Residency Classification Problem. Need Help!

[rugger4]

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I have a bit of an odd predicament with residency classification and was hoping to see if anyone would have insight on how this issue could be resolved. I graduated from high school in TN and went to undergrad in AL. During my soph. year of college, my dad's company transferred him to Birmingham and the whole family moved to AL. Even though my family lives in the state, I am still considered OOS for undergrad due to me coming here for the "pursuit of education," which I am fine with. But this is where things get tricky. I am still considered OOS for undergrad even though I have my drivers license in the state, voters registration, have had multiple jobs paying state taxes, both parents are residents, and my sister is an instate resident at the same college as me. To be considered instate for AL medical schools you must be an Alabama resident (of course) or have lived in the state for at least 12 months while not in school before matriculation. I am graduating in Dec. so I will be graduated 9 months before matriculation. Does any Adcomms know how this situation would be handled? Could I still be instate for TN even though I have no family living there or own any property in that state? Or will I be classified as instate for AL due to my family living here, me living here, and all the other things I listed above. Opinions are welcomed. Thanks!

 

[kyamh]

There are not many schools that consider AL and TN as in state so finding out for sure is doable. Call all of them and ask about whether they will consider you "in state". If only one state's schools consider you in state, then it is a no-brainer. If you can be in-state at more than one, you will have to make a choice about which state you will list on AMCAS.

 

[rugger4]

I have called UASOM and they have told me that they do not make residency decisioins until interviews. So I am left with a bit of a gamble with putting AL down but I would much rather attend UASOM or South Alabama instead of one of the TN schools.

 

[NickNaylor]

You're not going to be classified as a TN resident if you don't have a TN address, which I'm assuming you no longer have at this point. I don't see why the school would refuse you residency given that your permanent address is in AL and you have a DL and voter registration there.


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[rugger4]

You're not going to be classified as a TN resident if you don't have a TN address, which I'm assuming you no longer have at this point. I don't see why the school would refuse you residency given that your permanent address is in AL and you have a DL and voter registration there.

Correct, I no longer have a TN address. I'm hoping that's what UASOM decides on me. BUT, the medical school says on their website that you must be within the state for at least 12 months not pursuing education before you can be considered in state. I do not meet this requirement. It also says that residency cannot be decided based off of your family after the age of 19 (my parents moved here when I was 19). I really feel as if I do not have a home state in this situation.

 

[b05010445]

I would fairly strong believe that you likely are an alabama resident if you are claimed as a dependant by your parents for taxation purposes.
Of course, always call your state schools and ask. Sometimes you can even find this info on their websites.

 

[NickNaylor]

Correct, I no longer have a TN address. I'm hoping that's what UASOM decides on me. BUT, the medical school says on their website that you must be within the state for at least 12 months not pursuing education before you can be considered in state. I do not meet this requirement. It also says that residency cannot be decided based off of your family after the age of 19 (my parents moved here when I was 19). I really feel as if I do not have a home state in this situation.

Ah, I see the problem. Yeah, you're probably SOL unfortunately unless the school takes pity on you. Hopefully common sense will prevail but that might be expecting a little too much.


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[rugger4]

Ah, I see the problem. Yeah, you're probably SOL unfortunately unless the school takes pity on you. Hopefully common sense will prevail but that might be expecting a little too much.

But someone HAS to consider me instate, correct? I cannot be a US citizen but not a resident of any state. That makes no sense.

 

[Flashfan]

There are plenty of US citizens that have no state residency. US citizens living abroad for instance. Still, I would think Alabama would count you as you are still listed as a dependent on the tax return. Have you contested your residency status in undergrad for this purpose. Clearly your parent did not move to the state for educational purposes. I would argue now that you no longer live there for educational purposes since your permanent address is now in Birmingham.

 

[rugger4]

There are plenty of US citizens that have no state residency. US citizens living abroad for instance. Still, I would think Alabama would count you as you are still listed as a dependent on the tax return. Have you contested your residency status in undergrad for this purpose. Clearly your parent did not move to the state for educational purposes. I would argue now that you no longer live there for educational purposes since your permanent address is now in Birmingham.

I have appealed all the way up to the Provost so I am not getting instate for undergrad. Reasons: 1) I am here for the purpose of education. 2) My parents moved here when I was no longer considered a minor.

I believe I am a resident for AL and put myself as a resident for the county that my parents live in on my AMCAS. I just hope that I am resident of the state for tuition purposes.

 

[kami333]

But someone HAS to consider me instate, correct? I cannot be a US citizen but not a resident of any state. That makes no sense.

Residency for tuition/admissions is not the same as residency for voting/taxes/etc as you have found out.


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