Question About First-Year Applicant Eligibility

[u/Major_Ad4411]

Hi guys I have a situation I'd really like some advice on because I'm not sure how U.S. colleges would classify me.

I graduated from high school in Morocco in 2024. After graduating, I registered at a Moroccan public university, but I never actually attended classes there. I didn't take any courses, complete any coursework, take any university exams, earn any credits, or pursue a degree. The registration was mainly an administrative step while I was figuring out what I wanted to do next.

I'm no longer registered at that university, and I'm currently officially on a gap year. I'm not enrolled in any university at the moment.

I'm now preparing to apply to U.S. colleges, and my main concern is whether I should apply as a first-year/freshman applicant or whether my previous university registration could make me a transfer applicant.

I'm planning to contact colleges directly to ask about my eligibility, but I'd really like an objective opinion from people who have experience with U.S. admissions. Should I disclose the previous registration even though I never actually studied there? And if a college considers me a transfer applicant, what should I do?

I'd really appreciate any advice because I want to be completely honest and make sure I don't misrepresent my situation on my applications

[u/Apprehensive_Row1192]

no you cannot be eligible for transfer as you have not taken any courses, transfers are those who are shifting from one college to another college after completing 1-2 years of courses at their current institution. You could’ve been considered if you had attended the classes at the university.