Southwestern College

Admissions

All students who do not live in an area immediately surrounding Southwestern College should be aware that the college does not provide on-campus housing. Students needing housing will be responsible for locating their own accommodations and should thus make that a priority when applying to and registering for classes at the college.

Southwestern College has an open enrollment policy and admissions to the college is extremely easy. Citizens of the United States that wish to apply for credit courses may simply go to the school website and complete the online College Admissions application. Students will then receive registration and tuition information and a student identification number via email. In order to register for continuing education classes, there are two different applications. The first is for noncredit courses that are offered at no cost to he student. These courses are federally subsidized and may be applied for by downloading the Noncredit Application and submitting it in person. Any courses requiring a fee may be applied for online by completing the Fee-Class Registration Form.

International students may download the International Student Information and Registration Packet. For potential students who live within seventy-five miles of the border, the school requires the International Commuter Student Application which is also available online. Students should be aware that Southwest College requires proof of proficiency in speaking, understanding, reading and writing English because a student who does not have full command of the English language will not be able to succeed in coursework. In order to prove proficiency all international students must take and pass with a minimum score the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). This requirement is waived if the student is a resident of a country that has English as a primary language in its educational system. Students required to take the TOEFL must have scores submitted directly to the college prior to application deadlines.

International students must also have graduated from the equivalent of high school or obtained a GED. Official transcripts must be sent in certified English-translated form along with transcripts of any college work completed, immigration documents, and financial resources that provide proof of ability to pay for tuition, books and fees. Students seeking admission are also required to write a short, hand-written essay outlining educational goals and personal background. Applications for the fall semester must be submitted by April 30 and applications for the spring semester are due by October 1.

Acceptance letters for international students will be sent approximately thirty days after the application deadline. Once accepted, the student must then submit a non-refundable deposit that will be applied to tuition upon registration. Southwestern College will then provide an I-20 form. Next, students will need to complete three steps in order to complete the registration process. First, orientation must be attended. Forms such as a passport/visa, Form I-20 and Form I-94 must be produced by the student at this time. Next, the student will need to take the placement tests and participate in academic advising. While attending, international students must be enrolled in a minimum of twelve credit hours per semester and maintain a minimum grade point average. Students must also obtain the Accident and Sickness Insurance Policy available via the college.