Thank you for your interest in applying to The University of the Ozarks

Transcription

1 Thank you for your interest in applying to The University of the Ozarks We are very happy that you are considering joining University of the Ozarks. We believe Ozarks is a unique institution, and a wonderful place to study for international students. The Ozarks family is an accessible learning community where you discover and pursue your full potential, personally and professionally, to be successful. University of the Ozarks offers a broad choice of majors and minors as well as preprofessional programs. We have passionate faculty who will push you to achieve more than you can imagine. With an average size of 13, classes at U of O are all about you! In addition to receiving a personal education from an accredited and reputable university, you'll have access to a variety of campus activities and sports to meet your interests and to develop essential leadership skills. Our campus has a friendly atmosphere where you can easily become involved with many events and student organizations, develop lifelong friendships, and truly experience the American culture - both on and off campus. At Ozarks, we want you to grow academically, socially and spiritually. We are a Presbyterian institution, and faith on our campus means community, service, truth and learning. We are all there to help each other learn and grow. Located in the heart of 3 million acres worth of national forest, Ozarks has an ideal location. Hiking, camping, fishing, mountain biking, climbing, and canoeing: you name it and we will make it happen! I will be more than happy to guide you through our admission procedure and look forward to welcoming you at University of the Ozarks Florence Lebois Director of International Programs flebois@ozarks.edu

2 APPLICATION PROCESS: 1. Apply online at 2. Send us your supporting documents. To be considered for admission to the University of the Ozarks, your application and ALL supporting documents must be sent to us before the deadline. Application deadline: July 1 st for Fall admission December 1 st for Spring admission. Special immersion and summer admission- Please contact the International Office. Please use the checklist below to review items you will need to complete your application packet. Your application must be complete before it will be processed. You can send all the documents first by (scans). If you are admitted, you will need to send official copies. Please use a courier service (and keep your tracking number) to send your complete application packet to: University of the Ozarks International Programs Office 415 N. College Av Clarskville, AR USA Please feel free to send us an at flebois@ozarks.edu or to call us if you need any help or if you have any questions. APPLICATION CHECKLIST: 2 DOCUMENTS Check Completed Online application Demonstrated English proficiency Official transcript and certified English translations, if applicable Official copy of secondary school diploma (if available) Photocopy of passport page(s) showing name, date of birth, passport number and expiration date Personal statement Attach a one-page essay in your own handwriting, commenting on your background, your educational objectives at the University of the Ozarks, and your career goal(s) Financial plans Please complete the document Plans for financing your study at University of the Ozarks on page 7 of this packet. Scholarship Information - If you already have confirmation that you will be getting a scholarship, please attach official documentation from your funding organization, including duration of scholarship, expenses covered by scholarship (eg., tuition fees, room and board) and details of any restrictions on study. If you have been a student at an accredited university in your home country, you can transfer to a degree at the University of the Ozarks by sending certified (English) course descriptions, documented hours of instruction, and an official transcript.

3 3 STEP BY STEP TO ADMISSION: 1. We check your application form and supporting documents and contact you with any questions. You will receive an to confirm we have received your application. 2. We assess your English language level. Regardless of citizenship, applicants whose first language is not English must generally take one of the following exams and achieve the indicated scores in order to demonstrate English proficiency. TEST Direct admission IELTS (Academic) 6.0 (no band less than 5.5) TOEFL (Paper based) 520 TOEFL (Internet Based Test ibt) Overall score of We review your academic qualifications. 4. If your application is successful we send you a formal university acceptance letter within approximately three weeks. 5. Merit scholarships are awarded, if applicable. A separate application is not required. Eligible students will be notified of any scholarship award with their acceptance letter. We will also evaluate if you are eligible for any additional scholarship. 6. You must pay a $500 deposit (refundable if your visa is denied) to confirm your booking. 7. You must send a CONFIRMATION OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES. International applicants must submit a Confirmation of Financial Resources form (enclosed is an example of financial statement you can use) for the amount indicated on your acceptance letter, which is an estimate of the annual tuition, educational and living expenses for an academic year. We will accept an original government or company letter of sponsorship in lieu of the Confirmation of Financial Resources. 8. We will release your I-20 immigration document. 9. You then need to apply for a student visa. 10. One month before the start of the semester you must pay your remaining fees (either in full or your first installment). 11. Before your program starts, we will ask you to complete pre-arrival documents (medical, flight details etc). 12. When you arrive in the US, you will be met at the airport and taken to the campus.

