Admissions Information

1. ARC Application. If you wish to attend ARC as an international student, please download, print and complete the online application. You may scan the completed form and e-mail it to MalikJ@arc.losrios.edu. You also may fax the completed application to 916-484-8864, or mail it to Jamil Malik, Enrollment Services, American River College, 4700 College Oak Dr., Sacramento, CA 95841.
    

2. SEVIS Enrollment form. Please send an e-mail to the International Student Office for an international student packet, which will include the SEVIS form and other forms mentioned below.
    

3. Proof of English Proficiency: If your primary language is not English, you must show proof of English proficiency. This can be done in one of two ways:
   a. Official TOEFL with a minimum of a 510 (paper), 180 (computer), or 64 (Internet); or
   b. ARC’s ESL examination with a minimum score at the ESL 310 (intermediate-high) range. This exam is given on campus in the Assessment Center.
    

4. Official Transcripts:
   a. High school showing all grades and graduation dates, or
   b. College – if applicable.
    

5. Official Bank Statement: All international students must show sufficient financial support for their first year of study. Please read this section carefully.
   a. If you have relative or sponsor in Sacramento who is providing room and board and/or financial support, you must submit an affidavit of support and a bank statement with a minimum amount of $8,500. (An affidavit of support is a written statement by your sponsor, which states exactly what the sponsor will provide.)
   b. If you are paying for your tuition as well as living expenses, you must show a bank statement in the amount of $15,000. The bank statement can be from a bank in your country with the amount of money stated in U.S. dollars.
    

6. Submit a non-refundable application fee of $50 to the International Student Office, as explained in the international student packet. Payment may be made by check or money order only.
    

7. Transfer Form: If you are currently attending school in the United States as an international student, you must submit the transfer form in addition to the documents mentioned above. Please bring this transfer form to the DSO or International Student Advisor at your current school for processing.
    
    

The Process

Application Deadlines
In order to get the classes you need, it is important to complete the admissions procedures as early as possible.   

Term	Non-transfer Student*	Transfer Student
Fall 2007	June 29, 2007	July 27, 2007
Spring 2008	November 16, 2007	December 14, 2007
Summer 2008	April 11, 2008	May 23, 2008

 

 

 
* Non-transfer students include those students who are applying for a change of status,
   or are coming directly from their home country and will need to apply for a visa.

Academic Planning & Registration: Once you have submitted your application packet and are waiting for your I-20, you should begin to prepare for your academic schedule.  Please keep in mind that American River College is very large, so classes fill up quickly. It is extremely important to be ready to register for classes as soon as you can.  The Counseling Center has international counselors to help you make your academic decisions.  There are many resources at ARC to help you succeed with your classes and degree. As an international student you are required to enroll in and complete 12 units per semester.  Each of the following must be done before you can register for classes.

q  Meet with a counselor: There are a number of counselors available to help you with planning your academic program.  (Mr. Steve Hoag and Mr. Rick Ramirez are our designated International Student Counselors.) Call the Counseling Center at (916) 485-8572 to make an appointment, and explain that you are an international student.   Because of the large number of students who use the Counseling Center, it can be difficult to schedule a meeting with a counselor at the beginning of each semester; please call to make an appointment as soon as possible.  Be sure to bring a copy of your test scores as well as any transcripts you may have when you arrive for your appointment.

q  Purchase a class schedule: The ARC schedule contains important information on registration procedures as well as course information. You can buy one throughout campus or access it online.  After you decide on the classes you will need with your counselor, you will use the class schedule to check the times and day so each class.  Because classes fill up so quickly, it is important to choose some alternative sections or classes.

q   Purchase health insurance coverage. : Hospital, doctor or dentist fees can be very expensive in the U.S.  It is very important that you are responsible about having adequate health insurance. Before you can register for classes, you will need to show proof of health insurance coverage.  ARC does not sell health insurance.  But we do have a plan with a local insurance company: Somerton Student Insurance.  An information booklet is included for your information.

q  Take the tuberculosis skin test: All students must have a tuberculosis skin test clearance.  The test is offered at the Health Center, in the ARC Administration Building, for a fee of $5.

q  Attend the international student orientation: At the beginning of each semester, there is an international student orientation.  This is a mandatory meeting focusing on immigration regulations and responsibilities.  (The immigration regulations for F-1 students are not difficult but they are important.)  The international student orientation is a great opportunity to meet with other students, as well as staff members, and make some new friends.

q  Meet with the International Student Advisor: Throughout the semester it is important that you touch bases with the international student advisor at least once, to make sure everything is good with your immigration status.

   

CHANGE OF STATUS: If you are currently on another non-immigrant visa and want to change your status, please make an appointment with the international student advisor.
Telephone: (916) 484-8774