Admissions Process for International Students

All applicants to Olivet's traditional undergraduate programs who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States must comply with the following admission requirements before the University may issue an I‑20 form to an international applicant.

1. The prospective student must complete and return a written international student application form for Olivet.
2. The prospective student must have all official transcripts sent directly from each school attended to satisfy the University that the applicant has successfully completed a course of study equivalent to that required of a US-educated applicant seeking admission at the same level. Official transcripts submitted directly from the student may be accepted at the discretion of the admission counselor if received in an envelope sealed by the school. All records submitted must be official transcripts certified by the appropriate school official and should list the subject taken, grades earned, or examination results in each subject, as well as all certificates or diplomas. These documents must be accompanied by an official English translation and an "Educational Credential Evaluators Report" secured at the applicant’s expense if the transcripts are from a school outside the U.S.
3. The applicant must take a physical examination and present medical history records. In addition, the student is required to purchase a college health insurance policy or provide proof of adequate coverage. The international student should also provide the name and address of a friend or relative in the United States who is empowered and willing to make decisions on behalf of the student in case of an emergency.
4. The University requires that the prospective student demonstrates possession of adequate English language proficiency to pursue a course of study on a full-time basis. A minimum score of 500 on the paper-based test, 173 on the computer-based test, or 61 on the internet-based test is required on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of all new undergraduate international students. A minimum score of 550 on the paper-based test, 213 on the computer-based test, or 79 on the internet-based test is required for graduate international students. If English was the medium of instruction throughout formal education, a TOEFL score may not be needed. Moreover, all students accepted for admission whose native language is not English are required to take a standardized English proficiency test upon arrival at the University. Students will be placed in appropriate English classes according to the results of the test. Instructional materials are available in the Learning Development Center for those students needing supplemental work in grammar, vocabulary, reading, and pronunciation. Students with more than 48 academic semester units from U.S. colleges/universities taken just prior to attending Olivet may be able to waive their TOEFL requirement for admission.
5. The prospective student is required to provide a notarized affidavit of financial support along with a current bank statement to confirm that he/she will be able to provide for his/her expenses (tuition and fees, books, living costs, etc.) at the University without resorting to unauthorized employment.
6. It is the responsibility of an international student on an F-1 visa to maintain full-time status. All questions should be referred to International Student Admissions in the Office of Admissions.