When does a school recognize you as "in-state?"

[matt1989]

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Hey sdn, I have a question for you.

I am moving with my family from Philadelphia to Chicago this August. I am starting my applications now and I am interested in schools in both states. These schools seem to strongly prefer in-state over out of state. I already know the address of my future residence (currently occupied by family friends) and my parents think I could get away with being perceived as an Illinois residente even if I applied shortly before the move. By the time I would enroll in 2014 I would technically be an IL resident anyway.

My question is do you think I could get away with applying to PA schools as a current PA resident and be viewed as in-state? Basically could I apply to schools in both states and be treated as "in-state"?

 

[xffan624]

Hey sdn, I have a question for you.

I am moving with my family from Philadelphia to Chicago this August. I am starting my applications now and I am interested in schools in both states. These schools seem to strongly prefer in-state over out of state. I already know the address of my future residence (currently occupied by family friends) and my parents think I could get away with being perceived as an Illinois residente even if I applied shortly before the move. By the time I would enroll in 2014 I would technically be an IL resident anyway.

My question is do you think I could get away with applying to PA schools as a current PA resident and be viewed as in-state? Basically could I apply to schools in both states and be treated as "in-state"?

You have to choose one on the AMCAS. You will be most likely be a PA resident for now. Most states require you to be there for longer than 12 months before the application to establish residency. If you get into an IL school you could probably claim IL residency (i.e. change your residency) for tuition purposes.

 

[Lollygag]

I agree with the above but I also think schools would recognize dual state residency and some schools take into account state ties such as family that lives there, you went to school in that state etc..

OP, I think this may also vary depending on the school you apply to. Some schools may be more lenient on what they consider in state, others cools (I heard UMass is like this) are very strict on what is considered "in state"

You may have to shoot out some emails to individual schools.

 

[McNCheese]

You designate your home state on AMCAS, but schools have different criteria for determining instate status for tuition purposes. Take a look through the school's website and read about what they consider for residency. I am from Michigan, but I have been serving in another state for Americorps, so I have to fill out all of these forms about my ties to the state to be eligible for instate tuition at UofM. They want a lot of info - tax returns for the past couple years, a letter from my dad's employer, and a list of all the addresses my family has had in Michigan.

 

[1stmeds]

a school's determination of your state residency will usually be based on the criteria established by the state itself for residency. Therefore, check the state's website for definitions of in-state resident and that will tell you whether you qualify.

 

[V5RED]

I would suggest that calling schools in both states and explaining your situation will be more likely to get you the true answer than asking a bunch of strangers on SDN.

 

[Ellie Arroway]

I also think schools would recognize dual state residency

My experience is that residency means you have proven you are in that state for reasons other than just school. It's true some are more lenient than others, but at some schools you need to live there for a year with a job before attending any school there, as well as switching over voter registration, car registration, and other legal ties.

 

[Ellie Arroway]

YMMV, but I am getting burned on this currently - considered OOS for the state I was born & raised in.

 

[coffeesnob]

For AMCAS, you can only be a resident of one state. If you or your parents haven't paid taxes to Illinois, you are still a PA resident. I think you can change the state residency on AMCAS later (maybe after you have lived in IL for at least 6 months?)

For tuition purpose, schools determine your state residency. I would ask the schools and see if you qualify as in-state. Then, you should be able to indicate your state residency on your secondaries. It varies for different schools. My feeling is that you will still be a PA resident for the application purpose. Most Illinois schools require that you have lived at least 6 months in their state and have filed taxes for Illinois.

But for tuition purposes (if you decide to go to an IL school), you may quality for in-state tuition later.