How to Apply
International Students
St. Mary's is registered with SEVIS, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, and is authorized to issue I-20's to international students so that they can apply for an F-1 Student Visa. In addition to the regular application for admission, international students must submit a bank verified financial statement following the steps below.
For questions relating to academic program features or student life, please contact Ronda Sheffield, Director of International Admissions (rsheffield@smschool.us).
Application Dates
Parents may submit the application with the $160 application fee after September 15th. Applications, including the family interview, must be completed by February 15th. After February 15th any remaining openings will be filled on a rolling admission basis.
Step 2 - The Parent Statement
Parents are asked to share their perspectives on their student’s abilities and strengths, as well as areas where growth is desired.
Step 3 - The Student Statement
The student will be asked to answer a series of questions designed to give the Admission Committee an understanding of his or her areas of interest and to assist the Committee in making a decision that matches the student’s aptitudes and skills with our curriculum.
Step 4 - Request for Transcripts
We ask that you include the last two years of grade reports, translated into English, including any testing results with your application. We do not require official transcripts directly from the students current school.
Step 5 - Submit TOEFL Testing Scores (Optional)
We strongly recommend submitting the TOEFL score. Although the TOEFL is not required for admission to St. Mary's School, most students do submit their scores which gives the admission's committee an accurate view of the student's English skills. For more information on TOEFL testing or to schedule a test date, please go to www.ets.org. When submitting scores please use the St. Mary's School TOEFL code 6262.
Step 6 - Confidential Financial Statement
In order to issue an I-20 form, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement requires that all parents of applicants submit proof of their ability to support their child's studies. This documentation is usually required when applying for an F-1 visa in which case you may submit a copy of the F-1 application instead of the Confidential Financial Statement.
Step 7 - Schedule an Admission Interview
When you have submitted your complete application to the Admission Office, you will be contacted for an interview. Admission interviews generally take about 20 minutes and are an informal, “get-to-know-you” time in which we will also look for English proficiency. International students may conduct the interview over the phone.
Step 8 - F-1 Visa Transfer for Students Already in the U.S.
If you are transferring from another school in the U.S. and already have a F-1 Visa, please sign the top portion of the International Student Transfer Form and submit it with your application.
Decisions
Admission decisions will be mailed in March. You will be notified by mail and will have two weeks to return the enrollment contract sent with acceptance letters.
After February 15 any remaining openings will be filled on a rolling admission basis. For these applications, the Admission Committee will mail decisions within two weeks of the interview.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms Ronda Sheffield, Director of International Admissions (rsheffield@smschool.us) or email admissions@smschool.us.
