How to Apply

International Students

The international student population at Shorter is comprised of students from over twenty different foreign countries. Shorter welcomes applications from students of any international background. All required documentation must be received by Shorter University’s Office of Admissions by Monday, July 16th. It is recommended that all documentation be submitted prior to the deadline to allow time for verification by Shorter.

An international student is an applicant who is not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. The United States Government makes special requirements in addition to Shorter's admission requirements.

Admission Requirements for International Students

1. Completed application and $25 application fee
2. Evaluation of academic credentials from one of the credentials evaluation services listed below (the specific evaluation required from each service is included):
   1. World Education Services (www.wes.org) –Students who have completed only high school level coursework should choose the “Document-by-Document” evaluation and should make sure that a GPA will be included in the evaluation. Any student who has completed any work for which college credit can be given must request a “Course-by-Course” evaluation. It may be beneficial for students to have the ICAP version of their evaluation done, but Shorter University does not require the ICAP evaluation.
   2. Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. (www.jsilny.com) – Students who have completed only high school level coursework should request the “High School Course-by-Course” evaluation. Any student who has completed any work for which college credit can be given must request a “Course-by-Course” evaluation.
   3. Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (www.ece.org) – Students who have completed only high school level coursework should request the “General with Grade Average” evaluation. Any student who has completed any work for which college credit can be given must request a “Course-by-Course” evaluation.
   
   Shorter University does not independently evaluate foreign credentials for admission or credit towards a degree.  It is necessary to secure an evaluation and interpretation of a prospective student's academic credentials from an outside agency. Applicants to Shorter University are responsible for the costs of this service and for providing the agency with all of the required documentation as requested.
   
   
3. Official scores from approved English proficiency test. An English proficiency test is required of all international students whose native language is not English. Students living in a foreign country, who attended English speaking secondary schools, are NOT exempt from this requirement. If the native language is not English, ONE of the following kinds of evidence of English ability must be provided to Shorter University:
   1. Official SAT scores with a minimum score of 450 in each section (Critical Reading, Math, and Written Essay)
   2. An official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score report showing an internet based score of no less than 61, a paper score of no less than 500 or a computer based score of no less than 173
   3. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 5 or better
   4. Official reports showing a Michigan Test Battery score of 80 or better
   5. Certification of Level 109 completion from ELS Language Centers
   6. A transcript from a United States high school or equivalent
   7. In unusual cases, a written essay to be reviewed by the English faculty
      
      
4. Official bank statement of student/immediate family member or letter from a sponsor as evidence that the prospective international student, or families or sponsors are financially able to support the student while attending Shorter. In addition to a letter from the sponsor, a letter should be submitted from the sponsor's bank stating that at least the required amount is available for the student’s expenses.

If an international student is already in the United States on any visa other than a tourist/business visa (B-1/B-2) the above steps may not be necessary: for example, an F-1 visa used to attend a United States high school, or a nonimmigrant dependent visa. However, if the student holds a nonimmigrant dependent visa as a child of a person with another nonimmigrant visa, he or she must petition for a change of visa status to F-1 Student before reaching age 21.

Decisions for Admission for International Students are based on:

1. Academic record as determined by evaluation of transcripts by an outside accredited credentials evaluation service
2. English proficiency as proven through one of the above listed options
3. Ability to pay for expenses
4. Submission of application and all required documentation by the July 16th deadline

If you have questions about the admissions process for international students, contact Laura Pate lpate@shorter.edu