Frequently Asked Questions for International
Students
Q: Where is Albion?
A: Albion College
is in the city of Albion, located in the south-central area of Michigan,
and situated between the cities of Ann Arbor and Battle Creek. It is 90
miles west of Detroit and 175 miles east of Chicago on Interstate 94. It
is easily accessible from Interstate 80/90 via Interstate 69 and
conveniently located near Detroit International Airport (airport code
DTW).
Q: What is a liberal arts education?
A: Albion
College's unique academic program is best characterized by the phrase
"Liberal Arts at Work." The liberal arts tradition dates back several
centuries, and has its roots in Greek, Germanic, and British education
models. In short, the liberal arts ensures a breadth and depth of
inquiry into the humanities, sciences, social sciences, creative arts
and develops the tools and skills to allow for lifelong learning. Top
corporations and graduate schools alike agree that the best preparation
for a professional career and a life of service is the liberal arts
tradition.
Q: What makes Albion unique?
A: Albion's
academic program blends the classic foundations of the liberal arts with
innovative, pre-professional coursework and internships in the sciences,
business and economics, medicine, law and education. Professional
"institutes" offer semester, year-long or summer internships all over
the world. Moreover, Albion College is one of the leading colleges in
the nation of undergraduate research in any academic area.
Q: What can I study at Albion College?
A: There are a
variety of different academic majors, minors, and concentrations at
Albion College. Students may also design and study their own major upon
approval of faculty and staff.
Q: What is the Albion student body like?
A: Total
enrollment at Albion College is approximately 1,950 students. Our
student body represents 30 states and 21 foreign countries.
Q: How successful are Albion College graduates?
A: Albion
College prepares its students well for whatever they do after
graduation. Take a look at our recent graduates' profile or Albion's
prominent alumni.
Q: How selective is Albion College/how are admissions decisions
made?
A:
Albion places a high value on a college preparatory curriculum in
secondary school, and therefore places greater weight on grade-point
average, difficulty of courses taken, and consistency in academic
performance than in standardized test scores. The average GPA for new
students is typically 3.6 on a 4.0 scale, ACT average is 26 and SAT
average is 1200. International students are not required to take the SAT
or ACT, but these will be considered along with the TOEFL score.
Q: How does Albion review International Baccalaureates, A level
results, etc?
A:
The vice president for enrollment is experienced in reviewing A-level
courses, IB program credentials and a variety of other scholastic
systems from various countries. A grade-point is derived in most cases
and weighed on a four-point scale and conversion from the host school's
grading system. IB candidates are granted up to one semester of academic
standing for approved IB classes.
Q: Are my grades the most weighed element in my application?
A: Yes,
along with the difficulty of classes taken and the consistency in
performance of academic work.
Q: Can I apply as a transfer student?
A: Yes.
Official transcripts (translated to English) are required from each
college or university attended.
Q: Does Albion College offer scholarships covering tuition?
A: Students
who demonstrate the highest academic potential, and bring significant
co-curricular interests to our campus will be considered for
scholarships up to $14,500. Albion College does not provide full
scholarship support for international students.
Q: Will I be assisted with employment opportunities?
A: The
Financial Aid office assists students with employment both on and off
campus. Students must have the appropriate visa to be eligible to work
in the United States before being considered for Albion College student
employment. View a few examples here.
Q: How much will I be able to make during the year and during
summer?
A: Student
wages vary, depending on what kind of job you get and how many hours you
work per week. On-campus jobs typically pay $6.95/hour to $9.00/hour,
with a limited number paying more for specialized work in areas such as
information technology. During the academic year, full-time students are
allowed to work up to 20 hours/week; but when school is not in session,
you can obtain off-campus and on-campus jobs and work full-time.
Salaries for these jobs vary.
Q: What kind of services are available for international students
at Albion?
A:
A wide variety of services are
available for international students.
Q: What are my housing and boarding options?
A: All first-year
students are housed in either Wesley Hall or Seaton Hall to quickly and
easily get acquainted with Albion and make friends. More information
can be found on the
Residential
Life Web site.
Q: If I don’t have a plan for holidays, will I be able to reside
on campus during those times?
A:
Yes. International students can get approval to reside on campus on
long holidays if they do not have an alternative option. However, our
dining hall will not be open during such time. Students will need to
prepare meals on their own.
Q: What is there for me in Albion to spend my free time?
A: At Albion,
there are unlimited opportunities to have fun and get involved in
campus
life.
Q: Are there student organizations at Albion promoting
internationalism/ interculturalism?
A: Out of
120+ student groups on campus, there are 13 groups devoted to diversity
awareness.
Q: What if Albion College does not offer an academic major, a
sports club, or an organization of my interest?
A: You
may design your own academic major and your student organization of
interest! Make your Albion experience unique!
Q: How do I obtain a visa to study at Albion College?
A: Your admission
package includes an acceptance letter and the I-20 form with specific
instructions on obtaining a visa.
Q: What should I bring from home to the States?
A: Your necessities
should include prescription medicine and glasses that you might not be
able to get in the States. You will need warm clothes for the cold
winter in Michigan, but you can always purchase those when you get here
if you don't bring them from home.
Q: I would like more information about Albion, who do I contact?
A:
Contact us here.
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