International Student FAQs

Am I an international student?

At Trinity, we distinguish our students in two ways.  You are a “foreign” student if, regardless of where you went to secondary school, you are neither a citizen nor a permanent resident of the United States.  You are an “international” student if, regardless of your country’s citizenship, you attended secondary school outside of the United States. 

What percentage of Trinity’s students is International?

The Class of 2009 has 6% international students from 29 countries.

Does Trinity accept the common application?

Yes, we do.  You can access this application at www.commonapp.org.

The paper application fee is $50, and there is no fee for the online application.

Does Trinity offer financial aid to foreign students?

Yes, both need-based and merit-based scholarship aid are available to foreign students who are applying as freshmen.  US citizens and Permanent residents who live abroad are packaged the same way as our domestic students and should refer to our main Financial Aid website.  However, no financial aid is available to foreign transfer students so Trinity does not accept transfer applications from foreign students who require financial aid.

Automatic consideration is given to all foreign applicants for both merit- and need-based aid.  No special application is necessary. 

Is admission to Trinity need-blind for foreign students?

No.  Trinity is need-conscious when making decisions of admission with regard to foreign students.  When reviewing foreign applications, Trinity takes into account whether or not an applicant has requested financial assistance.  Applying for financial aid places you in an extremely competitive applicant pool.  However, if you are accepted, Trinity will meet 100% of your demonstrated need.

What standardized tests are required for admission?

Trinity requires either the SAT I and/or the TOEFL examination as a component to the application process.  If English is not your first language, we recommend submitting both. Demonstrating superior English skills is a critical factor in admissions’ decisions. Trinity does not offer courses in English as a second language. The Trinity curriculum requires a great deal of high-level writing and class participation. Students must have sufficient English preparation to achieve in this kind of environment.  We recommend a minimum TOEFL score of 250 (computer) or 600 (paper). 

Please note that if English is your first language, you must submit either the SAT I or ACT.  The middle 50% SAT for last year’s class is 1,220-1,370 and the average is 1,295.  The middle 50% ACT was 27-31.

How do I get college credit for Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes?

Students may acquire up to 36 semester hours through credit by examination. Generally, AP credit is given for scores of 4 or 5, with the exception of English Language and Composition, which requires a score of 5, and Calculus BC, which requires a score of 3. IB credit is given for Higher Level scores of 5, 6, or 7 on the exams.  Credit for British “A” Levels (A) and French Baccalaureate (15+) is also possible. At Trinity, credit is decided by individual departments in consultation with the registrar. Also, you may contact the Office of Admissions for a brochure that details the exams that give credit for specific courses. 

Does Trinity offer any athletic scholarships?

No. As a NCAA Division III school, Trinity offers no athletic scholarships. However, the university does have excellent teams in both men’s and women’s sports. For the past five years, Trinity has won the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference’s President’s trophy for winning the most championships in the conference.  Most of our 18 varsity athletic teams enjoy success on a national level, including recent National Championships in Men’s Soccer (Fall ’04) and Women’s Basketball (Winter ’03).

What type of special support or international organizations does Trinity offer its international students?

The International Student Advisor in the International Programs Office (IPO) is responsible for much of the on-campus support for international students.  Other offices provide the same support that is available to all “Trinitonians” including 24 hr. a day staffed health center, access to local hospitals, and religious/spiritual guidance.

Other services and international organizations available at Trinity include:

·        Guaranteed housing all four years

·        International student advising

·        First-year orientation

·        On- and off-campus employment opportunities

·        International student mentor program

·        Many international student organizations including the International Club, Trinity Multicultural Network, Latino Exchange, China Culture Club, Korean Student Association, Russian Club, German Club, Language and Culture Club, Asian Sub-Continental Association and the Muslim Students Association.

Can I work at Trinity if I am a foreign student?

Yes, you can!  On-campus students can work at the library, the athletic facilities, admissions’ office, or as a tutor.  Trinity also helps foreign students obtain internships in fields applicable to their course of study.  Many of these internships are paid and are facilitated through one of our academic departments.

As a foreign transfer student, may I apply to Trinity?

Yes.  However, foreign students who have enrolled at another university who require financial aid are not eligible to transfer to Trinity.  Also, if at any time you have been enrolled in a degree program at another institution of higher education, you must apply as a transfer student, even if you are willing to relinquish the credit you have received elsewhere.  All foreign transfer students must demonstrate complete financial independence for their time at Trinity and must submit all courses taken for credit at all secondary and other educational institutions before enrolling at Trinity.

What are Trinity’s application deadlines for international students?

Please note that these are postmark deadlines.

Back to International Student Home

For More Information
Eric Maloof
Associate Director of Admissions
Coordinator of International Admissions
eric.maloof@trinity.edu

International Programs Office
Inessa Stepanenko

International Student Advis0r

inessa@trinity.edu