1. Where is Siena College Located?
Siena College is located in the eastern part of New York right outside of Albany, the capital of New York State. Siena is a 2.5 hour train or bus ride to New York City and Boston and about 4 hours to Montreal, Canada. This means that you can arrive right to Albany International Airport or to one of the New York City airports and take a bus or train up to Albany where we will pick you up for orientation.
2. Do I have to take the TOEFL, IELTS or any other English Proficiency exams?
It depends! If you live in a country where the official language is English (i.e. England, Canada, Australia, etc.), then the answer is no. Also, if you are attending a school where the language of instruction is English, then the answer is also no. If you live in a country where the official language is not English and your secondary education was in a language other than English, then we require you to submit a TOEFL or IELTS exam. We also require a Duolingo English Exam (115 or higher).
Minimum TOEFL Score: 65
Minimum IELTS Score: 5.5*
*If you receive a TOEFL of 79 or higher or an IELTS Score of 6.5 or higher, then you will not take an English language assessment upon arriving to campus.
3. Does Siena College offer scholarships and financial aid for international students?
Yes! International students qualify for our merit-based scholarships which range from $15,000-$21,500 USD a year. Our merit-based scholarships are based on your average from high school as well as your SAT/ACT Score if you submit one- you can still qualify for our merit-based scholarships without an SAT/ACT.
We will also review you for additional need-based financial aid if you fill out and submit the CSS Profile by Collegeboard. To submit your CSS profile, please use code 2814.
4. Do I have to fill out a FAFSA?
No- as an international student, you do not qualify for federal financial aid, so you do not need to fill out a FAFSA. To see if you qualify for additional financial aid, please fill out the CSS Profile by Collegeboard and submit it to Siena using code 2814.
5. Do I have to get my transcript evaluated by WES or another credit evaluator?
It is not necessary to have your transcript evaluated by credential evaluation services organizations as that is done in house at Siena College. As a transfer student, we may ask you to submit a transcript evlauation (you may want to consider using WES or ECE) in order to ensure that you are getting the transfer credit you deserve.
6. Can I receive credit for my IB, AP and A-level courses?
Yes you can! You will receive college credit for Advanced Placement Exams if you receive a score of 4 or 5. You can receive credit for receiving a score of 5 or better on the International Baccalaureate Higher Level Exams. A-level exams are reviewed by each department and you may receive college credit based on the grade you receive on your exams.
For all exams, you must submit official scores to Siena prior to enrollment in order to receive credit.
7. How can I send the required documents to Siena College?
You can have your documents sent via mail or email to Siena College.*
Mailing Address:
Center for International Programs
Siena College
515 Loudon Road
Loudonville, NY 12211
Email:
admissions@siena.edu
* Please note that documents are considered official (i.e. transcripts) only when they come from a counselor, teacher, principal, headmaster, etc.
8. How do I obtain a visa to enter the USA?
After submitting your deposit, the International Student Advisor, Susan Ambrose will begin communicating with you regarding the necessary documents for a Form I-20. You will use the Form I-20 you receive at your visa interview for your F-1 Student Visa.
9. Can I work when I arrive in the USA?
Your F-1 Student status permits you to work on-campus. You must maintain F-1 status to be eligible for this employment benefit; maintaining status means that you are full-time registered student in good academic standing with a valid I-20. When school is in session, you can work 20 hours per week.
10. Where will I live as a Siena student?
As a Siena student, you will live on campus for all 4 years, unless you apply as a commuter. There are a variety of dorm options for underclassman. You also have the option as you reach your Junior and Senior year to live in the Townhomes on campus.