Undergraduate Admission
Emerson College
International Student FAQ
http://admission.emerson.edu/admission/undergraduate/admission/international_faq.cfm

International Student FAQ

How do I know if I am an international student?

You are an international student if you are:

  • Not a citizen or permanent resident (green-card holder) of the US.
  • A citizen or permanent resident (green-card holder) of the US, but you live outside the US

NOTE: Permanent Residents (green-card holders) currently living in the US are not international students even though they may speak another language at home and/or may have attended school outside the US in the past.

Do you have any scholarships or offer financial aid to international students?

As an international student, you may apply for merit-based scholarships, but you are not eligible for need-based financial aid. We offer a ½ tuition scholarship called the Honors Program (available for September first year applicants only).

You may also qualify for any of our $1,000 to $8,000 scholarships. You are automatically entered into consideration for these scholarships upon receipt of your application to the College.

Is there a different application or are there extra requirements for international students?

Yes. First you must complete the first-year or transfer Common Application. If you attend a secondary school that uses a Non-US educational system, you must also submit the International Supplement to the Secondary School Report.

How do I receive an I-20 to obtain my visa?

In order to obtain an I-20, you must submit financial documentation proving you have the ability to pay for one year of tuition, room & board and fees. You will receive an I-20 after you have been admitted, deposited your tuition deposit of $200 and have submitted all of the additional forms listed below.

•    International Contact Information Form
•    Bank Letter (sample)
•    Sponsor Letter

F-1 visa holders need additional documentation
  • Transfer Verification Form –Your current institution must complete the bottom half of this form and then transfer your SEVIS record to our institution.
  • Copy of I-94
  • Copy of passport
  • Copy of I-20

September applicants: You do not have to submit these documents until after you have made your deposit.

January applicants: You must submit all financial documentation with your application.

Do I have to take the TOEFL or SAT?

First year students who have not completed four years of secondary study in an institution that uses English as its language of instruction or transfer students who have not completed at least two years of post-secondary study in an institution that uses English as its language of instruction are required to submit scores from one of the tests listed here:

  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
    • Emerson minimum requirements:
      • Internet Based Test (iBT) 80
      • Computer Based Test (CBT) 213
      • Paper Based Test 550
  •  IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
    • Emerson minimum requirement: 7

I have graduated from high school and am currently enrolled in a certificate program. Am I a transfer student?

You are a transfer student if you have taken college-level courses after graduation. If you are unsure please contact the Undergraduate Admission office with questions regarding your status.

Can I receive advanced standing credit?

A maximum of one year or 32 credits of advanced standing credit may be awarded. We give advanced standing credit for the following curriculums AP, IB, British A levels (A,B or C), European Baccalaureate, German Abitur, and Swiss Maturite, and Canadian CEGEP. If you have any questions regarding advanced standing credit for other curriculums please contact the registrar's office.

My transcript or recommendations are not in English. What should I do? I only have one copy of my transcript.

You must submit all original documents in its original language and then have them translated into English by an official translation agency.  If you only have one copy then you may have your school submit a certified copy with the school's stamp and signature.

I am transferring university level credits to your institution from a university abroad. What do I do?

You must go through a credential evaluation company. For a list of suggested companies, consult your application checklist.

I am interested in the Performing Arts? Do I have to audition in person?

We prefer you to audition in person but you may send in an audition tape. Please contact the Department of Performing Arts for more information.