International FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How large and diverse is the international student body?
Currently there are nearly 400 international students from more than 80 countries and 6 continents. See where the entering first-year class comes from...
Can I receive credit for IB or A level courses?
Mount Holyoke welcomes applicants from IB and A level preparatory schools, and has found them to be very well prepared for the College's curriculum. Students who have completed the full IB Diploma with a total of 36 or more points, including at least three higher level grades of 6 or 7, are eligible to apply for sophomore standing. Students who have completed 3 A level courses with grades of C or better may apply for advanced standing of 8 credits per A level exam. Such standing is not granted, however, until a student has been admitted, arrives on campus, and presents her credentials. The IB diploma or A level exam scores will be reviewed by the registrar. More about transferring credits...
Is financial aid available for international students?
Limited amounts of financial assistance are awarded competitively to international applicants based on their academic achievements and financial eligibility as determined by College guidelines. Applicants must apply for financial aid at the same time they apply for admission. Once a student has been admitted, she cannot then apply for aid. More about international financial aid...
Can international students apply to Mount Holyoke through the Early Decision programs?
Yes. Learn more about Early Decision...
Can I send copies instead of official documents?
We strongly encourage students to submit official transcripts and TOEFL scores. These original documents must be sent directly from your school with the embossed seal, or be sent by ETS/College Board. Only in the most extreme circumstances will copies be allowed. You must request in writing permission to send copies. Those copies should be sent directly from your college counselor or headmaster with the official signature or school seal.
What are your testing policies?
Because Mount Holyoke's curriculum is writing and speaking intensive, fluency in English is essential. If your first language is not English, or if you have lived in the United States for less than four years, you are strongly encouraged to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language administered by the College Entrance Examination Board. Because Mount Holyoke does not offer an English as a Second Language curriculum, we look for TOEFL scores of 100 or above (Internet-based test). We also accept the IELTS. SAT scores are not required for admission, but we will welcome your scores if you wish to submit them.
Where is Mount Holyoke College?
Mount Holyoke College is located in South Hadley, Massachusetts, a small town in western Massachusetts about one and a half hours from Boston and two and a half hours from New York City. More about South Hadley and the region...
Is housing guaranteed?
Yes. On-campus housing is guaranteed for your all four years at Mount Holyoke.
What is a liberal arts College?
The U.S. liberal arts college is similar to the faculty of arts or humanities at a European university but also includes programs in the natural and physical sciences. A bachelor's degree in liberal arts serves as ample preparation either for a wide range of jobs or for an equally wide assortment. Our graduates go on to highly ranked professional schools as well as to jobs at top organizations around the world. More about the liberal arts...