Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to Rhodes as an international student?

To apply to Rhodes as an international student, you’ll follow the same basic process as U.S. applicants. We strongly encourage all students to apply online and you’ll find a step-by-step checklist of the application process on our website.   Please submit the Web-based Common Application and Rhodes Part I Application/Common Application Supplement (PDF).   Submit all supporting documents, including your standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) and TOEFL, high school transcript, a letter of recommendation from a teacher and a recommendation from your counselor.  Your application and all supporting documents must be translated into English.

Official results of the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT) and the Test of English As a Foreign Language (TOEFL) must be submitted to the Rhodes Office of Admissions by the appropriate testing agency.  The TOEFL exam is not required for native English-speaking students.

Complete the International Certification of Finances and Foreign Student Financial Aid Application and mail to Rhodes along with a passport-size photograph.   There are links to both of these documents on our website. 

Are international students eligible for financial aid?

International students are eligible for financial aid (grants and on-campus employment) and scholarships at Rhodes.  Please complete the International Certification of Finances (PDF) and Foreign Student Financial Aid Application (PDF) to be considered for financial aid.  Just like domestic students, international students are considered for most of our fellowships, which range from $6,000 up to $34,000 per year and are largely based on academic merit, test scores, extracurricular activities and leadership positions.  To be considered for these fellowships, students must submit the Common Application and supporting documents.  There is not a separate scholarship application, except for the Bonner and Taylor fellowships.   International students may also apply for the Bonner Service Scholarship which is valued at $12,500 per year and the Taylor Fellowship in Physics valued at up to $15,000 per year.  International students are not eligible for federal financial aid or loans.

TOEFL minimum scores

Internet-based (iBT):  minimum 80/120 
Paper:  minimum 550 out of 700 
Computer:  minimum 213/300
We do not require the TOEFL for native English speakers or international students who have attended an English-speaking high school for two or more years. 
We do not accept the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or the English A-Levels in place of the TOEFL.

What are the test requirements for international students?

We require either the SAT or the ACT for all international students. There are not minimum SAT standards, however our mid-50% range on the SAT last year was 1210-1360 (Math and Critical Reading scores combined).  
We do not require SAT Subject Tests, unless the student has been homeschooled, although students are welcome to submit their scores. 
We also require the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) for non-native English speakers. Our minimum TOEFL score on the Internet-based exam is 80.

What are the application deadlines for the August 2010 (fall) semester?

There are three options to apply to Rhodes for the fall semester:

  1. Early Decision is a binding agreement, which means if a student is accepted, they are expected to enroll.  Students applying for Early Decision must submit their application and supporting documents by November 1.  Early Decision students will receive an admission decision by December 1 and must commit to attending Rhodes by December 15.
  2. Early Action is not binding.  Students must apply by November 15 and they will receive an admissions decision by January 15.  Accepted students have until May 1 to decide if they will enroll at Rhodes.
  3. Regular Decision is also not binding.  Students must apply by January 15 and will receive an admissions decision by April 1.  Accepted students must decide by May 1 if they will enroll at Rhodes.

International students will be notified of their admissions decision via email. Upon deposit, a hard copy will be sent in order to apply for your F-1 student visa.

When is the application deadline for January 2010 (spring) transfer students?

The application deadline for the January 2010 semester is November 1, 2009.

Does Rhodes offer financial aid to international transfer students?

Yes, Rhodes offers financial aid to international transfer students, although funds may be more limited for the spring (January) semester than the fall (August) semester.  Transfer students are considered for scholarships ranging from US $6,000 - $34,000 per year, if funds are available.  The average financial aid package for international students in the Class of 2013 was over US $19,000.

Is admission for international students need-blind?

Admission for international students is not need-blind.  It is recommended that international students have at least US $25,000 per year to pay for college.

Is the Early Action admission available to international students? Furthermore, is Early Action suggested if I intend to apply for financial aid?

International students may apply for Early Action.  Early Action applicants will be given the same consideration for financial aid and scholarships as Regular Decision applicants.