VSCC - Welcome

residents and citizens of foreign countries living in the United States. There are several admissions classifications for these applicants.

Regardless of academic classification, students whose native language is not English and who are not official permanent residents of the United States will be required to take the TOEFL or MELAB prior to enrollment at VSCC, unless enrolling in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes only. The minimum required score on the TOEFL is 500, or 173 on the computer - based TOEFL. The minimum required score on the MELAB is 72. The minimum test score requirement does not apply to students who have already successfully completed all required ESL courses at VSCC. Permanent residents are not required to take the TOEFL or MELAB. Exceptions may be made for transfer students who have satisfied all freshman English composition requirements with a "C" or better at another institution of higher learning. A similar exception may be made for students who completed high school in a country where the native language is English. Language testing is not required for students whose native tongue is English.

Note: The MELAB is given at VSCC each semester. Dates, fees, and time information is available from the Office of Counseling and Testing.

Non Degree Seeking Students Who Wish To Enroll in ESL Classes Only.

Students living in the United States who wish to enroll ONLY in ESL (English as a Second Language) classes may do so by following the steps below. Please note that students holding or applying for F- 1 and M-1 visas are not eligible for the non-degree status.

1. Complete and submit the application form with a $10.00 nonrefundable application fee. Indicate on the application that you will be an ESL student.

2. Submit a photocopy of both sides of the permanent residency card (also known as the Form I-551 or "green card"), visa, or other immigration authorization. A PASSPORT IS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE IMMIGRATION AUTHORIZATION.

3. Take the required institutional placement tests. These are given by appointment by the Office of Counseling and Testing. Testing takes two or more hours to complete.

4. Register and enroll in the ESL class or classes determined by placement assessments.

Other Non-Degree Seeking International Students

SOME international students living in the United States are eligible to enroll in classes other than ESL without pursuing a degree. Please note that students holding or applying for F-1 or M-1 visas are not eligible for the non-degree status. Contact the Assistant Director of Records and Registration if you are unsure of your eligibility for non-degree status. Non-degree applicants must complete the following steps:

1. Complete and submit the application form with a $10.00 nonrefundable application fee. Indicate on the application that you wish to be a non-degree student.

2. Submit a photocopy of both sides of the permanent resident card (also known as the Form I-551 or "green card"), visa, or other immigration authorization. A PASSPORT IS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE IMMIGRATION AUTHORIZATION.

3. Submit proof of required immunizations. 4 Take any required placement tests. International Students Holding or Applying for F-1 or M-1 Visas These students must complete ALL requirements by October 1 for spring term, March 1 for summer term, or June 1 for fall term.

Students holding or applying for F-1 or M-1 visas MUST apply as degreeseeking students. These students will be required to pay out-ofstate tuition, and must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Submit a completed application form with a $10.00 non-refundable application fee. Applications which are not filled out completely and correctly will be returned to the applicants.

2. Submit official copies of academic records from secondary schools and higher education institutions, showing graduation or completion dates if applicable. Transcripts or records which are not in English should be accompanied by notarized or certified translations. In addition, students wishing to receive transfer credit for courses taken outside the United States may be required to submit course descriptions, or have their educational credentials assessed by an evaluation service.

3. Achieve a minimum score of 500 on the TOEFL, 173 on the computer-based TOEFL, or a minimum score of 72 on the MELAB, and have the official scores sent to VSCC. An applicant whose native language is not English may be exempted from the TOEFL or the MELAB requirement, provided that student has satisfied all freshman English composition requirements with a grade of "C" or better at a college or university in the United States. A similar exemption may be made for students who graduated from high school in the United States or from secondary school in another country where the native language is English.

4. Submit an Affidavit of Support form, available from the Admissions and Records Office. The form must be completed by the student's sponsor, and signed or notarized by the sponsor's bank.