Truman College Admissions Info for International Students

International Students Admissions Information

Truman College enrolls students from more than 144 countries, speaking more than 56 languages. For more information, please consult the City Colleges of Chicago International Students website or contact the Admissions and Advising Office at (773) 907-4000 or tradmissions@ccc.edu

A completed application includes the following:

1. A notarized copy of your secondary school or college academic transcripts
2. Certified translation and evaluation in English of academic records.
3. Proof of English proficiency, which may be shown in either official copies of a TOEFL score that is no more than two years old, or in a recent COMPASS ESL score. The COMPASS ESL is given in the Assessment Center on Truman College's campus. The minimum TOEFL scores are 450; 133 on the Computer Based TOEFL; or 45 on the Internet Based TOEFL.
4. A $100 non-refundable application fee (certified check or money order)
5. The following documents:
   • Requirements Acknowledgement must be signed and dated.
   • Employment verification letter (pdf). Sponsor must show a minimum of $30,000 U.S. per year.
   • Certified bank letter of verification (pdf). Sponsor must show a minimum of $15,000 U.S. in an account. If self-sponsored, student must show a minimum of $30,000 U.S. in an account.
   • A completed and signed International Student Application via U.S. mail.
   • All applicants must prove financial support to be admitted to Truman College. Please submit the I-134 Affidavit of Support, along with financial documents from your sponsor showing at least $16,000 in liquid assets. The financial support documents cannot be more than six months old.
   • Transfer students will also need to complete a transfer verification form and obtain release form letters from advisors.

Resources

Test of English as a Foreign Language TOEFL

Chicago Office of Tourism

Visa Tips

Be Prepared Be sure that your passport is valid. Be clear and definite about your major or program of study. Be ready to say what you want to study and what kind of career will prepare you to succeed in your home country. Be prepared to explain why it is better for you to study in the United States than at home.

Know and Understand the Rules. Ignoring this rule is the number one reason for denials of student visa applications. The consular officer who makes the decision on your visa application is required to think of you as someone who plans to come to the U.S. permanently; it is up to you to prove that you intend to return to your country after completing your studies. U.S. law clearly states that F visas may be given only to persons who intend to remain in the U.S. temporarily.

Other important rules

1. You must have a definite academic objective.
2. You must know what you are going to study.
3. You must be sure about your school choice. If you do not seem certain that you want to attend Truman College, you will not get a visa.
4. You must be qualified for your program of study.
5. You must be adequately financed and have the documents to prove it.
6. U.S. Government officials are much more easily convinced by documents than by spoken statements.
7. When possible, have papers to show your connections to your home country. In the U.S. it is considered important to be impersonal when administering laws. Do not try to negotiate or discuss personal matters.
8. Do not emphasize any ties you may have to the U.S. or to family members in the U.S. Your visa application is stronger if at least part of your financial support comes from your country, even if most of it comes from the U.S..
9. Do not speak of working in the U.S. Employment is not guaranteed and connot be used as part of your financial support for visa purposes.
10. Read your I-20. Some of the rules you must obey are on page 2. You must apply for your visa no later than the date indicated on line #5. You may obtain and enter the U.S. up to 90 days before the date.
11. Show documents that prove ties to your home country. If you have a brother or sister who studied in the U.S. and then returned home, take a copy of their diploma and a statement from an employer showing that they have returned home. If you cannot get a promise, show that an individual or company in your home country will give you a job when you return home. If possible, show that an individual or company in your home country will give you a job, or that the company needs people with the kind of education you are coming to the U.S. to receive.