First-Year

Frequently Asked Questions

 

    • Application Form
    • High School or Secondary School Transcripts
      • English translation accompanied by official transcript in original language required
      • Required from all secondary institutions attended
    • Optional SAT/ACT scores
      • No subject tests required
      • LMU’S Institution Codes:
        • SAT 4403
        • ACT 0326
      • Proof of English proficiency
      • TOEFL 90 iBT (minimum)
      • IELTS 6.5 overall bandwidth (minimum)
      • PTE 56 (minimum)
      • Duolingo English Test 120 (minimum)
    • 1 Academic Letter of Recommendation
    • Auditions and Portfolios
      • Portfolio:
        • Animation Portfolio
        • Production Portfolio (Optional)
        • Studio Arts Portfolio (Optional)
      • Audition:
        • Dance Audition
        • Music Audition
        • Theatre Audition
    • First-Year Applicants Fall Term:
      • November 1 – Early Action (non-binding)
      • November 1 – Early Decision (binding)
      • January 15 – Regular Decision
    • First-Year Applicants Spring Term:
      • October 15 – Regular Decision
    • All first-year applicants are automatically considered for academic scholarships. Scholarship amounts vary between $2,000 to $30,000 annually. LMU does not offer need-based financial aid to international students.
    • What is the minimum TOEFL score required?
      • The University’s minimum standard for undergraduate admission is 90 on the Internet-based TOEFL.
    • When is the deadline to submit TOEFL scores?
      • TOEFL scores should be submitted by the application deadline.
    • What are alternatives to taking the TOEFL?
    • What is LMU’s TOEFL Institution code?
      • 4403
    • Advanced Placement
      • LMU awards up to 6 semester hours (up to 8 for lab-based science courses) to students who score at least a 4 on select AP exams.  
    • International Baccalaureate
      • LMU awards up to 6 semester hours (up to 8 for lab-based science courses) for select Higher Level passes for which a student scores 5 or above.
    • Pay your LMU tuition deposit.
    • Submit your SEVIS I-20 Request Form‌ (Certificate of Eligibility for F-1, International Student Status) in MyStatus. Use your MyLMU login and password to access MyStatus.
    • Register for mandatory International Orientation.
    • Obtain your visa and review your legal requirements.
    • Complete your Housing request, if applicable. For off-campus housing, please visit Off-Campus Student Life for available resources.
    • Pay your tuition and fees.
    • Create login ID and password for MyLMU. (You will need your Student ID number). You can check your registration status and your account information via PROWL once you log in to MyLMU.
    • Meet the Health Entrance Immunization Requirements and Insurance requirements.
    • Check the Academic Calendar for important deadlines regarding courses.
    • Once you arrive on campus, visit the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) in Malone 201.
    • How do I apply for on-campus housing?
      • Online housing application
      • Electronic acknowledgement of the License Agreement
      • Payment of the $450 non-refundable Housing Deposit
    • Does LMU offer guaranteed housing?
      • First-Years entering in the Fall term are guaranteed University housing, provided their commitment deposit is received electronically or postmarked no later than May 1 for Fall admission.
      • Fall term transfer students and any student entering in the Spring term are not guaranteed housing. Instead, they are offered accommodations on a space-available basis. Their housing requests will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as they make their commitment deposits and return all requested Housing information.
    • Are all first-years required to live on campus?
      • No, first-year students are not required to live on campus. However, 94% of first-years do live in LMU residence halls as it is a great opportunity to meet new people and participate in on-campus activities.
    • What are the rooms like?
      • All first-year rooms are equipped with one desk, one chair, one twin bed, one bookshelf, one dresser, and a closet space.
      • All residences offer common spaces such as study lounges, kitchenettes, communal bathrooms, and printing stations, and vending machines.
      • There are laundry rooms in close proximity to all residence buildings.
    • What is an I-20 form and what do I need it for?
      • The I-20 form acts as a certificate of eligibility for F-1 international students. It is used to verify your student status in the US and is required by immigration every time you enter the US.
    • How do I obtain an I-20?
      • After being accepted, go to MyStatus and log in with your MyLMU credentials to submit your SEVIS I-20 Request form.
    • Do I have to renew my I-20 every academic year?
      • No, you do not have to renew your I-20 every year. However, students must obtain a travel signature at the OISS every six months prior to traveling outside of the US. You can request a travel signature on MyStatus.
      • Students who are working under Optional Practical Training must request a new I-20 that indicated their employment status.
    • LMU campus tours are offered Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m, and on Saturdays during the academic year at 11 a.m. Each visit includes a 30-minute information session presented by an Admission Counselor followed by a 90-minute walking tour of LMU.
    • Science and Engineering tours are offered at 9 a.m., 3 times a week. These tours are a great way for prospective students interested in learning more about the Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering.
    • To sign up for a tour, please click here: schedule a campus tour.
    • Student Employment Services at Loyola Marymount University provides part-time employment opportunities, workshops and services, to further students' professional development and post graduate success. More than 3,400 LMU students worked in more than 5,300 positions across campus. National Reports and LMU Retention Statistics indicate that students who work are more successful because of the skills and experiences they obtain on the job.
    • Workday is the most important resource that LMU students will use when trying to find student employment. This online database allows students to explore part-time job opportunities on-campus.