International Admissions

Start here, go anywhere

We are so excited that you are considering the Mount for your international education. The Office of Admissions is here to walk you through the admissions process and answer any questions you might have.

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Reasons to come to the Mount as an international student

• Small town feel with big city benefits: If the thought of moving to New York City is intimidating, the Mount offers the best of both worlds. Our “small town feel” campus will quickly become your new home, while you’re just a train ride away from numerous opportunities in New York City. Our shuttle will even take you to the train station for free!
• Center of the world: Getting to the Mount is easy no matter where you’re coming from! We have an airport just a few miles from campus (Stewart International Airport) as well as several airports located in New York City. Plus, the Metro North train line runs from New York City to Beacon, NY, which is just across the Hudson River from our campus.
• The ultimate college experience: Small class sizes will allow you to get individual attention from professors. On-campus student support can help you transition to a new college and country. And our student activities will keep you having fun through it all.

The International Admissions Process

While you will go through the same process that our traditional students undergo, there are some additional pieces of the admissions process for International students. But don’t worry, we’ll walk you through it!

1. Apply online.

2. Submit official transcripts evaluated by a NACES organization, such as WES. Freshmen will need transcripts that meet the U.S. equivalency of a high school diploma. Transfers will need transcripts to be evaluated course by course.

3. Include one letter of recommendation in English by a guidance counselor or teacher.

4. Submit SAT/ACT scores or TOEFL/IELTS scores. We accept TOEFL scores of 79 or higher, or IELTS scores of 6 or higher.

5. Wait for your admissions decision!

After being accepted to the Mount, you must then submit your deposit in order to save your seat. At that point, there are a few additional steps to take to confirm your enrollment.

1. In order to issue your I-20 or the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, the Mount will need the following items at least 30 days prior to beginning classes:
   1. Copy of your current passport (valid up to six months after your intended period of study)
   2. Financial documentation (no more than three months old) for each sponsor. Download and complete the Certification of Finances form, which includes a notarized affidavit of support. You must also submit proof of income and bank statements with this form.
   3. F-1 Transfer Verification Form, if transferring from another school in the U.S. This will allow Mount Saint Mary College to issue you a Form I-20 to replace your previous school’s paperwork.

You should receive your I-20 certificate within two weeks of submitting these materials.

Finally, if you are a new student entering the United States for the first time, you will also need to obtain an F-1 Visa in your home country. Please work with the US Embassy in your country in order to obtain this visa. Please note: If you already have an F-1 visa that has not expired, you do not have to get a new F-1 visa as long as you have not been out of the U.S. for more than 5 consecutive months.

International Student FAQs

Can international students receive scholarships?

Students will be evaluated on a case by case basis, taking academics and need into consideration. Scholarships for international students range from $3,000–$15,000 per year. Please contact our Office of Financial Aid for more information.

Can international students work?

Yes, international students are eligible for on-campus jobs. You cannot work off campus unless it’s for an internship that is required as part of your program or credit towards graduation.

Do I need to show English proficiency as part of my application?

Applicants who have attended a school where the primary language of instruction is English can have this requirement waived. However, all applicants need to show results from the TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, or ACT exam, or be receiving an IB diploma. Mount Saint Mary College reserves the right to request any additional requirements in order to complete an application.

What are the minimum test requirements?

TOEFL – 79 internet-based test
IELTS – 6.0 overall band score
SAT – 590 reading and writing combined
ACT – 26 reading and writing average

Additional Admissions FAQs can be found here.