Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take the TOEFL if I am attending an English-Medium School?

Yes, unless you are a native speaker of English or English is an official language in your country.

What is the TOEFL score requirement?

Do I need to take the SAT?

We strongly prefer that you take the SAT in the fall of your final year of secondary school. In some countries it is very difficult to schedule the test due to the lack of available dates, political unrest or financial hardship. In such cases, the SAT is not required.

Do you accept the Common Application?

Yes. We prefer that you use the College of St. Scholastica International Application but will accept the Common Application available on the Common App website.

What are the deadlines for applications?

We prefer to have all application materials in hand no later than March 1, but we will continue to accept regular applications until July 1. After that date it is not practical to complete the necessary paperwork and issue the I-20 in time to schedule the visa interview and make travel plans. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Applications for the January term should be submitted by October 15.

Does St. Scholastica admit transfer students?

Yes, St. Scholastica welcomes transfer students. Contact Beth Kleinschmidt, our international admissions counselor, for more information.

Can I finish my application first, then forward the rest of the required documents or are they all due at the same time?

You can complete your application first, then forward the remaining required documents to Beth Kleinschmidt, our international admissions counselor. All documents are due by July 1. 

What is St. Scholastica’s policy regarding the use of agents?

Agents who may be retained by students to help with the application process are not recognized as representatives of The College of St. Scholastica and do not have a contractual agreement or partnership to represent the College. 

What are the visa requirements for international students?

In order to study full-time in the United States, international students need to apply for and be approved for the F-1 student visa. Students apply for the F-1 student visa in their home country at the U.S. Embassy. Please view information on how to apply for the F-1 visa on the U.S. Embassy website for the embassy in your home country. The process varies slightly from country to country. Note: Canadian citizens do not need to apply for a U.S. visa, their F-1 status is approved upon entry to the U.S.

Once a student has applied, been accepted and provided all the necessary documents to The College of St. Scholastica, we will issue the I-20 for a student to apply for an F-1 visa. St. Scholastica’s Office of International Programs (OIP) will issue the I-20 and direct students through the visa process.

How do I pay my SEVIS fee?

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires each student issued an initial Form I-20 to pay a fee before applying for a visa. Click here to access the SEVIS fee website.

A fee of $350 must be paid at least three days before your visa interview, and you must bring the receipt with you to the interview. Please carefully read the instructions for fee payment. It is recommended that you pay the SEVIS fee using a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express credit card because you will be able to print out an online receipt immediately. If you do not have one of these credit cards, try to find someone who does and who could pay for you. Then you can reimburse that individual.

Once the fee is paid, you may attend a visa interview at your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Due to recent changes to visa processing and special clearances needed for some applicants, you are strongly encouraged to schedule your visa application appointment as early as possible.

What is the process for travel and entry to the U.S.?

Upon approval of the F-1 student visa international students can make their travel plans to the U.S. The Office of International Programs (OIP) will provide information to students on how to ensure travel to the U.S. and through U.S. Immigration and Customs is as smooth as possible.

Do you offer an ESL program?

The College of St. Scholastica does not offer an ESL program, however Beth Kleinschmidt, our international admissions counselor, can refer you to available ESL options.

May I transfer credits from other institutions?

Academic transcripts from other institutions are carefully reviewed by the College and credit is awarded as appropriate. Those who have taken IB, AP and similar advanced coursework are eligible to have credits awarded for their work.

What degrees does The College of St. Scholastica offer?

The College offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees. Find a list of all our degree programs.

How do I get advice from professionals regarding career paths and career exploration?

The College of St. Scholastica has a career services department dedicated to helping students explore and identify a career path. Learn more about Career Services.

What if I don’t know what major I want to pursue?

No problem. The College of St. Scholastica has a Deciding Major program that assists students in making this important decision.

Do you have an honors program? How do I become a part of it?

The College of St. Scholastica does offer an honors program for its undergraduate students. Learn more information about the honors program.

What honors courses or programs are available?

Learn more information about honors courses.

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes. The College of St. Scholastica awards merit-based scholarship funds (Benedictine Scholarships) to students based on an evaluation of their application and the accompanying materials (i.e., Official transcripts - curriculum pursued and cumulative GPA, test scores (i.e., IELTS, TOEFL, ACT or SAT).  

