Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions

Q: What are the admissions criteria? 

Answer

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.

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

Answer

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.

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

Answer

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

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

Answer

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.

Q: Can I have my TOEFL or IELTS scores waived?

Answer

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

Q: Does Allegheny College offer interviews?

Answer

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.

Q: Can I defer my offer of admission?

Answer

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

Q: How can I visit campus virtually/in person?

Answer

To schedule a visit to campus or visit campus online please visit https://sites.allegheny.edu/admissions/visit-allegheny-virtually/

Costs, Tuition, and Scholarships

Q: What is the total cost of attendance?

Answer

For details please visit  https://sites.allegheny.edu/finserv/feescharges/

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

Answer

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.

Q: How can I get a job on campus?

Answer

To work on campus you should complete a job application and submit it to the supervisor of the job. To find more about on-campus jobs please refer to the site https://sites.allegheny.edu/studentemployment/

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

Answer

The Certification of Finances can be found herePlease 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 Requirements

Q: What are the visa requirements for international students?

Answer

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.

Q: How and when Do I receive the I-20?

Answer

All international shipments go through the eShip Global shipping service. For more details please visit https://sites.allegheny.edu/internationalstudentservices/services/i-20-shipping-information/

Majors and Academics

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

Answer

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 https://mindovermajor.allegheny.edu/#/ and for additional information on these programs, please visit https://sites.allegheny.edu/academics/

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

Answer

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.

Q: How large are the classes?

Answer

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

Q: What are the graduation requirements?

Answer

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 https://sites.allegheny.edu/registrar/academic-policies/graduation-requirements/

Housing, Student Organizations, and Campus Life

Q: Are students required to live on campus?

Answer

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

Q: What housing options are offered to international students?

Answer

To view the full list of housing options please visit https://sites.allegheny.edu/residencelife/housing-information/

Students may also apply for special interest housing, including the Max Kade International Wing.   For more information please visit https://sites.allegheny.edu/residencelife/special-interest-housing/max-kade-international-wing/

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

Q: What meal plan options are offered at Allegheny College? 

Answer

To view the list of meal plans please visit /https://sites.allegheny.edu/finserv/meal-plans

Q: What clubs and organizations are there on campus?

Answer

To find the list of clubs and organizations please visit https://sites.allegheny.edu/studentlife/clubs-organizations/

International students might particularly be interested in the International Club.  For more information please visit https://sites.allegheny.edu/studentinvolvement/student-organizations/diversity/international-club/

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

Answer

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.  For more information about life in Meadville please visit https://sites.allegheny.edu/studentlife/life-in-meadville-pa/.

For an Interactive map of Meadville and more information on student life please visit https://sites.allegheny.edu/studentlife/

For information regarding annual on-campus events and traditions please visit https://sites.allegheny.edu/studentinvolvement/annual-events-traditions/

More Information From Admissions and Students

For more information you are welcome to contact admissions@allegheny.edu or connect with Allegheny College International Club at ic@allegheny.edu or @ac_international_club on Instagram.

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