All citizens of countries other than the U.S. are considered international students.
If you attend a U.S. high school, but have a foreign passport, you are an international student. All international applicants will be considered for merit-based scholarships
How to Apply
- Submit an application via the Common Application in addition to the following items:
- Letter of recommendation from a recent or current teacher
- Secondary School Report from your college/guidance counselor
- Official high school transcripts reflecting coursework through the junior year for Early Action applications, and through the fall semester of senior year for the Regular Decision applications.
- Official SAT or ACT scores. Beginning with the class of 2021, the College has adopted a test-optional admission policy, an approach that allows you to choose whether your SAT/ACT scores should be considered in the process. Read more about the policy requirements. If you decide to submit test results, request that your SAT I (Code #4952) or ACT (Code #0480) results be sent to the College
- Official TOEFL, IELTS, iTEP, or DuoLingo exam results. (TOEFL minimum: 80 / IELTS minimum: 6.5) Exemptions available for the following:
- A score of 550 or higher on the verbal section of the SAT, or a sub score of 24 or higher on the Reading and/or English sections of the ACT.
- The applicant’s first language is English.
- If the applicant has attended a high school where the primary language of instruction is English for at least three years.
- TOEFL/IELTS/iTEP waiver form.
- International Financial Certification form
You may submit any additional information you believe will help support your application for admission.
Application Deadlines for International Students
- November 15 - Non-binding Early Action
- February 1 - Regular Decision
Students are encouraged to apply early to ensure consideration for the fullest range of scholarship opportunities. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as they are completed, including all supporting documents.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Merit Scholarships
There is no separate application process to be considered for merit-based academic scholarships.
Talent Scholarships
- Must be an admitted student to apply for talent-based scholarships in Art, Music, and Theatre.
- Scholarship recipients do not have to major or minor in the subject, only maintain involvement with the department throughout their time at Whittier.
- Scholarships are valued from $1,000 to $12,000 and are based on a separate application process.
- Deadline to apply: February 2018
- Audition/Portfolio Review Date: February 2018
- Talent Applications, FAQs, and Contact Information
Helpful Tips
- Fully complete the Common Application. Leave no question unanswered! If you are having trouble with The Common Application you will have to contact the Support Center through the Common Application website. Unfortunately, we cannot resolve certain problems.
- Use the same name on all documents you submit. Specifically, the name as it exactly appears on your passport will help our office in future immigration matters.
- Thinking about mailing your documents? Save time by emailing admissions@whittier.edu or faxing them to the Office of Admission at 562.907.4870.
- Submit a completed Whittier College International Financial Certification with U.S. dollar amounts listed in the columns for Assured (first year) & Projected Support. Bank statements and third-party signatures will be needed for the visa process if you are admitted.
- Do not miss the application deadlines! Early Action: November 15; Regular Decision: February 1. It usually takes us 2-3 weeks to process documents that are submitted online. Please be patient!
Clery Act
We value the safety of all members of the Whittier community. The Whittier College Annual Security and Fire Safety Report can be viewed online here. This report provides crime statistics for the prior three years, policy statements regarding various safety and security measures, campus crime prevention program descriptions, and procedures to be followed in the investigation and adjudication of reportable crimes. A paper copy of the document is available at the Department of Campus Safety or by calling 562.907.4211