In an effort to help you get started in applying, we have prepared these frequently asked questions and answers to assist you. You can request an International Admissions Packet by e-mailing intadmissions@bergen.edu, by visiting the following page of our website: The United States government requires that you have financial support to cover the full costs of your students and living expenses *(estimated at $18,000 per year). Anyone can be your sponsor, including yourself, as long as financial requirements are met. It is also possible to have more than one sponsor. You might have one sponsor for your academic costs and another sponsor for your living expenses. Please bring your admission materials to the International Student Center (Room A-126) or mail the completed materials to. Applications will be reviewed and an I-20 will be issued as quickly as possible. The processing time is normally about 3 weeks.
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Is there an application fee?
No, Bergen Community College does not charge an application fee.
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How do I obtain an International Admissions Packet?
/admissions/internationalstudents/ or stopping by the International Student Center(Room A 126, in the Pitkin Education Center)
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When can I apply for admission to receive an I-20?
Applications for the Fall semester should be submitted by June 1. The deadline for students transferring to Bergen Community College from another US institution for the Fall semester is August 15. Applications for the Spring semester should be submitted by October 15. The deadline for students transferring to Bergen Community College from another insitution for the Spring semester is December 1. Deadlines are flexible.
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What can I get ready prior to receiving an international admissions packet?
You should start by requesting an official copy of your grades and proof of graduation. This must be an official, original copy and must be translated into English by a certified translator. You can also determine who will be your financial sponsor, who is the person paying for your expenses while you are studying in the US.
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Who should be my sponsor?
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What kind of testing is required?
Standardized tests (THE SAT OR TOEFL) are not required for admission. However, if you have taken the SAT and scored 540 or above on the Crititcal Reading section of the test, or if you scored an 80 or above on the Internet Based TOEFL, you may be exempt from language based placement testing. Please bring your official test results to the Office of Testing Services once you have arrived in the US. For information on testing, please visit www.bergen.edu/testing. If you are not exempt from the language based placement test, y ou will take the Level of English Proficiency (LOEP) test at Bergen Community College. This is not an entrance examination; it is used for placement only. If it is necessary for you to take English as a Second Language courses through our American Language Program, your test score will determine the appropriate ALP course level. Some students will need to take all 4 levels, others will not. Each level is one semester long.
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How do I arrange to take the placement tests?
Once you are admitted to the college, you will receive email notifying you of testing dates/times that are available. You may test most week days upon your arrival to Bergen Community College. No appointment is necessary.For more information on testing, please visit www.bergen.edu/testing
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Where should I bring my completed international admissions packet?
The International Student Center
Bergen Community College
400 Paramus Rd
Paramus,NJ 07652 USA
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Are there any other forms I need to bring with me to BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE?
It is extremly important that you complete the medical history form. http://www.bergen.edu/documents/healthservices/pdf/healthform.pdf. The health examinationcan be performed either in your home country or in the US upon arrival. You will have to show proof of immunization against Measles, Mumps and Rubella in English. It is extremly important that students submit necessary health records. Please visit http://www.bergen.edu/healthservices for more information.
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How much does it cost to study at BERGEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE?
As an international student, you will be paying out-of-county tuition rates. This information can be found on www.bergen.edu/bursar and in the current college catalog. Please know that F-1 students must register for 12 credits for semester. Many students chose to take 15 credits. You will need atleast $8,000(estimated) per year for tuition and fees.You will also need to pay for your own personal expenses (lhousing, books, transportation)
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When do I need to pay my tuition bill?
You will only recieve your bill after you have taken your placement test or have been exempted from testing, and have registered for courses. Since you will be charged for the number of credits for which you register, your bill may not be the same each semester. You will be able to pay the Bursar (A229) with cash (US dollars), credit card, debit card, or a check/money order as long as it is drawn on a US bank. You can also pay your bill on-line with a credit card through WebAdvisor.
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I am waiting for my change of status to F-1 to be approved. What happens if my change of status is not processed before the start of classes?
The answer to this question depends on what your current status is. If you are a visitor with B-1, B-2 or F-2 status, by law you must wait for your F-1 status request to be approved before registering for classes. Please note that if may be difficult to change status from B to F-1.If your current status does not have any restrictions regarding study, then you may proceed with registering for classes. Remember, your status is your responsibility.
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I have completed college/university courses in the United States? May I recieve credit for this work?
Upon acceptance to Bergen Community College, you will need to submit an official college/university transcript to Ms. Catherine Malone in Enrollment Services. She will evaluate your credits.
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I have completed college/university courses outside of the United States? May I receive credit for this work?
You will need to have your credits professionally evaluated by an approved evaluator on a course by course basis. Upon getting accepted, Ms. Catherine Malone in Enrollment Services will evaluate your credits for transfer credit. Click here for a list of approved evaluators
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I will be transferring to Bergen Community College from another US institution. Where can I find the Transfer Recommendation form?
Click here