1. What is the TOEFL score?
   

   STUDENTS MUST OBTAIN A MINIMUM TOEFL (TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE) SCORE OF 450 PAPER-BASED, 133 COMPUTER-BASED AND 45 INTERNET-BASED.  Students who have completed their education in which English is the language of instruction will have the TOEFL waived. Students who have attended high school in the United States for a minimum of two years may be permitted to substitute this experience for the TOEFL. And, the college has cooperative agreements with ELS (English Language Schools), California State University, Northridge ESL Division and Kaplan; successful completion of specific levels at each of these intensive language schools substitutes for the TOEFL.

   Online Practice Exam
   
   
   IELTS (INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTING SYSTEM) SCORES OF 4.5 OR HIGHER ARE NOW ACCEPTED.

   Along with TOEFL, Pierce College now also recognizes STEP Eiken scores for english proficiency for Japanese students. Minimum acceptable score on this test is completion of Level 2; Level 1 or Pre-1. For more information on STEP Eiken, please click here.
   

2. How do I get an F-1 Visa?
   

   All visas are issued by the United States State Department at an Embassy or Consulate of the United States; these facilities are located outside of the United States in all countries with which this government has diplomatic relations. The college does not issue ANY visas. The college does issue the I-20 which is one of the documents required in order to apply for an F-1 visa.
   
   

3. What are my chances of obtaining an F-1 Visa?
   

   When a Visa Officer conducts your interview he/she will be looking for: your English skills, your financial resources and your intent to return to your home country when you finish your program. In countries where a lot of persons have not returned after the completion of their education, it can be very difficult to obtain a visa. It is, however, the Visa Officer’s wish to be able to assist you in pursuing your education in the United States if you meet the criteria for visa issuance. 
   
   

4. What is an I-20?
   

   The I-20 is called the "Certificate of Eligibility". On this form the college says to the United States Government that you are eligible to attend this educational institution. The student must have an I-20 to obtain a visa; the final decision to issue a visa rests with the Embassy.
   

5. What do I need to do to get an I-20?
   

   First, you must be accepted to the college. Then we will issue an I-20.
   
   

6. How does the I-20 differ from the visa?
   

   The I-20 gives you permission to attend a specific school: The visa gives you permission to enter the United States to attend that school.
   
   

7. How do I get accepted to the college?
   

   In order to be considered for admission, all of the following documents must be on file with the college by the deadline dates:

   • Processing fee
   • International Students Application to the college
     
   • Financial statement verifying availability of required funds to support this educational endeavor
     
   • Verification of English skills with a TOEFL score of 450 paper based, 133 computer based or 45 internet based
     
   • Academic records -- original (with notarized English translation) documents indicating graduation from secondary school; mark sheets or transcripts must be filed. All college transcripts from foreign and American Colleges must be included.
     
   • Transfer letter from previous college in United States.
     
   • Copies of passport and visa information and I-94
     
   • Three passport size photographs
     

   Once the file is complete, an admissions decision is made. If a student is denied admission, they must wait one year to reapply.
   

8. Do I have to submit high school transcripts if I already have a university degree?
   

   Yes. A high school transcript is always required. If you have already completed a university degree you must also provide a statement about why you wish to attend a school which offers courses below the academic level that you have already completed.
   
   

9. How long does it take to find out if I am admitted?
   

   No admissions decision is made until the application is complete. Usually, it takes about 10 days from the time the application is complete until the time that admissions materials are sent by mail to the applicant.
   
   

10. Can I change my status from a B1/B2 to an F1?
    

    The Change of Status is requested by submitting the necessary paperwork to the Immigration Services where they make the decision about this kind of change. Please notice that if there is any restriction on your B1/B2 visa which will prevent from filing for a change of status, it will not be possible to process your change of status in the United States. A Change of Status in the United States does NOT mean you will get a new visa; this is a separate decision which is made by the Visa Officer at the Embassy at such time as you leave the United States and you plan to return to the US. Since April of 2002 the laws have been changed regarding B visas. Please see an attorney for further information.
    
    

11. Is there a DEADLINE to apply?
    

    Yes. All application paper work must be received by the deadline. If a student fails to meet the deadline for a given semester, they will be given the opportunity to have their application considered for the following semester. This is called a "deferral".
    
    

12. When do I get my I-20?
    

    The I-20 is prepared as soon as a student is admitted. If the student is out-of-country, it is forwarded to the student. If the student is in-country, the I-20 is held in the office pending verification of the student’s current visa status and the need for additional adjudication. 
    
    

13. Do you have an Intensive English program?
    

    No.
    
    

14. Do I have to pay tuition as a part of the admissions process?
    

    No. You can only pay for classes after you have register from them. It is the last step in your registration process.
    
    

15. Are there any scholarships for international students?
    

    At the present time, there is no financial aid available to international students. Each student is expected to fund their education from their own resources.
    
    

16. Do you have dormitories on the campus?
    

    No. Most students live in apartments or rooms in the vicinity of the college. There are home stay programs in our area as well. Please click here to view Host Home Information.
    
    

17. Do I need a car in Los Angeles or is there a good public transportation system?
    

    We do have a bus system but it is not as convenient as public transportation in other major cities in the United States or other parts of the world. Students either try to find housing on a direct bus route or buy a bicycle. A car certainly makes getting around the city much easier although many students find that they are able to function quite well without one.
    
    

18. Can I get from the airport to the campus?
    

    No. That is a service that is not available. Do not take a taxi from the airport to the college because it is too expensive.
    
    

19. Can I work while I am in the United States?
    

    A student may work on campus after completing their first successful semester but they may not accept employment off-campus without authorization by the Immigration Service. This authorization may only be obtained at times of extreme economic necessity or for practical training at the end of the educational program.
    
    

20. Are university programs the same as they are in my country?
    

    No. The United States is one of the few countries of the world which requires a number of courses in what is called general education; it is the program which is completed during the first two years of university for most majors. Regardless of the major or the high school attended, every student must complete general education.
    
    

21. What types of courses are available at Pierce College?
    

    Please refer to the general information about the college for the courses of study that are available. One of the biggest differences between university programs in the United States and many other countries is that you must have a bachelor’s degree before you can study law, medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine and other professional programs.
    
    

22. Are degrees and certificates from Pierce recognized?
    

    Pierce is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. That means that courses completed at this college which are university level can be applied to programs at any another college/university in the United States. Whenever you take courses across international borders, there may be challenges to the acceptance of course work because university programs differ so greatly from country to country. The Associate Degree is more common in the United States than in other countries and you may experience some challenges in having the degree accepted because there is no comparable degree in your country. The college is willing to assist in whatever way possible to provide detailed information about course contents and degree requirements.

If you have any more questions, please contact us by
Telephone [+1 818-719-6417], by Fax [+1 818-710-2504], or by Email [intlstu@piercecollege.edu].
Our friendly staff will make every effort to assist you.

L.A. Pierce College International Students Program - 6201 Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills, California 91371

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