4 IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Applicant contact details A permanent address outside of USA must be given, as well as any different mailing address. This is required as part of the proof that you satisfy the requirements of being an International student. This cannot be a PO Box address. Academic qualifications and experience In most cases applications for credit may only be considered once you have provided official course outlines, descriptions, assessment results and contact hours of courses for which you are seeking credit. Course outlines and descriptions must be in English; if not, please include certified official English language translations. Applications for credit are assessed on a case-by-case basis and the application process may take longer. If you apply for credit, credits and exemptions will be recorded on your official academic transcript and once granted credit and exemptions cannot be rescinded or removed. English proficiency Regardless of citizenship, applicants whose first language is not English must generally take one of the following exams and achieve the indicated score in order to demonstrate English proficiency. TOEFL and IELTS Test results are only valid for two years from the date of the test. Test results must still be valid the month your Ozarks degree program starts or they cannot be accepted. Ozarks will not accept institutional TOEFL tests, photocopies or certified copies of examinees TOEFL results. If you have not done so already, you must ask your TOEFL testing center to send your official results to University of the Ozarks. If you sat an IELTS test and you can provide an IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) number on your application form, you do not need to provide an official copy of your IELTS results to the university. If the school/university/organization you belong to has an official partnership agreement with the University of the Ozarks, an interview with the Director of the International Programs or a letter from your current English professor will be accepted as a demonstration of their proficiency in English. 4

5 5 Applicants are exempt from submitting the TOEFL or IELTS exams if: They have worked or studied in the U.S. for the last two years OR they are from countries and attended universities whose "native" language is English. Ozarks has determined those countries to be the following: American Samoa Australia Bahamas Barbados Belize Bermuda British West Indies Canada England Ghana India Ireland Mauritius New Zealand Scotland South Africa Virgin Islands Wales

6 6 FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS: All students are required to demonstrate financial ability to pay for at least one year of academic and living expenses before being issued an immigration document (i-20 or ds-2019) by the University of the Ozarks. Additionally, a deposit is generally required before any immigration document is issued. FINANCIAL DOCUMENTATION: You need to provide financial documents after you have been admitted. This must show evidence that whoever is responsible for your fees has the funds necessary for all expenses during your time at the university, without requiring employment, while in the USA or Canada. Who is paying for your expenses? Parent, guardian or a relative Provide a recent (within 3 months) copy of their bank statement - in original language and English - indicating adequate funds to support at least one full year of academic study, as well as personal expenses (accommodation, meals, insurance, books). Self-funding (you are paying) Provide a personal bank statements for last six (6) months showing regular deposits, and enough funds to support yourself for your entire program of study. Organization or government sponsorship Submit a copy of the award letter or Financial Guarantee. The document must specify the amount of money that is being provided to you and that the award is valid for each year of study.

7 7 Plans for Financing Your Study at University of the Ozarks After your admission, you will be required to submit valid supporting financial documents certifying that you have sufficient funds available to cover expenses for your first year at the University. Please complete this document with your sources of support as a first step. Personal Savings Amount: $ If full or partial financial support is from family/sponsor: Family/Sponsor Funds: (A) Amount: $ Print Name Relationship Family/Sponsor Funds (B) Amount $ Print Name Relationship Family/Sponsor Funds (C) Amount $ Print Name Relationship Government / Other Organizational Sponsorship Funds Amount $ Print Name of Agency Scholarship details (if applicable) Are you applying for a Ozarks scholarship? Name of scholarship provider: