We welcome your interest in Mills College. As an international student, you will find that understanding the American regulations on international student admission is of utmost importance to your success in enrolling in a graduate program. This information sheet describes the specific procedures that you must follow if you apply to and are admitted to Mills.

Transcripts

We will need two copies of official English translation transcripts as well as one copy of the transcripts in the native language of your undergraduate and graduate work, showing a strong academic record. Review of your transcripts is necessary to assure that an equivalent of a U.S. baccalaureate degree has been obtained.

Recommendations

Written recommendations sent in support of your application should speak to your abilities as a student, as well as your commitment to your academic purpose. Special recommendation forms are provided with the application for admission.

TOEFL Examinations

International students whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language examination (TOEFL). Graduate admission to our programs in English and Computer Science require a minimum TOEFL score of 600 for the paper exam, or 250 for the computer-based exam. All other programs require a minimum TOEFL score of 550 for the paper exam, or 213 for the computer-based exam.

Certificate of Finances

The Certificate of Finances form and bank statement are due with all other application materials.

U.S. government regulations require that international students show evidence of guaranteed funds to support their tuition and living expenses while studying in the U.S. We estimate the total cost for the 2009–2010 academic year to be approximately $46,000.

These funds may be provided by a person other than the student and this may be indicated on the Certification of Finances form. Documentation of the funds, usually in the form of a bank statement, is required.

Upon receipt of the Certificate of Finances form and all other application materials (such as transcripts, official TOEFL scores, etc.), your file will be forwarded to the graduate school or department for review.

Obtaining a Visa

When we send you the I-20 form, you will take the form, passport, and proof of your ability to support your college education (bank statements, letters of credit, scholarship letter, etc.) to the nearest U.S. consulate. An official at the consulate will stamp an F-1 visa inside your passport. Together with your I-20 form, this visa will enable you to enter the United States and to be a student at the institution named on the I-20. Should you change your mind and decide to study at another institution, you may jeopardize your student status and may not be allowed to remain in the country. Consult with the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy if you have any questions about the visa application process.

Do You Have Questions?

If you have further questions about the graduate admission application process, please contact the Office of Graduate Admission at 510.430.3309 or grad-studies@mills.edu.