Apply for Admission

• Complete Application Form

  To complete the online application, click on "Apply Now".
  A PDF blank application form is available here. Please be advised that use of this mail-in version will delay the processing of your application.

  A nonrefundable application fee is required to process your application. Download Application Fee Form to pay the fee with a credit card.

• Deadlines

  Fall Semester

  • July 1 - Application Deadline

  Classes Begin August 2013

  Spring Semester

  • November 15 - Application Deadline

  Classes Begin January 2014

  Fall semester extends from August to December; Spring semester extends from January to May.




• Bank Verification of Funds

  Department of Homeland Security and the San Mateo Colleges require each applicant to submit a bank verification of funds.

  You must submit one of the following:

  1. a formal written statement from a bank certifying that either the sponsor or the prospective student has sufficient funds (in US dollar amounts, at least $20,000) on deposit to insure full payment of expenses for the student's first year at San Mateo Colleges, or
  2. a copy of an official Affidavit of Support (Form I-134) which your sponsor plans to submit to a U.S. Consulate. Please note that this financial information will remain strictly confidential.
  
  



• English Language Proficiency Requirements

  The most common examinations accepted as proof of English proficiency from international students are TOEFL and IELTS.

  Select one of these exams or to see a complete list of approved exams and alternative ways to show proof of English proficiency,click here

  Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

  • Information about TOEFL is available at http://www.toefl.org
  • A minimum qualifying score on the iBT TOEFL is 56 (iBT is Internet-based TOEFL)
  • A minimum qualifying score on the pencil & paper TOEFL is 480, with no sectional scores below 48

  International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic.

  • Information about the IELTS is available at http://www.ielts.org
  • A minimum qualifying level of Band 5.5



• Transcripts

  Records of your grades or marks from secondary (high) school and college must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation. Applicants who are currently attending a U.S. high school must submit the seventh (7th) semester transcript to meet the ap­plication deadline. The final eighth (8th) semester transcript must be submitted when you graduate in order to complete your high school record. If you have attended more than one high school, you must submit separate transcripts from each school.

  If applicable, please submit an official copy of your transcript from all Language Institutions and/or colleges attended in the United States.

• Personal Essay

  The personal essay is an important part of your application. You are encouraged to spend time composing and writing your essay. You must print your name (Last, First, Middle) at the top of the paper. Please use ink and write clearly. In your essay, explain your goals and intent for coming to the USA to study. A recommended length for the essay is 300 words.




• Passport

  You must have a Passport that is valid for international travel. Please provide us with a copy of the information page on your passport.




• Other Documents

  The following documents are not part of the application packet. You will receive these documents from authorities in order to enter the United States after you have been admitted.
  
  
  --I-94 form (Arrival and Departure Card): This document The I-94 form is the small white card you will complete at the time of your arrival in to the United States at the port of entry --
  
  --Transfer authorization form: This document will be provided by San Mateo Colleges to students who are currently attending an institution in the United States and planning to transfer to one of the San Mateo Colleges. This form must be completed by the current institution before San Mateo Colleges Issue an I-20 form.
  
  --I-20 form: This is a certificate of your eligibility to study in the United States that will be issued to you by the college that has accepted and admitted you If you are an F-1 visa student at another institution, submit a copy of your current SEVIS Certificate of Eligibility.
  
  --Visa: The visa is your permission to travel to the United States. You must contact the U.S. Embassy or consulate in your country to apply for a student visa (F1).  If the visa is granted, it will be placed in your passport by the U.S. consulate in your country.  More information is available at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html