Application Process

When should I apply?

Most international applicants apply during the fall of their senior year. As an international transfer student, most applicants apply during the semester before they plan on transferring to Alma College. Below you will find the specific deadline dates for application, but for priority consideration for scholarships you should apply by April 1 if you are applying for fall semester.

Can I be admitted for the Winter Term?

The majority of international applicants apply for entry in the Fall Term. Alma College accepts applicants for the winter term but, you should consider that many winter term courses require completion of a pre-requisite course which was offered in the fall.

How do I apply?

You may complete the Alma College application in one of three ways:

1. Apply using the FREE Alma College Online Application.
   

2. Download a copy of the Application as a PDF document (if you do not have Acrobat Reader on your computer you can download a free copy from Adobe's web site).
   

3. Complete the traditional Alma College Application for Admission. Just email the Admissions Office (admissions@alma.edu) or call 1-800-321-ALMA and request a copy of the application to be mailed to you.

Please remember to include a valid email address with your application to make future communication easier.

Before you apply to Alma College, you must have completed your secondary education or plan on completing it in the semester before you plan to enroll. Along with your completed application, first year (freshman) students will need to include the following items:

• A $25 (US) application fee. If you apply online, the application fee is waived.

• Official secondary school (high school) transcripts. Transcripts typically include grades 9 through 12 or 13. Transcripts must be translated into English along with a copy of the official transcript in applicant’s native language

• Official TOEFL profile, SAT profile, or ACT profile. The TOEFL is the standardized test of English proficiency and is required of all non-US citizens regardless of their native language. Alma College requires a minimum score of 195 (525 on the paper-based test). For more information about the TOEFL test visit the TOEFL web site at www.TOEFL.org. Alma College will accept either the SAT I or ACT in place of the TOEFL. It may can take up to 6 weeks for Alma College to receive your SAT I or ACT score. We recommend taking the SAT I or ACT in October or November of your final year of Secondary School (high school). Alma College requires a minimum SAT I composite score of 1030 (verbal and math) or a minimum ACT of 22 composite. Students with scores below these numbers may also apply and be considered for admission.

• School Report for International Admissions – Secondary School Advisor Evaluation (included as part of application). Completed by Secondary School/High School Guidance Counselor, Principal or Head Master.

• International Declaration of Finances and Application for International Financial Aid. You must complete the Financial Aid Application even if you are not applying for financial assistance. In compliance with U.S. immigration regulations, Alma College cannot issue you an I-20 or DS-2019 form until this document is on file assuring your financial ability to pay for an Alma College education for all four years.

• Optional essay. 300 to 500 word essay written about how Alma College will help you achieve your personal and academic goals.

In addition to the documents listed above, international transfer students will need to submit:

• Official copies of all college/university transcripts. If not from an American school, the transcript must be translated and an official copy in applicant’s native language is required.

• Alma College Transfer Recommendation Form (included as part of application). Must be completed by the Dean of Students at the school from which the applicant is transferring.

• A course catalog or syllabi describing each of the courses taken. Credit for courses will only be awarded after the Alma College registrar evaluates the courses taken and the grades received.

How do I know if I will be accepted?

Alma College reviews all aspects of a student’s application. Academic credentials including grades, test scores, course work, quality of school, essay and recommendations are the main factors that are reviewed. Alma College seeks applicants that are diverse and we are especially interested in learning about an applicant’s extra-curricular interests, talents and leadership experience.

When will I know if I have been accepted?

International student applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Your application will be reviewed first by the international admissions representative. The application is submitted to the Admissions Committee for final approval. This process usually takes about two weeks to complete. Once the decision is final, you will be contacted by email and by formal mail with the admission decision.

Student Profile

Martin Kuustik
Graduation: 2010
Major: Business Administration
From: Saku Harju, Estonia
Interests: Greek Life, Cultural Awareness

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