Information for Students Planning to Study in the States

All prospective international students should take time to review the information available on the Study in the States website.  

See http://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/ for current information on the necessary steps to become an international student and maintain your status.

Admission to Lower Columbia College

Overview of Requirements

• High school completion or equivalent
• At least 18 years old
• Provide official high school transcript and (if applicable) official college transcripts, translated into English. If submitting transcripts from institutions outside of the United States that are not in English, see: World Education Services for information on credential evaluation.
• Provide proof of financial ability to cover all expenses, health care and tuition for one year or have sponsor submit a notarized Affidavit of Support for the full year of study in the US. See: Costs for information about costs and fees.
• Be proficient in English with a score of 500 or greater on the test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) to be admitted to any college-level academic program.

For additional (printable) information please see International Student Information Brochure.

How to Start the Admission Process:

1. Fill out the Application for International Student Admissions form with all required documents and submit with application fees to the address provided on the form.
2. Apply at least three months prior to the first day of the quarter in which you wish to enroll. See: Dates for information on quarter dates and breaks
3. If accepted, you will receive an acceptance letter by mail, an I-20, information on the SEVIS fee and how to pay it, and information on how to apply for your student visa.

Submit These Documents

1. Application for International Student Admission form with application fee of $81.40 (non-refundable);
2. Official high school transcripts (translated into English)
3. Official college transcripts (if applicable)
4. Proof of financial ability to cover all expenses, medical insurance (including repatriation coverage), and tuition or a notarized Affidavit of Suppport from your sponsor for the full year of study. See: Costs for information about costs and fees.
5. Score* for TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) if your native language is not English. The TOEFL Institutional Code for Lower Columbia College is 4402.

Score for admission to any college-level academic program: 500 (paper test) or 173 (computerized test) or 61 (internet-based test).

*If you believe you have special circumstances of hardship regarding your ability to submit a TOEFL score, you may request consideration for Provisional Admission (see below).

Additional Documents for Transfer Within the U.S.:

Students transferring from another school within the U.S. must also provide:

1. International Student Advisor Report from your previous school
2. Copies of previous I-20's.

Mail Documents to:

Lower Columbia College
ATTN: International Admissions
1600 Maple St.
P.O. Box 3010
Longview, Washington (WA) 98632 U.S.A.

Provisional Admission:

Provisional admission is granted on a case-by-case basis for international students who do not meet the above TOEFL requirement. To be considered, you must:

• Include a request for provisional admission with your application packet
• Provide proof that a local area resident is willing and able to provide for all your personal and financial needs for one year, including tuition, books & supplies, transportation to and from school, housing, meals, clothing and medical coverage.

You may only continue your enrollment beyond the provisional year if you are progressing satisfactorily and have provided proof of an acceptable TOEFL score or college-level English reading and writing skills, and financial ability to cover an additional year of studies.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please contact:

International Admissions Coordinator

After You Get Here

LCC notifies the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on a regular basis of the status of each international student. To maintain status while enrolled at Lower Columbia College, students holding an F-1 Student Visa must meet these requirements:

• Maintain and successfully complete a full-time load of classes each quarter (minimum of 12 credits per quarter). Students who do not meet this requirement will be placed on probation, and will ultimately lose their student status.
• Be in good standing with DHS at all times during studies at LCC, possess a valid passport, and a Form I-94;
• Provide documentation of current health insurance with repatriation coverage and keep it current while at LCC, whether enrolled or on (summer) vacation;
• Pay current Foreign Student tuition rates for each enrolled academic quarter of study.