In addition to an application, letter of recommendation, and portfolio review or acting audition (if applicable), international applicants must submit:
First-Year Applicants
Transcripts: Submit the original or certified true copy of your secondary school transcript with a literal translation in English performed by a licensed translator and signed in ink. The academic report should include a list of subjects studied, a qualitative rating on a course-by-course basis, and an overall rating.
Test Scores: SAT/ACT scores are optional for F-1 high school students in the U.S. Other applicants should submit either SAT/ACT scores or proof of English language proficiency:
- TOEFL (minimum 79iBT; section scores: Reading- 20, Listening- 19, Speaking- 22, Writing- 18). Our TOEFL school code is 2039.
- IELTS (minimum 6.0 Band Score, no individual section below 5.0).
- ITEP (minimum 4.5, no section below 4.0)
- Duolingo (minimum 100)
Transfer Applicants
Transcripts: If the college or university you are transferring from is in the U.S. and you have earned 30 credits (or more), you should request official transcript(s) from each school attended.
- If the college or university is outside the U.S., you must also submit a course-by-course transcript evaluation by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member and either your SAT/ACT scores or proof of English language proficiency (see First-Year Applicants). Most students use WES.
If you have completed less than 30 post-secondary credits, please refer to the requirements for First-Year Applicants.
Additional Requirements
You may also be required to submit:
- Official secondary school leaving certificate or diploma.
- Official comprehensive national examinations (such as GCE, SSSCE, and CXC exams).
Enrollment Management reserves the right to request proof of English Language proficiency of any student applying to the University.
Submitting Documents
All credentials, except the NACES College Transcript Evaluations, can be scanned and emailed to international@arcadia.edu for a preliminary admissions review to take place. Original hard copies must be mailed to the Office of Enrollment Management (450 S. Easton Road, Glenside, Pa., 19038).
Application Deadlines
For most programs, applications are considered throughout the year. To be assured of consideration, students should consult their program of choice and/or apply by May 1 (for fall) or Oct. 1 (for spring). For the fall semester, applications may be reviewed after May 1, but no later than June 1.
Admitted International Students
Declaration of Finances
Your Declaration of Finances will demonstrate that you have the funds to cover tuition and living expenses for one year (minus scholarships). Submit an official bank statement—within three months of the semester you applied for—that includes:
- The bank’s official name and seal;
- Your full legal name (or your sponsor’s);
- If you’re starting in the fall: Consecutive transactions from February, March, and April;
- If you’re starting in the spring: Consecutive transactions from September, October, and November;
- The official currency of the statement.
If you have a sponsor, they must submit a Letter of Support that states:
- Their full legal name;
- Their relationship to you;
- The amount of support to be given;
- The duration of the financial support.
You should plan to submit in early May to begin the review process as quickly as possible.
Student Visa
Students requiring an I-20 for the first time must present an I-20 or DS-2019 form—issued by Arcadia once your Declaration of Finances is reviewed and accepted—to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. You’ll receive your form via express mail, and must submit the I-20 mailing form to ensure timely delivery.
You should apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate. Call the office in your country to see what documentation is required for the application, and remember that you will need to schedule an interview as part of the process. Since many consular posts process applications by mail, you should allow plenty of time (the busiest months are June, July, and August).
If you’re currently attending a U.S. school on an F-1 visa, transfer your I-20 record and submit a copy of your passport photo page, your F-1 visa, and your current I-20.
Depositing
Once your Declaration of Finances has been reviewed and approved, you’ll submit your deposit using one of the links above, by sending a U.S. check or money order, or by completing a wire transfer of funds. Let Enrollment Management know how you plan to deposit, and we’ll send you transaction requirements.