Note: Scholarship terms will not be changed once a student arrives on campus. The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years or until receiving a bachelor's degree as long as you maintain full-time enrollment status and Satisfactory Academic Progress.  

Do you offer any athletics scholarships or financial aid?

As a NCAA Division III school, The College of St. Scholastica does not offer athletics scholarships. Learn more information about scholarships and finances.

Can I apply for other scholarships? How do I do so?

Students are welcome to apply for outside scholarships. See the Office of International Programs website for more information on other scholarships.

Can I create a payment plan for my tuition?

The College of St. Scholastica does offer payment plans. Learn more information about payment options and plans.

What is the cost of attendance?

Learn more information about annual expenses.

May I work to assist in funding my schooling?

An international student may work on campus, although on campus employment hours are both restricted by the U.S. government and by the College. Freshmen are allowed to work 10 hours per week during the semester per College policy. Sophomore, junior and senior students may work 15-20 hours per week during the semester per College policy.

Priority for applying for on campus employment is given to students who are awarded employment as part of their scholarship. Immigration rules allow international students to work no more than 20 hours per week during the semester and 40 hours per week during school breaks.

Off campus employment is allowed in very specific circumstances and only allowed after the student has been in school full-time for one academic year. See the Office of International Programs website for more information on employment in the U.S.

May I work?

An international student may work on campus, although on campus employment hours are both restricted by the U.S. government and by the College. Freshmen are allowed to work 10 hours per week during the semester per College policy. Sophomore, junior and senior students may work 15-20 hours per week during the semester per College policy.

Priority for applying for on campus employment is given to students who are awarded employment as part of their scholarship. Immigration rules allow international students to work no more than 20 hours per week during the semester and 40 hours per week during school breaks.

Off campus employment is allowed in very specific circumstances and only allowed after the student has been in school full-time for one academic year. See the Office of International Programs website for more information on employment in the U.S.

How do I get advice from professionals regarding career paths and career exploration?

The College of St. Scholastica has a career services department dedicated to helping students explore and identify a career path. Learn more about Career Services. Student academic and career clubs, such as the pre-med club or math club, are also great resources. View a list of the clubs and organizations on campus.

What opportunities are available for undergraduate research?

Undergraduate research opportunities are available. See what research opportunities you can find at CSS and other research institutions. Read this story about a St. Scholastica international student’s summer research experience.

Are there volunteer opportunities?

Volunteerism is an important part of student life at The College of St. Scholastica. Volunteer opportunities are available through student clubs, departments and VITA (Volunteers Involved Through Action).

What is the weather like in Minnesota?

Minnesota, like the rest of the northern states and countries, has four seasons. You will need to be prepared both for beautifully warm days and for cold and snowy winter weather. Our international students greatly enjoy the range of winter activities available.

May I live off campus?

All undergraduate students (U.S. and International) are required to live on campus their freshman and sophomore years (first two years). This enables students to easily participate in campus activities and get to know their classmates and professors quickly. With permission, students may be approved to live off campus after their sophomore year.

May I stay on campus during breaks, including summer?

Yes. There is a charge for room rental during the summer break only. During other short breaks (Thanksgiving, winter break, spring break and Easter break), there is no additional room charge. During all breaks, students will have to provide and prepare their own food because dining services are limited or closed. The Office of International Programs office is staffed and available during breaks and there are international students that stay on campus during all break periods. Students usually work on campus and social events are arranged during each break.

Is there an international student orientation?

Yes, international student orientation is mandatory for all new international students. Students are able to arrive early on campus, move into their dorm room or apartment and are then provided the necessary information in order to adjust and be successful at college and in the U.S. See the Office of International Programs website for more information about orientation.

Do I need health insurance?

Yes, all international students are required to opt-in (enroll) in the College's health insurance plan. See the Student Health Insurance page for more information. All students also need to pay a student health services fee. Learn more information about the student health services fee.

What is housing like on campus?

Freshmen live in Somers Hall, which provides dorm and suite rooms for more than 400 students. Somers Hall also includes Greenview Dining Room, laundry facilities, lounges and kitchenettes. Please see the Residential Life website for more information about the housing available on campus.

Are there student clubs?

The College of St. Scholastica has more than 65 student clubs. View a list of the clubs and organizations on campus.