International Student Admissions (ADM 100-004)

1.0 Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the requirements and procedures for international students applying to Baker College's undergraduate and graduate degree programs. This policy was developed to ensure that Baker College provides clear guidelines and requirements for international students seeking admission to its undergraduate and graduate programs.

2.0 Definitions

Graduate Student - A graduate student is an individual who has already earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and is pursuing advanced studies in a specific field. Graduate students are enrolled in programs leading to a master's or doctoral degree.

International Student - A student who takes college courses in a country other than their home country.

Running Start Student - A student who is still in high school and taking college courses at the same time.

Undergraduate Student - A college or university student who has graduated from high school but has not yet earned a bachelor’s degree.

3.0 Scope

The scope of this policy encompasses all aspects related to the admission of international students to Baker College's undergraduate and graduate programs.

4.0 Policy Statement

Baker College welcomes applicants from countries other than the United States in our undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

International students are welcome to attend Baker College through the Online Program or Resident Program.

Residential Program

An application must be submitted with enough time to obtain a student visa by submitting all of the necessary documents, having their transcripts evaluated so that Baker College can issue an I-20. Following the I-20 issuance the student will  complete an interview with the consulate from their home country.

For undergraduate students to maintain their student visa they must be enrolled in at least 12 credits, 9 of these credits must be taken on a physical campus.

5.0 Procedures

Application Submission

• International students must submit their applications, fees, academic transcripts, and proof of English proficiency through the Baker College admissions portal.
  • International students are required to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) examination and earn a minimum score of 64 on the TOEFL iBT Test for admission to the college.
  • This requirement may be waived if the official language of the country of education is English, the student achieved a minimum SAT score of 450 on Evidence Based Reading/Writing, or an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.0 or greater.
• The admissions office ensures all submitted documents are complete and meet specified requirements.

Visa Requirements

• Non-Canadian international students must fulfill student visa requirements.
• Upon acceptance, Baker College issues a Form I-20 for the student to apply for a visa in their home country.
• The admissions office guides students through the visa application process and ensures compliance with U.S. immigration regulations.

Transcript Evaluation

• International students who wish to transfer credits must have their transcripts evaluated by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) affiliated organization.
• Evaluation results, including U.S. degree equivalencies, course grades, and overall GPAs, are sent directly to Baker College from the evaluation company.

Advanced Tuition Deposit

• International students are required to make an advanced tuition deposit as part of the enrollment process.
• The admissions office ensures the deposit is received and recorded before finalizing the student's admission.

Resident Program Specifics

• Students applying for the Resident Program must start the application process with enough time to obtain a student visa.
• The admissions office provides acceptance letters and Form I-20s to approved applicants.

Graduate Program

• Graduate program applicants must meet higher English proficiency standards and have their undergraduate transcripts evaluated by a U.S. credential evaluation service.
• The Center for Graduate Studies oversees the admission process for international graduate students.

Running Start Program

International students for any dual enrollment program must fulfill student visa requirements and make an advanced tuition deposit. International Running Start students are required to take the TOEFL examination and earn a minimum score of 61 on the TOEFL iBT Test or achieve an IELTS score of 5.5 or greater. A personal interview may also be required.

The admissions office ensures compliance with these additional requirements.

Online Program

With our Online Program, students are able to earn a degree from anywhere in the world. Many of our undergraduate and graduate degree programs are fully available online — no on-campus classes or meetings required. To apply for our Online Program for international students, you’ll need to:

• Complete an application and submit the application fee
• Provide a transcript of your official academic record
• Demonstrate proficiency in the English language

Residential Program

An application must be submitted a minimum of 120 days prior to the intended semester start for which a prospective international enrolls.

• An application must be filed at least 120 days prior to the beginning of the quarter in which you expect to enroll.
• If the application is approved, Baker College will mail a letter of acceptance and a Form I-20 directly to admitted students.
• If an admitted international student is a nonimmigrant student, they need to present the I-20 upon application for a student visa in their country of residence and again upon arrival in the United States.

To help you get started, we have combined the forms and information you need in one packet:

• Download and print the International Student Packet PDF.
• After you fill out and complete the International Student Packet, submit all the information to the Baker College campus you plan to attend.

Center for Graduate Studies

International applicants must possess both written and oral competence in the English language. English proficiency is determined by the following criteria:

•  International students at the graduate level are required to take the TOEFL examination and earn a minimum score of 79 on the TOEFL iBT Test or a score of 7.0 or greater on the IELTS for admission to the graduate school.

Applicants who completed their undergraduate degrees at institutions outside the U.S. must have their transcripts/degrees evaluated by companies in the United States such as Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc., or the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). The results of the evaluations must be sent from the evaluation companies directly to the Center for Graduate Studies. Official evaluations must include U. S. degree equivalencies, course grades, and overall GPAs. Applicants wishing to study in the U. S. must fulfill student visa requirements and make advanced tuition deposits.

Running Start

International students for any dual enrollment program must fulfill student visa requirements and make an advanced tuition deposit. International Running Start students are required to take the TOEFL examination and earn a minimum score of 61 on the TOEFL iBT Test or achieve an IELTS score of 5.5 or greater. A personal interview may also be required.

6.0 Responsibilities

The governance and implementers of this policy at Baker College are responsible for ensuring its effective implementation and compliance. These roles include:

Governance:

• Board of Regents: Oversees the overall governance of Baker College and ensures policies align with the institution's mission and strategic goals.
• Vice President of Enrollment Management: Provides leadership and direction for policy implementation, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and institutional standards.

Implementers:

• Admissions Office, Admissions Advisor:
  • Manages the application process for international students.
  • Verifies submitted documents, including academic transcripts and English proficiency scores.
• Designated School Official (DSO) or Principal Designated School Official (PDSO)
  • Issues Form I-20 for student visa applications and guides students through the visa process.
• Accounts Receivable, Accounts Receivable Billing Coordinator:
  • Manages advanced tuition deposits and ensures they are received and recorded.
• Center for Graduate Studies, Enrollment Specialist:
  • Oversees the admission process for international graduate students.
  • Ensures that graduate program applicants meet higher English proficiency standards and that their undergraduate transcripts are evaluated.

7.0 Citations & Related Information

Document A: Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Document B: International Student Packet PDF