Information for International Students

Bryn Mawr has a prestigious reputation as one of the historical “Seven Sister Schools.” These colleges were founded to provide women a rigorous education that was unavailable to them as most of the Ivy League institutions did not admit women until the late 1960s. The original “Seven Sisters” consisted of Barnard, Bryn Mawr, Mount Holyoke, Radcliffe, Smith, Vassar, and Wellesley Colleges. However, only five “Sisters” remain, which are Barnard, Bryn Mawr, Mount Holyoke, Smith, and Wellesley. All of these schools are highly ranked in the U.S.

Students and Faculty The percentage of international students in the class entering in 2013 is 26% A student-faculty ratio of 8:1 ensures small classes and access to accomplished faculty. Campus Environment Bryn Mawr is located just outside the city of Philadelphia—the second largest city on the East Coast. The residential campus neighborhood is a safe setting where students are guaranteed on-campus housing for four years. In the surrounding communities, students can take advantage of curricular and social activities at Haverford College and Swarthmore College and also at the University of Pennsylvania. Academic Environment Almost one-third of the student body majors in math or science. Bryn Mawr students majoring in these disciplines have the opportunity to earn a master’s degree through a “4 +1” program with the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Engineering and Applied Science. Students in the Social Sciences and Humanities have pursued advanced degrees at schools such as Harvard Graduate School of Education, Mailman School of Public Health of Columbia University, and the London School of Economics and Political Science.” Application Deadlines: November 1, 2013, for Early Decision Plan I January 1, 2014, for Early Decision Plan II January 15, 2014, for Regular Decision

brynmawr.edu/admissions Frequently Asked Questions

I have an American passport, but live overseas. Am I an international student? No. If a student has U.S. citizenship or is a U.S. permanent resident, she is not considered an international student. This is because she does not need to apply for a student visa to gain entry into the U.S. In addition, U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for federal financial aid which is not available to international students.

What testing is required for international students? All applicants must submit standardized test scores as described by our “Test Flexible” policy, which is located on the Bryn Mawr College website. There is no minimum score for admission. The middle 50% of our applicants have the following scores in each section: Verbal: 590–720, Math: 580–700, Writing: 610–710.

International students whose first language is not English should submit TOEFL or IELTS results in addition to the tests they choose to satisfy the “Test Flexible” requirement. Competitive applicants should have a TOEFL score of at least 100 or an IELTS score of 7 or higher. The TOEFL/IELTS requirement can be waived for students whose principal language of instruction for the past four years is English.

Is there financial aid available for international students? Yes. Bryn Mawr College awards need-based c h u y l k i l l S R i financial aid to international v e r students which includes To Princeton and NewPennsylvania York City Turnpike NORTH grants, loans, and campus King of Prussia US 202 I-76 I-476 I-76 employment. There is a Pennsylvania Turnpike Valley Forge US 1 great deal of competition for I-76 RTE 73 Exit 27 RTE 252 these funds. Although the PAOLI -THORNDALE (SEPTA) RadnorGulph Mills Schuylkill Expressway vast majority of financial aid BRYN MAWR awarded is based on need, US 30 LANCASTER AVE. ST. DAVIDS / COLLEGE VILLANOVA US 1 UNIVERSITY the College also offers some Bryn Mawr Philadelphia limited merit awards. There 202 US I-476 HAVERFORD I-95 is no application for merit Ardmore aid; all applicants will be US 30 I-76 Ben Franklin Bridge CITY AVENUE considered. U. PENN I-676 NEW JERSEY Is Bryn Mawr Need-Blind? US 1 Boston PENNSYLVANIA 30 TH ST. STATION No. Bryn Mawr College SWARTHMORE is “need- sensitive.” The I-476 New York City RTE 291 Walt College is committed PHILADELPHIA Whitman I-295 INTL. AIRPORT Bridge to meeting 100% of Bryn Mawr I-95 an admitted student’s Philadelphia I-295 e r I-95 Exit 7 i v demonstrated need. e R Washington D.C. a r However, for a segment To Washington D.C. a w e l of the applicant pool, a D student’s financial need will be taken into consideration in determining her admission. Delaware River

Can I apply for financial aid after I am already enrolled? No. A student cannot apply for financial aid at any time after she has been admitted and enrolled at the College. She must apply for financial aid when she applies for admission.