Road Map For International Students

Admissions Process

International students with superior scholastic records and English proficiency, as demonstrated by acceptable scores on recognized tests, are considered for admission as freshman or transfer students. Freshman applicants must be graduates of recognized secondary schools comparable in level to U.S. high schools. Transfer applicants are considered on the basis of secondary school records, as well as records of post-secondary study. Factors in making the admission decision are grades earned, subjects taken, and ability to carry a full course of study; scores on college entrance examinations such as the American College Test; appropriateness of proposed field of study in relation to the applicant's general ability; and letters of recommendation.

Steps:

  1. Complete LSUA Application for Admission

    Complete the application for admission and submit the non-refundable $ 20.00 application fee plus a $ 60.00 non-refundable international student fee (total fee - $80.00).

  2. Submit Transcripts

    To be considered for admission, the applicant must send one copy of all official transcripts - in English- describing all academic studies completed and attempted prior to the time of application. These transcripts must be in a sealed envelope from the institution attended. All information must be submitted whether or not credit was earned and no portion of the applicant=s previous academic records will be disregarded. This includes secondary and post-secondary education.

    Academic documents, both secondary and post-secondary will be required to be evaluated by an evaluation service recognized by LSUA. These evaluation services include the World Education Services (WES) and Global Credentials. You may obtain information from these evaluation services from their respective web-sites. WES: www.wes.org; Global Credentials: www.gcevaluators.com. LSUA requires a course by course evaluation.

  3. English Language Requirement

    An applicant whose native language is not English is required to submit a score of 500 or better (written test) or 173 or better (computerized test) on the test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), a test designed to evaluate proficiency in English and is determined at testing centers overseas and throughout the U.S. Information regarding this test may be obtained at the TOEFL website: www.toefl.org. You may also contact them at (609) 771-7100.

    Louisiana State University at Alexandria's TOEFL code number is 6383. Applicants who want their scores sent to LSUA should enter this code number on their answer sheet. They should also enter the code on Score Report Request Forms (when requesting TOEFL scores from tests previously taken). The TOEFL score must be sent directly to LSUA from the Educational Testing Service. LSUA cannot accept a copy of the scores.

    The TOEFL is changing! New score requirements will be posted on our website once they have been determined.

  4. Complete the Confidential Financial Information Form and Affidavit of Support

    International applicants are required to offer proof of the availability of sufficient funds to meet all costs while studying in the United States. Return the attached form with the appropriate signatures and supporting documentation of available funds. Currently, students should be able to show $15,000 per year in funds and support.

  5. Send Before the Deadline

    All materials for admission must be on file in the Admissions Office at least 90 days before the beginning of the semester in which admission is desired. When all documentation is not received by this deadline, consideration for admission will be delayed until the following semester.

  6. SEVIS Fee

    Effective September 1, 2004, most F-1 non immigrants starting initial attendance or to begin a new program (as marked on the form I-20) or starting a new academic program in the U.S., with the exception of their dependents, will be required to pay a fee of $100 prior to applying for a visa when utilizing a form I-20 at the U.S. Consulate and or U.S. Port of Entry. Students may pay either by check or money order (funds must be drawn from a U.S. bank) through the mail, or with a credit card via the internet. Additional payment methods such as the Western Union Quick Pay that allows you to pay the fee in your own currency may be available at the U.S. Consulate that you plan to visit. For instructions on how to complete the process of paying the SEVIS fee, go to: www.FMJfee.com.

  7. Required Student Visa Interview

    Any person wishing to obtain a student visa to study in the United States must go through an interview process at the American Consulate or Embassy in his or her country. This interview must be scheduled after the I-20 is received. It may take a long time to get an appointment, so students should make this appointment as soon as the I-20 is received.

    American College Test (ACT) may be taken after the arrival in the U.S. if not available in home country. The ACT is required for admission. Failure to take the ACT will result in the student's admission being canceled. If a student's admission is canceled, he or she will be out of status and must leave the United States immediately.

I-20 forms will not be issued until admission to the university has been determined.