). Residency is complicated and until you have provided all the information and your file is thoroughly reviewed by a Residence Deputy at Berkeley, it is unlikely you will get a concrete answer about your residency status.

I wonder how important residency is to your college choices. Would you not apply to Berkeley if you know you will not qualify for resident tuition? Would you make more of an effort to put together your application if you know you do qualify as a resident? From my perspective, I don't think residency is the big question you should ask up front. If you really want to attend Berkeley, you should put your application together and apply. Worry about residency after you are accepted. The worst case scenario is that you pay out-of-state tuition for one year before you qualify to become a resident.

Answer 2

If the people at the University of California can't give you a definitive answer -- then what makes me think we can?

I can tell you two things, though. The first is that even if you don't get in as a California resident, you can probably establish residency for your second year. I got my PhD at UCB and was able to become a California resident after one year.

The second is that your situation of being overseas may work out for you. One of the graduate schools I went to before Berkeley was the University of Minnesota. My father was in the Navy & was able to keep a Minnesota residency. When I went to the University of Minnesota, they let me go as a resident -- despite the fact that I went to High School in NJ and college in PA and my parents were living out of state. If your parents are legally considered residents of California (which I suspect they are) then you will probably be allowed to register as a resident.

It might help if you use a California address when you apply.

Answer 3

Your problem isn't intent. Your CA DL will do that. Your problem is showing you were in CA this past year.

THat's going to be a little difficult. Why? They just have to look at your transcript. It's going to show your school was in another country.

It sounds like you'll just have to pay out-of-state tuition for a year before you can establish CA residency.

Answer 4

If you are a legal resident of the California, then you can be an in-state student.

I would say your parents are if the are paying California state taxes and stuff.

Answer 5

I would ask the school since they'll be making the final decision.