Applying as an International Student to Simmons University

If you are applying directly from a high school outside of the United States with less than 17 University credits and are less than 24 years old, you must apply as a first year international student. To apply as a first year international student, please submit the following materials:

1. The Common Application–please refer to the Common App Ready Toolkit for helpful instructions and advice about completing your Common Application.
   • Personal Essay—the personal essay is a tool for you to give us insight about yourself that might not otherwise be communicated in your application. We are looking for a thoughtful, well-written essay no longer than a page.    
2. Two letters of recommendation
   • We require one letter from a teacher and one from a counselor, advisor, or headmaster.
   • Recommendations from family members or friends will not be accepted.
   • Letters of recommendations from employers, coaches, or other mentors are optional–we will still need at least one academic letter of recommendation.
   • Recommendations must be submitted by the recommender. Applicants can invite recommenders through the Simmons Questions section of the CommonApp, or recommenders can email their letter directly to [email protected].
3. Official Secondary School transcript(s)
   • All transcripts need to be official (signed in original ink and stamped with a seal), include English translations, and U.S. grading equivalencies. An English translation of all transcripts that are not in English is required.  
     • Depending on which country you are applying from, we will need to see at least 2-3 years of secondary coursework with final or in progress grades, depending on your graduation date.  
     • Final exam scores alone will be considered supplementary materials and will not count as an official transcript. For example, WACES scores and Cambridge Assessment scores are NOT transcripts and will not be counted as such. Contact your admission counselor with questions.
   • Evaluations for secondary school transcripts are recommended, but not required. Applicants can use WES, CED, or TEC, formerly known as SpanTran.
   • Self submitted transcripts will not be accepted, and any transcripts sent by you, your friends, or your family will not be considered.
4. English Proficiency Test Scores
   • If English is not the language of instruction at your school, you may need to submit official English proficiency scores. Click the link above for our policy.

Simmons considers students who are applying with more than 17 University credits and who are less than 24 years old to be transfer applicants. To apply as an international transfer student you will need the submit following materials:

1. The Common Application–please refer to the Common App Ready Toolkit for helpful instructions and advice about completing your Common Application.
   • Personal Essay—the personal essay is a tool for you to give us insight about yourself that might not otherwise be communicated in your application. We are looking for a thoughtful, well-written essay no longer than a page.
2. One letter of recommendation
   • We require one academic letter of recommendation, preferably from an academic advisor or faculty member at your current or most recent institution.
   • Recommendations from family members or friends will not be accepted.
   • Letters of recommendations from employers, coaches, or other mentors are optional–we will still need at least one academic letter of recommendation.
   • Recommendations cannot be self submitted–have them sent directly from your recommender.
   • Recommendations must be submitted by the recommender. Applicants can invite recommenders through the Simmons Questions section of the CommonApp, or recommenders can email their letter directly to [email protected].
3. Official Secondary School transcript(s)
   • All transcripts need to be official (signed in original ink and stamped with a seal), include English translations, and U.S. grading equivalencies. An English translation of all transcripts that are not in English is required.  
     • Depending on which country you are applying from, we will need to see at least 2-3 years of secondary coursework with final or in progress grades.
     • Final exam scores will be considered supplementary materials and will not count as an official transcript.
     • For example, WACES scores and Cambridge Assessment scores are NOT transcripts and will not be counted as such. Contact your admission counselor with questions.
   • Evaluations for secondary school transcripts are recommended, but not required. Applicants can use WES, CED, or TEC, formerly known as SpanTran.
   • Self submitted transcripts will not be accepted, and any transcripts sent by you, your friends, or your family will not be considered.
4. Official University and/or College transcript(s)
   • Transcripts must be sent from all previous institutions attended; all transcripts need to be official (signed in original ink and stamped with a seal), include English translations, and U.S. grading equivalencies. An English translation of all transcripts that are not in English is required.
   • University and/or college transcripts must be evaluated by a third party if coming from an institution overseas: any NACES approved member will work; many of our students have found success through WES, CED, or The Evaluation Company.
5. English Proficiency Test Scores
   • If English is not the language of instruction at your school, you may need to submit official English proficiency scores. Click the link above for our policy.

Simmons considers students who are over the age of 24 and/or have already received a bachelor’s degree to be Dix Scholars, or adult students. To apply as an adult international student you will need the submit following materials:

1. The Common Application–please refer to the Common App Ready Toolkit for helpful instructions and advice about completing your Common Application.
   • Personal Essay—the personal essay is a tool for you to give us insight about yourself that might not otherwise be communicated in your application. We are looking for a thoughtful, well-written essay no longer than a page. 
2. One letter of recommendation
   • We require one academic letter of recommendation, preferably from an academic advisor or faculty member at your current or most recent institution.
   • Recommendations from family members or friends will not be accepted.
   • Letters of recommendations from employers, coaches, or other mentors are optional–we will still need at least one academic letter of recommendation.
   • Recommendations cannot be self submitted–have them sent directly from your recommender.
   • Recommendations must be submitted by the recommender. Applicants can invite recommenders through the Simmons Questions section of the CommonApp, or recommenders can email their letter directly to [email protected]. 
3. Official Secondary School transcript(s)
   • All transcripts need to be official (signed in original ink and stamped with a seal), include English translations, and U.S. grading equivalencies. An English translation of all transcripts that are not in English is required.  
     • Depending on which country you are applying from, we will need to see at least 2-3 years of secondary coursework with final or in progress grades.
     • Final exam scores will be considered supplementary materials and will not count as an official transcript.
     • For example, WACES scores and Cambridge Assessment scores are NOT transcripts and will not be counted as such. Contact your admission counselor with questions. 
   • Evaluations for secondary school transcripts are recommended, but not required. Applicants can use WES, CED, or The Evaluation Company.
   • Self submitted transcripts will not be accepted, and any transcripts sent by you, your friends, or your family will not be considered.
4. Official University and/or College transcript(s)
   • Transcripts must be sent from all previous institutions attended; all transcripts need to be official (signed in original ink and stamped with a seal), include English translations, and U.S. grading equivalencies. An English translation of all transcripts that are not in English is required. 
   • University and/or college transcripts must be evaluated by a third party if coming from an institution overseas: any NACES approved member will work; many of our students have found success through WES, CED, or The Evaluation Company.
5. English Proficiency Test Scores
   • If English is not the language of instruction at your school, you may need to submit official English proficiency scores. Click the link above for our policy.