COMMUNITY COLLEGE ADMISSIONS FAQ

That's a very individual question. You should consider the distance from your home and the specific programs that are offered at each college, and explore the websites of various schools before you choose a school. Here are some of our local colleges:

• Canada College
• De Anza College
• Evergreen College
• Foothill College
• Mission College
• Ohlone College
• San Jose City College
• West Valley College

Most community colleges require 500 TOEFL score, but there is some variation. Some colleges require a lower score and others require a higher score.
SAL has a special partnership agreement with the community colleges listed below. Our partnership means that a SAL student can be admitted to one of these colleges without the required 500 TOEFL score. This special program is available to students who have completed SAL's high intermediate level course of study (Expansion 2) with good attendance and good grades.

• De Anza College
• Foothill College
• San Jose City College
• West Valley College

Contact the Community College Transfer Advisor: Cassie Piotrowski for more information.

The application deadlines vary from school to school, so it is best to check the web-site of the school you are applying to.

Yes, you must take an ESL and a math placement test before enrolling in any classes.

All international students must take an ESL placement test before registering for any courses. The score on the test determines which classes you may register for. If ESL course are required, they must be completed before you are eligible to transfer to university. These tests are given before classes begin.

You must check with the school that you have applied to regarding for their orientation schedule. Most schools have a mandatory orientation. This means that you will not be able to enroll in classes if you have not attended orientation.

First, you must complete an application form for the college of your choice. In addition, most colleges require a financial declaration (bank letter), your high school and college transcripts (in English), a copy of your I-20, a copy of your passport, a photo, and the application fee.

A Letter of Recommendation is a document that assures the community college that you are a good student who has completed a high intermediate level course of study. You can get a "Recommendation Letter Request" form from the front desk at the SAL office. Just fill it out and return it to the person at the desk. At the end of your course of study, after grades and TOEFL scores have been posted, the transfer advisor will send your Letter of Recommendation directly to the college that you have applied to.

Whenever you change schools, you must submit a transfer form to your current school. You can pick up a transfer form from the college that you have applied to. Bring the transfer form to the SAL office and give it to the person at the front desk. It will be processed at the end of your period of study with SAL.

It depends entirely on the college you have applied to. Each college has its own schedule. So, check with their International Student Admissions Office.

In general, Immigration Services is skeptical of students who want to move backward instead of forward in their educational plan. A student who already has a 4-year degree would generally not go to a community college that offers only a 2-year degree.
If you are an advanced level student, you may apply for a second bachelor's degree at a 4-year university (like San Jose State University) and take courses in your new major. You may also take regular San Jose State University courses through SAL while you are waiting for admission to your second bachelor degree program.