international Students - frequently asked questions
International Applications & Forms
1. Who is an international applicant?
“International applicants” are individuals who need a visa in order to study or live in the United States.
2. What materials do I need to send with my application?
Besides your application for admission, you will also need to send:
- $55 non-refundable application fee that can be paid by credit card, money order or check
- An original or certified copy of secondary school academic records, transcripts or mark sheets. If you have attended a post-secondary school, you must submit those records as well. If the document is not issued in English, you must provide a certified English translation and submit both the original language document and the English translation.
- One letter of recommendation from a teacher, school principal, director or counselor.
- Proof of English proficiency with a TOEFL or IELTS exam or proof of successful completion of an approved ESL course
- Certificate of Finances form
3. Can I apply online?
Yes. To apply, online, go to the Common Application website at www.commonapp.org. If you apply online, you must send your original documents in the list above.
4. How do I pay my application fee?
You can pay your application online or by check. If you pay online, you must have a credit card. Follow the directions when you submit your application. To pay by check, you must pay in US dollars and send the check with your paper application.
5. Do my documents need to be translated?
Yes; however, an official copy of the document in the original language must be sent with the translation.
6. Do I need to send a bank statement with my application?
No, but it is helpful to send one with your application. You will need to complete the Certificate of Finance form before you receive your SEVIS I-20 document from the College. You will need both the SEVIS I-20 and the bank statement when you apply for a visa at your appointment at the US Embassy. You must prove you have sufficient funds to study in the US during your first year.
7. My TOEFL score is low. What can I do?
Saint Mary's College of California does not offer an ESL program. We work with several local schools that offer ESL programs: English Center at Mills College, www.eciw.org; American Language & Culture Institute at California State University Chico, rce.csuchico.edu/alci; ELS Language Centers in Berkeley, San Francisco, San Rafael or Hayward, www.els.edu; College of Marin, Intensive English Programs, www.marincommunityed.org, and others. Please contact us for other references.
8. Does Saint Mary’s College offer conditional acceptance?
Students who score below the required English proficiency may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis. See #7 for more information. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
9. Can I waive the TOEFL or IELTS requirement?
Either exam may be waived if the student has met one of these conditions: 1) completed 4 consecutive years of study at a US high school; 2) completed a minimum 60 transferable credit hours at a US university or college; 3) completed an educational program in a country where the medium of instruction is English; 4) completed an approved ESL program; or 5) scored 500 or above on the SAT 1 Critical Reading exam, or 22 or above on the ACT English exam.
10. When will I receive my immigration paperwork?
Once a decision has been made on your application file, and your Certification of Finances is verified, you will receive your acceptance letter and immigration paperwork in the mail or by courier service. You will also receive an email from the Admissions Office when you have been admitted to the College.
11. How do I apply for a visa?
If you are accepted to Saint Mary's College of California, we will send you the necessary paperwork needed to apply for a student visa. We will also send you instructions on how to apply for a visa, how to pay the SEVIS fee and much more. You will receive a complete packet of instructions.
12. How much does it cost to attend Saint Mary's College of California?
To find our costs, please visit the web page “Tuition & Fees”
13. Are international students eligible for financial aid or scholarships?
Yes, international applications are eligible for Merit Scholarships.
14. After I am accepted, do I have to pay my tuition before I come to Saint Mary’s?
No. You must pay a tuition deposit to secure your place at the College. Your tuition deposit is due before you arrive on campus. Your tuition is due when you register for classes. You will be able to check on your tuition bill online after you are accepted. Tuition is due before you begin classes.
15. Why is health insurance required?
Medical care in the US is very expensive. To help you in case you become ill or have an accident, we require every student to be covered. The policy we offer you is one of the best available at a good price.
16. Is housing available? What is it like?
Almost 90% of our freshmen class live on campus and housing is guaranteed for your first two years. The community created in each residence hall supports the learning environment of the College.
Each room is equipped with a bed, closet, dresser, sink, desk, cable TV hook-up, high-speed internet and other basic needs for a student. Each hall has a common lounge, kitchen and laundry facilities. Please visit the Residence Life web pages for complete housing information.
17. Are homestays available?
If you are interested in a homestay, please contact the Center for International Programs at dpruccoli@stmarys-ca.edu.
18. Does Saint Mary’s offer special resources for international students?
Yes! The Center for International Programs helps coordinate programs and activities, assists students with matters relating to immigration status, and provides other support services specific to the needs of international students.
19. Where is Moraga? What is the nearest airport?
Moraga is 30 minutes by car from downtown San Francisco. San Francisco International Airport is the largest airport in the area. Oakland International Airport is a bit closer but is smaller. San Jose International Airport is about 1 – 1 ½ hours away from campus. Public transportation is available from all 3 airports, but it is more convenient to travel from San Francisco (SFO) or Oakland (OAK) to campus. You can contact Center for International Programs for pickup information.
20. Where can I go in my country to learn more about studying at Saint Mary's College of California and in the United States?
Visit the EducationUSA Office. You can find the office nearest you by visiting the web site at http://educationusa.state.gov/.
21. Do you have more questions????
Email us at international@stmarys-ca.edu.
