More than 40 countries are represented among the HWS student body, and between our students, faculty and staff members, more than 50 languages are spoken on campus! We welcome international students to apply under the Early Decision, Early Action and Regular Decision application plans. Use the checklist below to complete your application to HWS.

Contact

Marylyn O'Hora Uhnak
Associate Vice President and Director of International Student Enrollment and Success
(315) 781-3750
uhnak@hws.edu

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Application Checklist

  • Common Application
  • Official transcript and School Report from each secondary and post-secondary institution you have attended. If these documents are not in English, please provide a certified translation.
  • Recommendation from a high school teacher in one of the following subject areas: English, history/social sciences, mathematics, science or foreign language.
  • Mid-Year Report
  • English Proficiency (Required if English is not your first language)
  • TOEFL minimum score of 80 (Due to challenges brought on by Covid-19, HWS will accept scores from TOEFL ITP but not from TOEFL home edition.)
  • IELTS minimum score of 6.5
  • Duolingo minimum score of 120
  • Early Decision Form (optional)
  • Certification of Finances (Once completed, please upload to your applicant portal)

If you are applying for financial aid, please submit the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE by November 15 for Early Decision I and Early Action, January 15 for Early Decision II, and February 1 for all other applications. Students with questions or concerns should contact the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@hws.edu or call (315) 781-3315. The Certification of Finances is waived for admission purposes should a student officially submit the CSS Profile. If you are admitted and choose to enroll at HWS, you will be required to provide additional financial documentation for issuance of your I20 Certificate of Eligibility for a visa.

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SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AT HWS

HWS will be with you every step of the way, from preparing and filing paperwork, to picking you up from the airport, to helping you acclimate to life on campus.

Before arriving on campus:
HWS supports international students prior to their arrival by assisting with all visa related issues including the issuance of the I-20 form. By working closely with the offices of Admissions and Financial Aid, the Director of International Student Enrollment and Success ensures smooth navigation through the complex process of obtaining the proper documentation to study here in the United States.

Day of arrival:
When students arrive in the United States by themselves, HWS will provide transportation from the Rochester airport. In addition, the Office of International Student Affairs provides a small “goodie” bag with some great treats for the weary traveler as well as bedding and basic toiletries until the student can obtain his or her own. We then provide a very specific orientation for our new international students as well as U.S. students who have been living abroad. This comprehensive program takes place over a three day period and involves team building, a mini visa workshop, sessions on “what it means to study in the U.S.,” understanding a liberal arts education, and some fun recreational activities to help students get acclimated. We will also bring students shopping and assist with any banking concerns.

After arriving on campus:
After orientation, the Office of International Student Affairs in cooperation with the Hobart and William Smith Deans offices, Intercultural Affairs and the Department of Residential Education, assists students in all facets of working, studying and living on our liberal arts campus. The Director of International Student Enrollment and Success serves as mentor, adviser, friend and confidant to our international students. The office provides programming for the students both throughout the academic year as well as over breaks, as many international students remain on campus throughout the year. We also have a wonderful host family program for those students who would like additional support. We always encourage students to take full advantage of the breadth of curricular and co-curricular options available to all HWS community members. Our ultimate goal is to have all international students feel that they are fully a part of the greater HWS and Geneva communities.