Foreign Credential Evaluation
Applicants to Lesley University who have credentials from
institutions outside the United States must obtain independent
credential evaluations to determine U.S. equivalency. "General" or
"document-by-document" evaluations are required for admission into
graduate programs and "course-by-course" evaluations are required for
admission into adult bachelor's programs. While Lesley requires that
applicants use independent credential evaluation agencies, applicants
must still submit transcripts and English translations of transcripts to
Lesley University to be considered for admission.
We recommend using the agencies listed below. Please contact the agencies directly for more information about their services.
English Proficiency Tests (TOEFL and IELTS)
A TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS
(International English Language Testing System) examination is required
for all applicants whose native language is not English. A minimum score
of 80 for the internet-based TOEFL or 550 for the paper-based TOEFL, or
6 for IELTS is required for admission. Applicants who have completed
degree programs in English at the college or university level may
qualify to have the requirement waived. If this is not noted on your
transcript, please request a letter from the registrar at your college
or university stating that your language of instruction was English.
For reporting purposes, the Lesley University code for TOEFL is 3483.
To submit IELTS scores, please contact the test center where you took
the test and request that an official Test Report Form be sent to Lesley
University. Visit www.toefl.org or www.ielts.org for more information.
Frequently Asked Visa Questions
What is an F-1 visa?
An F-1 visa is a computer-generated page that is placed in your
passport after a successful interview at an U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
The visa is issued when sufficient evidence is provided that a student
intends to study in the United States.
The visa includes the following information:
- Student's full name and date of birth;
- The school at which student intends to study;
- The issue date and expiration date of visa;
- The number of entries into the US for which the visa is valid.
What do I need to get my F-1 visa?
In order to obtain a new F-1 visa, contact the U.S. Embassy or
Consulate where you intend to apply for the visa or visit their website
and ask about application requirements. In most cases, you must first
pay a SEVIS fee and then call for a visa interview. Be prepared at the
interview to present the following documents:
- An application which is available at the Embassy or Consulate (or may be available online);
- Visa application fee;
- Any other requested visa-related applications;
- Documents which show financial resources for at least one year of school;
- Your passport;
- Two color photographs;
- Evidence of intent to return to the home country upon completion of your studies;
- Your SEVIS receipt fee;
- Form I-20;
- Your acceptance letter from Lesley University.
What kind of documents can show intent to return to my home country?
While there is no set documentation to indicate your intent to return
to the home country, an application for an F-1 visa will more likely be
approved if close ties to the home country are maintained.
This may be shown in the following ways:
- Your immediate family members reside in your home country.
- You own property and/or are maintaining a bank account in your home country.
- There is a strong likelihood of employment at home in your field of study after completing your degree.
- You maintain important social ties or membership in cultural organizations at home
Where can I get an I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility)?
An I-20 will be issued once you have been accepted and deposited, and have submitted all required documents.
I have a visitor's visa (B-2). Can I study?
No. A "B" non immigrant (both B-1 visitors for business and B-2
visitors for pleasure) is strictly prohibited from enrolling in a course
of study.
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