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How to Apply

Applying to college can be stressful, but we’re here to help every step of the way. All application materials from international students can be sent to admissions@allegheny.edu.

Admissions Requirements Request More Information

 

Professor working with a student one-on-one.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

International students and U.S. students are eligible for the same merit-based scholarships of up to $42,000 per year, which are guaranteed for four years of study. Like U.S. students, international applicants are automatically considered for scholarships during the application review stage. If a scholarship is awarded, this information will be included in the acceptance letter. Please note that full-tuition scholarships are not possible, but Allegheny does offer limited need-based aid for international students, which applicants can inquire about after they have been accepted.

International Student Services

International Student Services (ISS) supports the international student and scholar population by advising on immigration, academic, personal and cultural matters. Through individualized cross-cultural advising and peer mentoring programs, ISS helps to develop and enhance students’ intercultural knowledge and the skills necessary to navigate a complex and interconnected world.

Culture 2 Culture Peer Mentoring Program

One of the first resources available for new international students at Allegheny is the Culture 2 Culture (C2C) peer mentoring program. C2C helps new international students with the transition to life at Allegheny College and in the US.  Mentors offer opportunities for social interaction, assist students with understanding academic expectations, and help new students get acclimated to life in the U.S. and Meadville.

As part of the program, mentors and mentees enroll in a 1 credit course in the fall semester. The course provides program participants the opportunity to engage weekly both in and outside of the classroom. The course emphasizes the practice of cross cultural understanding and communication while preparing students for engagement in a global society.

How do I become a mentor?

C2C mentors are carefully selected Allegheny students who have been trained to help new international students with the transition to life on campus. Applications will be available in Spring 2024. If you are interested in learning more about the program or applying to be a mentor in the future please contact International Student Services.

Explore Student Life

Students in a lab setting

You’re capable of more than just one major. At Allegheny, we’ll teach you to comprehend anything and try everything. Which programs will you combine at Allegheny to learn outside the lines?

a group of students sitting on a couch

Allegheny College has an on-campus living requirement of four years. Residence halls offer students many options in living styles, including all-male, all-female, gender inclusive, and co-ed floors/buildings.

Overhead shot of students sitting in a circle outside

Allegheny offers over 100 student organizations including campus publications, leadership groups, performing arts, religious organizations, service clubs, and special interest groups.

Frequently Asked Questions for International Students

Admissions FAQs

What are the admissions criteria?

A holistic approach is taken in the review of applications.  While both the rigor of classes and academic performance are critical, other important factors include extracurricular involvement, letters of recommendation, personal essays, English proficiency, demonstrated interest, and SAT/ACT scores if submitted.  Your admissibility is about more than academics.  We’re looking for students who aspire to make a difference in the campus community and whose core values align with the College’s.

Do international students need to submit SAT or ACT scores to be considered for admission?

International students do not need to submit SAT or SAT scores.  Allegheny is test optional and has been for 6 years.

Please note, you will still receive the same consideration for merit-based scholarships even if you choose not to submit your test scores.  Applications are holistically reviewed as noted above.  Please submit your scores if your results are an accurate reflection of your academic abilities.

What are the average SAT and ACT scores for international students?

The average SAT score was 1300.  Not enough applicants submitted ACT scores to get a strong representative sample.

Where do I send my test scores and high school transcripts? Can I self-report my scores?

Please upload English language proficiency scores, standardized test scores, and unofficial transcripts via the Allegheny portal. The log-in information is provided via email 24-48 hours AFTER you submit your application. Please note this is much quicker than emailing PDFs of your materials to the College.

Can I have my TOEFL or IELTS scores waived?

Yes, you can if you meet any of the conditions on the English Waiver.  Please complete the English Waiver.

Does Allegheny College offer interviews?

Interviews are highly encouraged.  Demand is highest from November to March, so please be aware that you may need to wait one week.  Priority will be given to students who have submitted their applications along with the International Certification of Finance and bank statements.

Can I defer my offer of admission?

Yes, students that wish to defer their enrollment at Allegheny College may do so for up to two years after admission.

How can I visit campus virtually/in person?

You can schedule a visit to campus or visit campus online.

Cost, Tuition, and Scholarship FAQs

Are scholarships available for international students? If so, does Allegheny College offer full-tuition scholarships?

International students and U.S. students are eligible for the same merit-based scholarships of up to $42,000  per year, which are guaranteed for four years of study.  Like U.S. students, international applicants are automatically considered for scholarships during the application review stage.  If a scholarship is awarded, this information will be included in the acceptance letter.  Please note that full-tuition scholarships are not possible, but Allegheny does offer limited need-based aid for international students, which applicants can inquire about after they have been accepted.

How can I get a job on campus?

To work on campus you should complete a job application and submit it to the supervisor of the job. Find more about on-campus jobs.

How do I complete my International Student Certification of Finances form?

The Certification of Finances can be found here. Please note the log-in information needed to complete this form is only provided after you submit your application.   We advise applicants to be aware that the College has a need-aware policy when it comes to assessing the admissibility of its international applicants.

Visa Requirement FAQs

What are the visa requirements for international students?

First, you will need to obtain (1) a passport from your country of citizenship. Next, you’ll use (2) the SEVIS DS-2019 that has been mailed to you by Allegheny College to obtain (3) a J-1 visa at the appropriate U.S. Consulate in your home country.  After you have made your deposit, the Office of International Education will contact you to guide you through the visa application process.

Get more details:

F-1 Degree Seeking Students J-1 Exchange Visitors

How and when Do I receive the I-20?

The I-20 process is handled after enrollment, with assistance from our International Students Services Office.

Majors and Academics FAQs

What majors, minors, and other programs are offered at Allegheny College?

Allegheny College offers a wide range of majors and minors! At Allegheny, students choose a minor that has a different focus from their major. To explore combinations of majors and minors, find Allegheny graduates that have chosen similar focuses, and see what they have done with their education, visit Mind Over Major and for additional information on these programs, please visit Academics.

May I apply to Allegheny College with an undeclared major? When must I declare a major?

Yes, you can. Students will need to declare a major and minor no later than the middle of the second semester of the sophomore year.

How large are the classes?

There are usually around 18 students in introductory classes and around 12 in upper-level classes, but it also depends on the program/course.

What are the graduation requirements?

To graduate, you must successfully complete 128 semester credit hours of coursework. All students must achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 in each major and minor as well as an overall cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. For more information please visit Registrar for academic records.

Housing, Student Organizations, and Campus Life FAQs

Are students required to live on campus?

Yes, students are required to live on campus for the duration of their studies at Allegheny College.

What housing options are offered to international students?

To view the full list of housing options please visit Residence Life.

Students may also apply for special interest housing, including the Max Kade International Wing. For more information please visit special interest housing.

Additionally, students may request to have an international roommate when filling out their housing form.

What clubs and organizations are there on campus?

To find the list of clubs and organizations please visit clubs and organizations.

International students might particularly be interested in the International Club.

Where is Allegheny College located and what activities can one pursue on and off campus?

Allegheny College is located in northwestern Pennsylvania. The nearest airports to Allegheny College are in Erie and Pittsburgh. The campus is perched on a hill overlooking Meadville.  Get more information about life in Meadville.

Get information on student life.

For information regarding annual on-campus events and traditions please get involved with community engagement initiatives.

Contact Admissions

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