Oglethorpe University

Oglethorpe University International Student Admissions

International students make up about 9% of the total student body at Oglethorpe University. Applicants from other countries should abide by the application admission deadlines and submit all the required documents, have an average GPA, medical data and health insurance for one entire academic year.

The selection committee goes through all the applications thoroughly and there is also time to submit additional materials like non-academic certificates or SAT/ACT scores. An international applicant aiming to attend Oglethorpe University should submit the following:

• Completed application.
• All academic transcripts from higher secondary and secondary institutions, as well as any other post-secondary institutes attended should be submitted. The university might require the official English translations of the transcripts through a trusted agency like SpanTran.
• The application fee is generally waived for students who apply before November 1st. After that, an application fee of 50 USD is required for the admissions application.
• Optional LOR.
• Results from local examinations like ICSE, IGCSE, CBSE etc should be included. These score reports should be evaluated by an evaluated agency explaining the grading system.
• A copy of the passport as well as immigration documents.
• English proficiency test scores.
• A certificate of finances should be completed and important materials like bank statements declaring financial stability of the candidate or an external sponsor’s affidavit of support should be provided.
• Medical records and immunization records.
• SAT and ACT scores are optional.
• Interview is optional but recommended.
• A personal video submission can be a part of the application process. Videos can be uploaded on Petrel Portal and should include a video of the applicant talking about their aspirations, future goals, interests, perspectives or anything related. It should be 1-2 minutes long in duration.
• CV/Resume is optional.
• SOP is optional.

Oglethorpe University English Proficiency Requirements

Oglethorpe University requires proof of English proficiency from students who hail from other countries. The english proficiency tests accepted and minimum scores required are provided below:

Visa Process for International Students

International students who wish to study at Oglethorpe University should obtain a US student visa in order to enter the country. For getting a student visa, it is mandatory to get hold of an i-20 form, issued from the institute after the candidate has been accepted as a student.

• To get an i-20 form, a student needs to provide bank statements displaying financial stability and a letter from the bank demonstrating the availability of sufficient funds to pay the student’s tuition fee.
• Official copies of the passport pages are also required.
• Academic transcripts, English proficiency test scores and other materials are also part of the application process.

After Oglethorpe University has checked and reviewed the applications, they will let the applicant know if they have been accepted within approximately 2-3 weeks. An application package will arrive for the candidate containing the i-20 form and acceptance letter from the university.

Once the i-20 form has been issued, the F-1 or J-1 application procedure should be started. The embassy should be contacted for the visa interview appointment. Each embassy conducting the interview has its own interview policies so they should be contacted beforehand to avoid any discrepancies. For attending a visa interview, the following documents are required:

• Passport valid for six months beyond the student’s intended stay period in the USA.
• One passport size picture which should not be older than 6 months.
• Visa application fee receipt.
• Visa interview appointment letter.
• DS-156 application for non-immigrant visa.
• For males, DS-157 or DS-158 is required.
• I-20 form issued by the university.
• Acceptance letter from Oglethorpe University.
• SEVIS fee receipt displaying the amount, which is 350 USD.
• Form DS-7002 is required in case of J-1 applicants.
• Academic transcripts from all previous institutions attended.
• Evaluated score reports from all previous institutions.
• Financial information revealing the ability of the student to pay the university’s tuition fee and must include bank statements/financial affidavit from an external sponsor.
• Evidence demonstrating purpose of study, arrangements made upfront before arriving at the US, evidence of employment (in case of J-1 applicants) or assets of a sponsor.
• Results from standardized tests like SAT/ACT and/or english proficiency tests like TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo.
• Evidence that once the course is completed, the candidate will go back to their home country usually in the form of an air ticket.

After the completion of the interview, a consular representative will let the applicant know if any additional steps are required. Once everything has been taken care of and the candidate has successfully cleared all the steps required, the embassy will grant a US student visa to them.