International Students
Mitchell College proudly welcomes international students! We consider ourselves fortunate to enroll students from over eighteen different countries. We are committed to strengthening our students' social and ethical awareness through a diverse campus population. Our international students provide our campus with a global perspective.
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Below you will find information that will provide you with an overview of life as an international student studying at Mitchell College. If you need additional information, please contact: Rebecca Atkins, Assistant Director of Admissions at (800) 443-2811 or atkins_r@mitchell.edu.
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Cost, Financial Aid, and Scholarship Information
Mitchell College does not provide need-based aid for international students. Each year, however, Mitchell College is able to offer a limited number of academic and leadership merit-based scholarships for non-US Citizens/residents. Competition for these scholarships is rigorous, and we are looking for students who have shown outstanding academic ability and possess leadership qualities. To apply for these awards, an international applicant for admission should submit a letter of request outlining their qualifications. A Declaration of Finance or bank statement proving financial responsibility. A copy of financial documentation provided to the U.S. Immigration Service will suffice, or click here to Download an International Student Financial Statement (PDF)
For information on Tuition & Fees, please click here.
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Admission Information and Required Documentation
Mitchell seeks students from a variety of cultural, economic, racial, ethnic and geographic backgrounds who demonstrate academic and personal excellence. The secondary school record is important; however, qualities such as leadership, intellectual curiosity, and accomplishment in non-academic areas are highly valued as well. Prospective international applicants should review the “Guide for International Students.”
Transfer students are welcome and encouraged to apply! The Admission Committee looks for the same standards of academic excellence and personal qualities in transfer candidates as in candidates for first year admission.
To be considered for first year admission, international applicants must submit the following:
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A completed Mitchell College application.
Click here to apply online.
Click here to download a .pdf copy of the application.
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An official record of secondary (or higher secondary) schoolwork with all courses and grades, including examination results. Any necessary translations must be authenticated.
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An explanation of the evaluation or grading system used by the school. If you need help with this requirement, consider contacting a credentialing service like World Education Services, www.wes.org.
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A letter of recommendation from a head of school, a school teacher, guidance, or college counselor.
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A personal statement: Please respond to the following question in at least 500 words. If you receive help editing your work, please describe the help you received and by whom.
"Describe an obstacle you have confronted during your life and what you learned from it."
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Declaration of Finances: An affidavit of financial support and official bank statement demonstrating the ability to meet the educational and living expenses (approximately $43,000) required for one year of study in the United States. This must be submitted before an I-20 visa is issued to you by Mitchell College.
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Documentation of English proficiency sufficient to undertake a full academic program. If your first language is not English, you must submit one of the following forms of documentation to establish proficiency:
a. An official score report of the TOEFL exam. You must obtain a score of at least 71 on the IBT to be considered for admission; or,
b. If residing in the United States, an official score report based on completion of an English Language School (ELS); or,
c. An official score report of the Critical Reading and Writing components of the SAT or ACT exam; or,
d. An official score report of the Advanced Placement International English Language Exam (APIEL). Students must receive a score of 3 or higher to be considered for admission.
Note: Mitchell College’s reference number for both the TOEFL and the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) is 3528.
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For transfer students: An official record of college or university work to date with all courses and grades. Any necessary translations must be authenticated and an explanation of the evaluation or grading system used by the college or university.
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The application is reviewed by the Admissions Committee. The International Student Admissions Committee for is comprised of the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing, and two members of the admissions staff. The Admission Committee reviews all international applicants worthy of admission before an offer of admission is made.
For additional information, please contact:
Rebecca Atkins
Assistant Director of Admissions
(800) 443-2811
atkins_r@mitchell.edu
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I-20 Information
After an international applicant is admitted to Mitchell College, submits the International Student Certification of Finances and accepts the College’s offer of admission by paying the required U.S. $300 deposit, the Office of Admission begins the process of issuing the student an I-20.
Upon returned receipt of the $300 deposit an I-20 is processed and sent via DHL (or other certified mail options) to the student along with:
- An accompanying letter acknowledging receipt of the $300 deposit
- Tips for a Successful U.S. Consular Interview
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Student Visas and Tips for a Successful U.S. Consular Interview
There is often a great deal of confusion about how to get a visa to study in the United States. In fact, most qualified students have no trouble getting a student visa and have a wonderful experience studying in the U. S. This article will give you information that can help make the visa application process go smoothly, and answer questions that you may have.
Any person who wishes to study in the United States is eligible to apply for a student visa. You will have to provide the U. S. Embassy or Consulate in your country with the required proof of your qualifications. The most important requirement is that you have obtained the form I-20, issued by a school in the U. S. authorized by the government, that show you have applied for admissions and have been accepted to study at that school. If you do not have an I-20 from, you cannot apply for a student visa. When you are granted a student visa, you may remain in the United States as long as you are a full time student in a school approved to issue the form I-20 and you maintain your student status.
