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International Students
International Students
Students from all over the world, welcome! NWC is a Christ-centered liberal arts college, located in the northern U.S. Please read the following, and then let us known how we can help.
If you don't find an answer in any of the common questions listed here, please feel free to contact us with your specific question.
How many international students attend Northwestern College?
Currently 10 percent of the student body is comprised of multicultural students including those students of minority ethnic backgrounds, international students, students studying in Quito, Ecuador, and students of missionary parents from around the world.
How does Northwestern College support international students?
We promote Christian unity in the College community and beyond. Every person on this campus is valued, and those from non-majority ethnicities and cultures are treasured for the unique perspectives they bring to the student body.
Northwestern has a department, Racial & Ethnic and Diversity On Campus (REDOC), that is devoted specifically to support and encourage all students, especially those from under-represented cultures. Staff and students alike look forward to meeting and welcoming new students into the Northwestern community.
Dawn Kilian, Director of Intercultural Unity, can provide you with connections to other students, student organizations, and even housing arrangements that help promote multicultural relationships in and around campus. There are many other people, groups, facilities and events available to help you through the obstacles that are common when moving from one culture to another, and make you feel “at home.” If you have any questions feel free to contact Dawn at ddkilian@nwc.edu.
There is also an extended Orientation program that has been created to assist international students in the adjustment to life in the U.S. and Minnesota.
As an international student how do I apply to Northwestern?
| 1. |
If English is your primary language, you should take the ACT or the SAT exam. |
| 2. |
If English is not your primary language, arrange to take the TOEFL exam. The minimum score for admission on the paper-based TOEFL is 530; the minimum score using the computer-based test is 197; and the minimum score on the Internet-based test is 71. |
| 3. |
Complete and return the Northwestern College Application for Admission, the International Student Aid Application 2008-09 Form, and the Northwestern College Financial Aid Application. |
| 4. |
When all three applications are complete, we will send you a financial aid award packet, which includes the Financial Verification Form (FVF) for the I-20. Complete the FVF and return it to the Admissions Office. The line Total Resources must balance the line Total Costs on the FVF. You must demonstrate the ability to cover the cost of an entire year of education. |
| 5. |
When we receive your Financial Verification Form in satisfactory condition and your application to the College is complete, it will be reviewed. If you are admitted, you will be sent a letter of acceptance. At that time, you will be asked to transfer $4,000 (U.S.) to the Student Accounts Office. This amount will be credited to your College bill. You will then be issued an I-20, which you will need in order to acquire a student visa to study in the U.S. [If, for some reason you are unable to attend Northwestern, your $4,000 will be refunded.] |
| 6 |
Once you have acquired an F-1 student visa, you should contact the Admissions Office to inform us of your travel plans. At that time, you will be guided through the process of registering for Fall classes and making your housing arrangements. Before you arrive on campus, you must arrange a payment plan for any remaining costs through the Student Accounts Office.
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We strongly encourage you to complete steps 1-5 by March 31. The process cannot be extended beyond June 1, and may have to be closed prior to that date. For your own sake, please do not delay.
The entire process of working through international student matters can take up to a full year from start to finish. Begin the process as early as possible. Financial Aid from Northwestern is in limited supply; it may not be available after May 1. Keep in mind that you will be working not only with the College, but with various financial institutions, your country’s embassy, and the Department of Immigration and Naturalization Services as well.
Is the TOEFL required if my native language is other than English?
Yes, unless you have taken the ACT or SAT exam and your scores are acceptable. New Student scholarships may be awarded on the basis of ACT/SAT scores and high school grades. The minimum score for admission on the paper-based TOEFL is 530; the minimum score using the computer-based test is 197; and the minimum score on the Internet-based test is 71.
What special documents are required for an international high school transcript?
A copy of your high school transcript is required, listing courses taken, number of credits, and grades received. If the transcript is in another language, a school official or other authorized person must translate it into English. Information on the school’s grading system should accompany the transcript. A diploma or certificate of graduation may be required. Official transcripts from any/all colleges attended are required. Any credits being transferred must be evaluated using one of the following evaluation services found at the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.
How much does it cost to attend Northwestern?
Tuition for the 2007-2008 school year is $20,990.
What kind of financial aid is available for international students?
International students are not eligible for Federal or State funds but may be eligible for assistance through Northwestern grants, scholarships, and on-campus employment. The NWC Grant is determined on a need-based system; on average students receive $2,000 to $12,000 including scholarships and grants, loans, and campus employment.
Who do I contact with questions regarding applying to Northwestern?
Feel free to contact Anita Cline-Cole (Admission Counselor, Multicultural Recruitment) with any questions.
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