International Students

Requirements for International Applicants

• Prospective students must demonstrate commitment, maturity and a readiness to work and grow in an educationally creative environment.
• Completed application with $35 application fee or free online application.
• A minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score for the internet of 71 or a TOEFL with a minimum composite score of 527 on the paper-based or 197 on the computer-based test. www.toefl.org. Code 1035. Photocopied test results are not accepted.
• Official high school transcript with a minimum 2.0 grade point average.
• For Transfer Students - official college transcript(s). Applicants must have a minimum 2.0 college grade point average or meet the high school GPA requirements stated above. Please submit descriptions of your studies in each university studio class so we can determine their eligibility for transfer.
• Each transcript must be translated into English and must include the school's grading scale so we may convert your academic class grades. Please submit descriptions of your studies in each university studio class so we can determine their eligibility for transfer.
• Minimum 10-piece portfolio. (See portfolio Requirements)
• Letters of recommendation are optional.
• The application, transcripts, test scores and portfolio may be submitted separately.
• Official certification from a financial institution documenting funds to cover one year's tuition and expenses ($40.550). The actual amount available for studies must be stated in U.S. dollars.
• I-20 forms are issued after all requirements are met. An I-20 form enables a foreign student to apply for an F-1 student Visa from an American Embassy.
• All payments must be made by credit card, check (drawn on U.S. bank) or international money order.

Preparing for the Visa Interview

• Demonstrate that you have plans to return to your home country. The purpose of the Visa interview is often to "prove" you will return to your home country after finishing your academic program. Demonstrating ties such as family, property, or employment will help you make this point.
• Make sure all information on the I-20 form is correct.
• Bring all important school correspondence to the interview, such as your admission letter or email messages.
• Demonstrate adequate financial support. Bring financial documents, proof of income, or business cards (if you have been working). If financial support can be shown, it isn't necessary to have been awarded a scholarship.
• Do not use memorized text during the visa interview. Practice the interview with friends. Be prepared to answer such questions as "Where did you hear about this school?" "What do you plan to do after graduation?"
• Know the job prospects in your field in your home country.
• Do not bring family members with you to the interview. The officer wants to interview you, not your family.
• Maintain a positive attitude. Do not engage the consular officer in an argument. If you are denied a student Visa, ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal. Ask for the reason you were denied in writing.
• Tell the truth. If you have family members in the United States, you should admit it. If the consular officials believe that you are lying or have lied in an interview (with regard to family or financial status), they will probably not issue the Visa.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

For application forms, catalogs and additional information, students should review our financial aid section or contact:

Reserving Space

Commitment forms and housing applications are included with acceptance letters. Prospective students who wish to live on campus must submit the completed commitment form and housing application, commitment fee of $100 and housing security deposit of $200. Students who do not intend to live on campus must complete the commitment form and return it with a $100 commitment fee to guarantee space in the next semester's class. The commitment fee is applied directly to the first semester's tuition and is nonrefundable. The College adheres to a reply date of May 1 for the fall semester and December 1 for the winter semester. Spaces available after the reply date are filled until the enrollment limit of a department is reached. Departmental wait lists are then established.

Please bring the following documents to orientation:

• Passport
• I-94 card (the white card stapled in your passport)
• All I-20s (F-1 visa students)
• Transfer Form (for students transferring to CCS from another United States school)
• Health Insurance Card