Frequently Asked Questions:
Admission and the Application Process

This section includes quick answers to some of the most commonly encountered questions about admission and the application process.

To find answers to other frequently asked questions, choose another category:
Programs // Admission // Finances // Advising // Immigration // Student Life

Admission

1. What is the deadline for submitting an application?
2. Can I fax my application to you or apply on line?
3. How long will it take to get my acceptance materials and I-20 form?
4. How can I pay the application fee?
5. Do I need to send transcripts with my application?
6. I want to study at Seattle Central, but I cannot decide on a major. Is that okay?
7. I am applying to join one of Seattle Central's Professional & Technical programs.
   Is there anything special I need to do?
8. Why does Seattle Central require my home street address?
9. In my country, we do not use street addresses, only post office boxes.
   Does Seattle Central still need my street address?
10. Do I need to have a sponsor if I am an F-1 student? Can I sponsor myself?
11. Who can be my sponsor?
12. Can I have more than one sponsor?
13. What kind of financial statement will Seattle Central accept?
14. I am a transfer student, and my sponsor is outside of the United States.
    Does my sponsor still need to sign the sponsor's statement of support?
15. Do not have $15,000 available to finance my education. Can I apply for any financial assistance from Seattle Central?

Admission

1. What is the deadline for submitting an application?

Overseas applicants

Applications from students outside the United States must arrive and be completed by the following dates:

Applicants should apply at least two weeks before the first day of classes (to view the Academic Calendars, please click here). The International Admissions Office may set earlier deadlines depending on what space is available that quarter.

Special Admission Deadlines for the Institute of English

Applicants to the Institute of English (Intensive English and College Bridge) should follow the deadlines listed above, unless otherwise stated.

The International Admissions Office will occasionally set deadlines for applications to the Institute of English from specific countries, based on visa processing times and diversity interests of the program. Current special deadlines are listed below:

2. Can I fax my application to you or apply on line?

Yes , we accept faxed applications for admissions. A printable application is available on our web site.

3. How long will it take to get my acceptance materials and I-20 form?

Once Seattle Central receives a complete application, acceptance materials and an I-20 are mailed within 2 - 4 business days. Exception: transfer students will be issued an I-20 form after Seattle Central receives their SEVIS record from their current school.

4. How can I pay the application fee?

The application fee can be paid by international bank draft, personal check from a US bank in the United States, or by credit card online.

5. Do I need to send transcripts with my application?

Seattle Central is an open admission institution, and does not require transcripts for admission. Exceptions to this policy:

• Applicants under the age of 18 must submit transcripts for review.
• Applicants who would like to receive transfer credit for college level work must submit official transcripts to Seattle Central for evaluation.
• Applicants may need to submit transcripts to demonstrate proof of English proficiency.

6. I want to study at Seattle Central, but I cannot decide on a major. Is that okay?

Many college transfer applicants have not decided on a major by the time they submit an application. This is not a problem. If you have not decided on a major yet, and you plan to join the college transfer program, please put your major as "Undecided". Students applying to Professional & Technical programs, or to the Short-Term Certificate Program must decide on a major when they apply.

7. I am applying to join one of Seattle Central's Professional & Technical programs. Is there anything special I need to do?

When you complete an application to Seattle Central, you will be accepted to the college,
but not necessarily to the Professional & Technical program of your choice. Many of the programs have a separate application process, and my have restrictions on starting dates, pre-requisites, or waiting lists. You are encouraged to attend an information session on the program, or consult with an admissions advisor to get up-to-date information on the program you would like to join.

8. Why does Seattle Central require my home street address?

Seattle Central must enter a student's home street address (the physical location where a student lives in his/her home country) when creating a new SEVIS record and issuing an I-20 form. This a requirement of the Department of Homeland Security. Please note that it cannot be a business address or postal address where you do not reside.

9. In my country, we do not use street addresses, only post office boxes. Does Seattle Central still need my street address?

Yes. The Department of Homeland Security specifies that it needs a student's street address, where s/he physically resides. Seattle Central will not use this as a mailing address.
We understand that not all students will have a house number and street. Your home street address might simply be the name of your house, the name of your street, the neighborhood, or any combination of these, along with your city. Your mailing address is a separate piece of information, and does not need to be the same as your home street address.

10. Do I need to have a sponsor if I am an F-1 student? Can I sponsor myself?

All applicants who plan to study on an F-1 visa must show proof of financial support for living expenses and tuition. If you have sufficient funds of your own, you can be your own sponsor. Otherwise, you must have someone who is willing and able to provide full financial support to you in the United States. To attend Seattle Central, you must have at least US$17,000 available to finance your education.

11. Who can be my sponsor?

Your sponsor can be anyone except another F-1 student. Most students have family sponsors (parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.), but your sponsor could be a family friend, someone in your home country or in the United States, a private business, an international organization, or a government organization.

12. Can I have more than one sponsor?

Yes. Each sponsor must sign a sponsor's statement of support and provide a financial statement.

13. What kind of financial statement will Seattle Central accept?

Seattle Central can accept statements of savings or checking accounts, time deposits, investments, and any easily liquidated assets. Students on government or corporate scholarships can use a letter of guarantee indicating the amount of support available each year. Seattle Central cannot use any of the following as proof of financial support: salary
or income guarantees, overdraft ability / lines of credit, retirement accounts, title / ownership of a home or residence, or loan guarantees that have not been dispersed to the applicant (exception: Swedish students can use confirmation of loans from CSN as proof of financial support).

14. I am a transfer student, and my sponsor is outside of the United States. Does my sponsor still need to sign the sponsor's statement of support?

Yes. Seattle Central will accept a faxed copy of the statement of support.

15. I do not have $17,000 available to finance my education. Can I apply for any financial assistance from Seattle Central?

Seattle Central offers merit-based scholarships to international applicants, but no financial assistance. All international applicants planning to study on F-1 visas must have proof of full financial support in order to be accepted.