International students must meet all of the requirements for admission as freshmen students. In addition, they must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of English for success in coursework at an American college.

International First Year (Freshman) Regular Decision Admission Dates and Deadlines

International First Year Spring 2020

International First Year Fall 2020

International First Year (Freshman) Regular Decision Application Process + Requirements

Step 1: Application Form

Apply using the Common Application. The application fee is $70 total ($60 application fee; $10 portfolio submission fee).

Step 2:  Portfolio of Artwork

The portfolio should be a selection of recent artwork that represents your artistic interests and demonstrates your technical skills and ability. You should include examples of artwork that reflect the full range of your ideas, interests, experience, and abilities in the arts to date. Applicants must submit a portfolio of 12-20 pieces of artwork. Please follow the instructions provided in either the Common Application or MICA Online Application to upload your portfolio submission.

International transfer applicants should follow the instructions under Application Procedures for Transfer Applicants.

Step 3: Essay

Choose one of the writing prompts listed on the Common Application and write an essay (250-word minimum).

Step 4: Letters of Recommendation

The recommendations of teachers, college counselors, or other professionals who can comment on your art and academic experiences are important to your application. At least one letter of recommendation is required for your application. Please follow the instructions provided on the Common Application to submit your recommender requests and allow them to upload their letters of support through the application service you selected.

Step 5: Activities and Interests

Compile a list of activities, interests, and honors as explained on the Common Application.

Step 6: Transcripts

Applicants must provide official transcripts of all secondary academic work. Your counselor may submit your transcript through Common Application (if you have chosen that application option), Parchment, email (records@mica.edu) or mail. Your transcripts must be translated into English by an approved translator. World Education Services (WES) is recommended, but not required.

Step 7: Test Scores

In addition to the general application requirements, all applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in both written and spoken English.  English proficiency must be proven before an official admission decision can be made.  Applicants may choose one option from among the following to demonstrate English language proficiency:

• TOEFL Test: A minimum overall band score of 75 on the IBT Test of English Language as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required.  Candidate may submit their scores digitally or as an official document in hardcopy.  MICA’s institution code is 5399.
• IELTS Test:  A minimum score of 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required.  IELTS scores may be submitted digitally or as an official document in hardcopy. MICA’s institution code is 5399.
• Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts that demonstrate at least two full years of academic success at a high school or college/university in which English is the language of instruction is required.
• SAT Test:  A minimum score of 470 on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section is required.  MICA’s institution code is 5399. 

Step 8: Immigration Information

Indicate your current immigration status and your intentions regarding immigration by completing the Immigration Information Form available online. This is required before a Form I-20 can be issued. Please complete this form even if you do not plan to study under an F-1 student visa.

Step 9: Demonstration of Ability to Finance Your Education*

Submit an Affidavit of Support and/or Certificate of Finance available online, as well as a notarized bank statement certifying that sufficient funds are available to support your study at the College. This is required before a Form I-20 can be issued.

*May be submitted upon receipt of admission notification

Review the unique considerations you'll want to make as an international student and to complete the requirements for admission. We are here to help you chart your future clearly and wisely. Questions? Reach out to the Office of Undergraduate Admission at admissions@mica.edu. 

Considerations

• International applicants should make realistic financial plans for proposed study in the United States. Certification of funds available to support each year of study at MICA will be required. We will send the certification statement form to you upon receipt of your application. Information regarding financial statements can also be found on the Admission & Financial Aid section of MICA’s Web site under Frequently Asked Questions By International Students.

• Annual expenses for international students typically run higher than for domestic students, due to travel costs and mandatory health insurance. International students are not eligible to work off campus during the first nine months of their student visa status in the United States.
• Before an international student leaves his or her home country, the student should have a letter of acceptance from MICA and a Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant (F-1) Student Status (Form I-20) from the College. Students should make certain that their passport and visa are in order before coming to the United States.