How do I apply for admission to College of San Mateo (CSM) as an F-1 international student?
College of San Mateo is authorized under U.S. Federal law to enroll non-immigrant international students.
to be admitted to the program, an international student must:
- Complete the International Student Application for Admission
- Provide proof of high school graduation that is equivalent to an American high school education with satisfactory grades, normally a C or 2.0 average
- Present official transcripts of educational history, high school and universities in English
- Demonstrate sufficient command of English with an official TOEFL score report of a minimum TOEFL score of 56 iBT or IELTS score - minimum qualifying level Band 5.5
- Present evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses while attending CSM in the amount of $19,000. The tuition fee for the 2012-2013 academic year is $212 per unit of credit plus a $46 per unit enrollment fee (total is $258 per unit)
- Present a personal essay of 300 words explaining your major and goals as explained in #26 of the international application
- Present a copy of current passport
What is a community college?
In the United States, a community college is a two-year post-secondary (following high school) institution which provides entry-level college education. Generally state-government sponsored (public),community colleges offer a wide range of offerings, including associate's degrees, a transfer curriculum (credits apply toward a bachelor's degree) and occupational programs designed to prepare the student for employment. The name "community college" derives from the fact that community colleges originally focused on accepting and attracting students from the local community. Like most community colleges in the 21st. century, College of San Mateo attracts and accepts students from the local community, as well as the global community.
What kind of degree can I earn at College of San Mateo (CSM)?
Many international students from countries around the world spend two to three years at CSM and then transfer to a nearby university to complete a bachelor's degree. Others return home after earning an associate's degree at CSM to put their knowledge and skills to work in an exciting new career.
What's special about CSM, the community college?
- An excellent track record for transfer to University of California, California State University and Private/Independent schools
- Exciting options to begin your new career
- An awarding-winning faculty
- International Student Center staff to help you succeed
- A beautiful campus with panoramic views
- Located approximately 40 kilometers from the city of San Francisco, California
- New athletic fields and championship sports teams
- Many student activities
- Affordable tuition
Accreditation is the process for evaluating and assuring the quality of education used by the United States higher education community. Through accreditation, the higher education community shoulders the responsibility for monitoring the quality of the programs and services of member institutions. The accreditation process collectively sets standards for good practice by conducting peer-based evaluations on a regular basis, conferring accredited status, and making the results of the accreditation review of institutions known to the public. For more information regarding accreditation, visit www.accjc.org.
College of San Mateo is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, a recognized agency of the Federation of Regional Accrediting Commissions of Higher Education.