In many countries you must make an appointment at the nearest United States embassy or consulate to apply for an F-1 student visa. In most countries, you will need to bring proof that you have paid the visa application fee. In some countries, you must submit your application by mail to the U. S. Embassy in your country.
Before you apply for the visa you should understand the process and some of the rules about student visas.
1. Be Prepared
Be completely prepared for your first interview. It is more difficult to obtain a visa if you have been denied one before.
How you are dressed is important. You should consider the interview a formal event. Business attire is appropriate. You want to make a positive first impression, since there will be little time to speak with the officer.
Visa officers are rushed. They often have only a few moments to interview you. They will make their decisions quickly. Be prepared to give your information quickly and completely. If you do not feel you can answer the questions in English and the officer does not speak your language; you have the right to ask for interpreter. Speaking English is not a requirement for a student visa. Tell the interviewer your most important points first. The visa officer would like to know what your objective is in studying in the United States.
2. Immigrant Intent
The visa officer is required to assume that you plan to stay permanently in the United States (immigrant intent). You must prove that you plan to return to your country. It is your responsibility to prove that you will return to your home country after your studies are finished. Collect documents to prove your intent to return. Ask yourself “What proves that I have good reasons to return to my country after I finish studying in the U. S.?” In addition to your passport and I-20 form consider taking the following:
• Contracts
• Degree certificates
• Letter of reference (from a teacher for example)
• Deeds
• Photos of family residing in your country
• Photos of property you or your family own
If your family living in your country will pay for your education in the U.S., the documents mentioned above should help show that you have a good reason to return to your country.
If your father or mother will pay from money they earn at a job, bring a letter from your parent’s employer stating what your parent’s job is, how long they have worked at that organization, and how much they earn.
If your brother or sister studied in the U.S. and returned home, bring a copy of the diploma and a statement from his/her employer stating that he/she returned.
If your family owns a business, bring letters from the bank to prove it.
If possible, acquire a letter from an individual or company in your home country stating that they will give you a job when you return.
If you cannot get a promise of a job, try to get a letter saying that you will be considered for a job when you return, or that the company needs employees with the kind of education that you will receive in the U.S.
If your current employer can state that your studies in the U.S. will be useful in your future employment with the company, ask your employer to state this in a letter. Never quit a job immediately before applying for the visa. If you do, the Embassy will think this is proof that you do not plan to return to your country.
If family members have important positions in the government, in education, or with private corporations, mention them, and if possible, bring something that shows what their position is.
If you have traveled to the U.S. on an old, expired passport, bring it to the interview to prove that you returned home.
If you will have family members in the U.S., it is especially important for you to prove that you have reason to return to your country. DO NOT LIE about having family members in the U.S. The Embassy will check every application against computer records. If you lie, the officer will reject your application and it will be difficult to change the decision.
3. Have a specific objective
Have an academic or professional objective. Be prepared to explain why it is better for you to study in the U.S. than to study at home. Be ready to say what you want to study and what kind of career it will prepare you for in your home country.
If you are going to the U.S. to study English and then earn a degree, be able to explain your complete program of study. Remember, it is not enough just to say “it is better to study English in the U.S.” You should have a specific reason.
Give definite answers. If you seem unsure about your answers, the visa officers might wonder whether you are a serious student or not.
Grades make a difference. If your grades are below average, you need to explain how you are going to succeed in the U.S. A letter from a school director or teacher in your country stating that you are a good student and recommending you to study in the U.S. may be helpful. If there were special circumstances that contributed to the bad grades, have the school explain your special circumstances.
4. Financial Support
You must have adequate, clear financial support to live and study in the U.S. and show documents to prove it. If your parents will support you financially, you should explain your parents’ employment histories. Proof of this employment is important. Large sums of money in bank accounts might not be enough proof of financial support. Use a letter from the bank that states how long the account has existed, and what the usual balance is in the account.
5. Other Suggestions
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Apply for your visa well in advance of the date you will begin your studies listed on your Form 1-20. Try to apply at least three months before you plan to travel to the United States. This will give you extra time if there are delays at the Embassy, and for you to appeal in the event of a denial. It might take longer than you expect to be issued a visa. There are times of the year when the Embassy is particularly busy and there are delays in processing all visa applications. The Embassy closes for all U.S. holidays as well as most of the holidays of your country. After the attacks of September 11 in 2001, visa processing time takes much longer. All names have to be submitted for a security clearance.
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Read and sign your I-20 form.
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Apply for your visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country if possible. If you apply for a visa outside of your country, it will be more difficult.
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Each case is different. Do not assume that the way a friend was judged is the way you will be judged—good or bad.
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Get help from an experienced study abroad advisor in your country. Advisors have a great deal of experience with the visa procedures at the U.S. Embassy in your country. Don’t hesitate to ask for their advice. |
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