Information for International Students/International Applicants

Skidmore College’s Office of Admissions staff members will be visiting many parts of the world in Fall 2009. If we are traveling to a city near you, we would like to meet you at your school or for an individual interview. Please feel free to contact our staff directly for appointments, schedules, and specific locations.

Students applying from abroad often have special concerns, and this information sheet is designed to help you to better understand the application process.

Statement of Visa/Residency Status

All applicants who are not citizens of the United States must include a statement of their visa or residency status along with their admissions application. This is required by the US government for both international students and non-citizens already residing in the US. Visit Student Academic Services to obtain the form.

Application deadline

The application deadline for regular admission candidates is January 15.   This deadline pertains to all supplementary forms as well.   The Admissions Office stresses the importance of early filing of all materials, especially for international students. International mail is often delayed and slower than domestic mail, so the earlier you begin the application process the earlier your application can be completed and considered.   The Admissions Office must receive your application no later than January 15.

SAT AND TOEFL exams

Skidmore requires that all candidates for admission take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) of the College Entrance Examination Board no later than December of their senior year.   If English is not your native language you must take the TOEFL examination as well.   Please note that test results are often delayed from abroad; if possible, request "rush" reporting of results.   Generally, a score of 590 (or 243 on computer based administration) on the TOEFL examination is regarded as an indicator of minimal proficiency for study at the College.

Secondary School Report Forms

When you request that your secondary school marks and/or university marks be sent to us, please be certain that they are in English or are accompanied by an English translation.   If your work does not lend itself to marks, you may submit five results of the GCSE examinations, one of which should be in English.   If your school does not provide an official transcript of your course work, please have a letter sent so that the Admissions Committee will know not to wait for that information.

Teacher Recommendations

Skidmore requires two evaluations from teachers who have taught you in ACADEMIC subjects during your junior or senior year, Form 5 or 6.   Should you wish to submit additional information from teachers in non-academic areas such as art, music or physical education, you should note that these are not to be substituted for either of the two required academic evaluations, but will be considered as supplementary material.   Such additional information is welcomed by the Admissions Committee.

Notification

Skidmore will notify candidates in late March.   Accepted candidates who wish to enroll must do so by May 1, with a payment of $500. (U.S. currency and drawn on a U.S. Bank)   Applicants who encounter difficulty because of an earlier enrollment deadline at another college should contact Mary Lou Bates, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid.

Financial Aid

U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States are eligible to apply for all forms of financial aid.   Skidmore is able to offer a VERY LIMITED number of financial aid awards to students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States.   International students applying for aid are required to file the College Board's International Student Financial Aid Application.   Full scholarship is not available, some family contribution is required, and international students ARE eligible for consideration for the Porter Presidential Scholarship in Science and Mathematics as well as the Filene Foundation Scholarship for music. Feel free to visit our
Office of Financial Aid for more details.