International Students
International students are an important part of Menlo College, making up about 20% of our student body and coming from all over the world. International students are evaluated within the context of their home country educational system.
Apply For Admission
Menlo College welcomes applications from students from across the United States and around the world, both citizens of the United States and citizens of other countries. We have a rolling admission policy, so applications are accepted on a continuing basis. However, priority status is given to students who complete the applications by December 1 for Early Action Consideration, or by our priority deadlines of February 1 for the Fall semester and November 1 for the Spring semester. We have seen a 34% increase in applications and new enrollment in the last three years, as more and more students have found out about the advantages of a Menlo College education.
International Scholarships
Merit scholarships are also available to all international students who qualify, signifying Menlo College's strong commitment to educating students from all around the world.
International Student Requirements
Application and Application Fee
An application will be processed upon receiving the $40 application fee. This fee can be paid by check (drawn on a US bank), money order, wire, or credit card (Visa or MasterCard).
Personal Statement
All applicants must submit a personal statement of no less than 200 words addressing reasons for seeking a college education, expectations of a college education, and reasons for choosing Menlo College. Transfer students may also wish to include an evaluation of their college experience to date.
Recommendation
One recommendation from a teacher or counselor is required.
Official Transcripts
Please contact all of your past high schools and/or colleges attended and ask to have an official copy of your transcripts sent to the Admission Office at Menlo College. Your file cannot be submitted to the Admission Committee until we have received all transcripts.
Students wishing to transfer college credit earned at institutions outside of the United States will need to submit official copies of their transcripts and a course-by-course evaluation, in English, to Menlo College.
SAT/ACT, TOEFL, EIKEN or IELTS
As an international student, you must submit either an official SAT/ACT score or a TOEFL score, an EIKEN (Japan) or IELTS score. Your file cannot be submitted to the Admission Committee until we have received your scores.
Confirmation of Acceptance and $250 Deposit
Once you are accepted to Menlo College, you will receive a letter of admittance and a form to complete stating that you will be attending Menlo College. You must also send a $250 deposit to confirm that commitment. The deposit can be paid by check (drawn on a US bank), money order, wire, or credit card (Visa or MasterCard). Once the above forms are received and verified, you will be able to apply for a student visa.
Student Visas
After an international student has been accepted for admission and has submitted the required deposit and financial documents, acceptance documents will be issued to enable application for an F-1 student visa. The F-1 student visa is required for entry into the United States to study at Menlo College. This visa must be obtained from a U.S. Consulate abroad prior to leaving for the United States. The student will present documents upon arrival at the U.S. port of entry and also must show them to International Student Services staff upon arrival at Menlo College.
Certification of Finances/Financial Documents
All applicants must complete and return Menlo's Certification of Finances Form.
Please note that the Certification of Finances and Financial Documents must show at least $48,480 available for the first year of attendance. If you receive a Menlo College scholarship, you may deduct the amount of that scholarship from the $48,480 total. Please send original documents only. Copies or faxes will not be accepted.
Transfer Evaluation Form
All international students who are planning to transfer to Menlo College from another institution in the United States are required to complete a Transfer Evaluation Form. Please complete the top part of the Transfer Evaluation Form. Once completed and signed, take the form to the International Student Advisor at your current school. The advisor will complete the bottom section of the form. Once both sections have been completed, return the form to Menlo College.
| Tuition and Fees | $33,150 |
| Room and Board | $11,330 |
| Personal | $4,000 |
| Total | $48,480 |
Please be aware these costs may increase for the 2010-11 academic year. Students are billed for their tuition and expenses at the beginning of each semester. Payment must be in U.S. currency. Bank wire transfers can be arranged. A minimum payment of one-fifth of the semester cost must be paid prior to the first day of instruction.
Medical Insurance
College policy states that international students must obtain medical insurance, available through Menlo College, to ensure adequate coverage while in the United States. Coverage is approximately $1,100 and is included in the personal expenses indicated above.
Work Regulations
A non-immigrant student is not permitted to work off-campus for a wage or salary or to engage in business while in the United States unless permission has been granted from the Department of Homeland Security. On-campus employment opportunities for international students are available on a limited basis and are not guaranteed.
Arrival at Menlo College
International students should plan to arrive in the United States at least one day in advance of semester orientation and should arrive on campus the day orientation begins. Special arrangements must be made at least one month in advance if special circumstances require a student to arrive on campus earlier than scheduled. The Menlo College calendar for 2010-11 academic terms is as follows:
Menlo College is located at 1000 El Camino Real, Atherton, CA. 94027. Close airports are San Francisco International (SFO) and San Jose International (SJC).
You may take a SuperShuttle from San Francisco International Airport to Menlo College. You do not need to make reservations for a shared ride SuperShuttle. When you arrive you should claim your luggage (lower level). Proceed to the upper level and outside to the curb. Follow the SuperShuttle signs to get to SFO Airport agents (in teal green jackets) and they will arrange your SuperShuttle transportation to Menlo College. You will wait for your van at Terminal 1 (across from Air Canada) or Terminal 3 across from United door #3. The ride will cost approximately $25. Currently the cost of a cab from San Francisco International Airport directly to Menlo College is approximately $70. Cabs are available curbside.
If you choose to travel by public bus, please be aware that you may need to walk further than by SuperShuttle or cab and will probably be carrying several pieces of luggage. SamTrans operates a KX Palo Alto bus. Please make sure the bus says KX Palo Alto. The bus leaves approximately every one-half hour and starts at 5:55 AM on the weekdays. The last bus is at 10:48 PM. Board the bus at International Courtyard A or Courtyard G (depending on if you are in terminal 1 or terminal 3). The bus will make several stops on the way to Atherton. You will exit in front of Menlo College. Make sure you notify the driver. You will need to have $1.75 in exact change when boarding the bus.
SuperShuttle does not offer a shared ride van from San Jose International Airport. Advanced reservations are required for an individual van. The cost of SuperShuttle's advanced reservations individual van is approximately $85. The cost of a cab is approximately $80. Cabs are readily available curbside.
If you wish to take public transportation from SJC a free Airport Shuttle # 10 runs every 15 minutes to the Santa Clara Caltrain station. Ride Caltrain to the Palo Alto Station. Trains run approximately every one-half hour. The cost is $4.25 for the train. At the Palo Alto Station board the 390 or KX bus that goes north towards San Francisco. The cost is $3.90 for the 390 bus and $1.75 for the KX. Make sure you have the correct change and exit the bus at Encinal. Encinal is across the street from Menlo College.
Other Important Information
English as a Second Language
Students who need to polish their skills in intensive English classes will be offered the courses that they need at Menlo College, provided that they meet Menlo's admission standards.
Language Pacifica
If your TOEFL score is below the Menlo College admission requirement (173 for the computer version, 500 for the paper version, and 61 for the IBT and 5.5 for the IELTS) you may be admitted on the condition that you attend Language Pacifica concurrently during your first semester at Menlo. Language Pacifica, established in 1979, offers outstanding intensive English language programs and is located just one block from the Menlo campus.