International Students — How to Apply
Requirements for International First-Year Students
If your attendance at Guilford College is your first time at a tertiary institution AFTER secondary school, you are considered a first-year student.
- Application: There are two ways to apply to Guilford College, and it's always free:
- Transcripts: Official transcripts of all academic coursework to date, including certificates of completion, external examination results and/or diplomas, must be mailed to the Office of Admission. If your final year of education is still in progress, submit any and all documentation you have up to this time.
- Certificate of Finances (COF): Please provide a complete and true COF using this form. We encourage you to first reference these COF form instructions.
- Personal Essay: Please submit a personal essay that explains why you want to attend Guilford College. Your essay can be submitted through the Common Application.
- Visa Clearance Form: Complete and submit the Visa Clearance Form.
- TOEFL, Duolingo, or IELTS Score Report: Non-native English-speaking international students must provide documentation of their English proficiency. See the English proficiency section of the International Students page for further information.
- OPTIONAL — Letters of Recommendation: One or more letters of recommendation are recommended but not required for admission evaluation.
- OPTIONAL — SAT I or ACT Scores: These scores can be beneficial for obtaining scholarships.
Requirements for International Transfer Students
If you have attended a tertiary college or university in the U.S. or another country and now plan to attend Guilford College, you are considered a transfer student.
- Online Application: Apply online through the Common Application.
- Transcripts: Official transcripts of your tertiary academic work from each college or university attended must be mailed to the Office of Admission. Guilford College requires properly certified English translations of transcripts for review. Transcripts must be verified by World Education Services.
- Certificate of Finances (COF): Provide a complete and true COF. We encourage you to first reference the COF form instructions.
- Personal Essay: Please submit a personal essay that explains why you want to attend Guilford College. Your essay can be submitted through the Common Application.
- Visa Clearance Form: Complete and submit the Visa Clearance Form.
- Dean of Students Form: If you have attended a college or university in the United States, please complete and submit the Dean of Students Form.
- Transcripts: If you have completed less than one full year (or 30 semester hours) at a university, please also submit transcripts of all academic coursework to date, including certificates of completion, external examination results and/or diplomas to the Office of Admission.
- TOEFL, Duolingo, or IELTS Score Report: Non-native English-speaking international students must provide documentation of their English proficiency. See the English proficiency section of the International Students page for more information.
- OPTIONAL — Letters of Recommendation: One or more letters of recommendation are recommended but not required for admission evaluation.
Attendance
International students with F-1 student visas residing in the U.S. are expected to physically attend all on campus classes. A minimum of 80% percent in person attendance for class sessions offering a remote option is required.
International students not residing in the U.S. may enroll in fully-remote graduate programs.
Deadlines
Early Decision
If Guilford is your top choice, you may choose to apply Early Decision. If so, you must submit the Early Decision Agreement. If you are admitted to Guilford through Early Decision, you agree to withdraw applications to other colleges, and you must submit your enrollment deposit by December 1. You can calculate an estimate of your cost by using the Net Price Calculator. Please read the Early Decision Agreement carefully as this decision is binding.
- All materials must be postmarked by: November 1
- Receive admission decision by: November 15
- Submit $250 enrollment deposit by: December 1
Early Action
Do you have all of your information ready and want to be among the first to get a decision from us? Apply Early Action. You can still apply to other colleges, but by December 31, you will have at least one decision going into the new year. If you are admitted to Guilford through Early Action, you have until May 1 to make your final decision and submit your enrollment deposit.
- All materials must be postmarked by: December 1
- Receive admission decision by: December 31
- Submit $250 enrollment deposit by: May 1
Regular Decision
Students who apply Regular Decision will be reviewed on a rolling basis. If you are admitted to Guilford through Regular Decision, you have until May 1 to make your final decision and submit your enrollment deposit. If you decide not to attend Guilford after you submit your enrollment deposit, the deposit is refundable if the request is received in writing by May 1.
- All materials must be postmarked by: December 1
- Receive admission decision by: December 15
- Submit $250 enrollment deposit by: January 1
Spring Regular Decision
- All materials must be postmarked by: December 1
- Receive admission decision by: December 15
- Submit $250 enrollment deposit by: January 1