Application Checklist and Timeline for International Students

Start the process by doing research online to begin formulating an opinion of where you want to go. 

Keep in mind: location, size, major, selectivity, etc. mission, etc. There are nearly 6,000 colleges in the US, and typically students apply to anywhere between 4-12 schools.

Once you’ve narrowed down a list, note which schools require which tests for international applicants, and start making preparations early!

Simmons does not require the ACT/SAT, but does require English Proficiency Test scores from international applicants applying from countries where English is not the official first language and/or are attending schools that do not utilize English as their primary language of instruction.

Make sure you understand the application requirements for admission, for scholarships, and/or for special programs for each school you are applying to.

Review the Simmons application deadlines 

Our Simmons Distinguished Scholar Award has a deadline of December 1, and our Honors program has a deadline of February 1. 

Some schools may require slightly different and/or more materials for international applicants compared to domestic applicants. Make sure you familiarize yourself with what you will need!

Simmons offers optional interviews, both virtually and in person. Begin practicing for the interviews with an available teacher or friend, and make sure to conduct the interview with plenty of time before your chosen deadline–we do not offer interviews after the application deadline you are applying for has passed.

The school year can get very busy, so be sure to start these well in advance. 

Simmons does not require additional essays outside of the Common Application Essay, but some schools will require college/university specific supplemental essays. If you have multiple essays to write for multiple schools, make sure you spend adequate time on those pieces.

These should be teachers from your core classes (math, science, history, English, or world languages) who know you best.

Less is sometimes more–one really strong letter of recommendation is more helpful than multiple mediocre letters.

Use the financial aid calculators/resources found on individual college websites to determine how much your family will need to contribute for your college education. Some schools have limited scholarships for international students.

Simmons awards merit scholarships to all applicants, International students included. International students are not eligible for need-based aid awarded through FAFSA.

The application for fall admission opens August 1.

Ask a teacher to proofread your application essays and then make any revisions and prepare final drafts before college applications are due.

At least a month prior to your deadline, provide your recommenders with a template and any notes you’d like them to include. Confirm how and when they will be uploading or sending their letters of recommendation.

Make sure you have your test scores, essays, recommendations, and transcripts ready a few days in advance so you aren’t stressed at the day of the deadline! 

Confirm with relevant parties that things have been sent and/or are ready to be sent to Simmons.

Our application deadlines page lists all of our deadlines and provides an idea of when you will receive your admission decision.

If you receive an offer of admission, you have until May 1 to submit your enrollment response form and non-refundable deposit, if you decide that Simmons is the place for you. 

In the meantime, make sure you: 

• Understand financial aid offered and what you will be paying to attend. The Simmons Net Price Calculator can help with this. 
• Understand the Visa process–connect with your counselor and the Center for Global Education Center for more information.
• Attend our virtual programming to learn more about life at Simmons. Reminder: If an event is on-campus, located here in Boston, and you are not planning on traveling internationally to attend, don’t register! We have lots of online programming specifically for this reason.

Typically, across the US, May 1 is the deadline that institutions need to know if you are planning to attend or not. In order to secure your spot at Simmons, be sure to submit your non-refundable $500 enrollment deposit on time.