2020-2021 University Catalog 
    
    Oct 08, 2024  
2020-2021 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

General Requirements for Admission


Applicants and other interested parties may reach the University’s Office of Admissions by phone at (562) 902-3309 or toll free at (800) 434-7757. General information about the University and its programs, the admissions process, financial aid, and applications are available on SCU’s website: www.scuhs.edu. The Office admissions may also be contacted by email at admissions@scuhs.edu.

The general requirements for admission are established in cooperation with appropriate accrediting agencies, such as the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE), the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM), and the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

English language competency is required of all students seeking admission to SCU. This may be satisfied by achieving minimum scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as outlined in each program’s specific admissions requirements. Testing information on TOEFL or TSE may be obtained at www.toefl.org or by writing to TOEFL, Box 899, Princeton, NJ 08504. SCU does not provide English as a Second Language (ESL) services.

All applicants must furnish references of good moral character and provide complete, official academic transcripts or records of previous enrollment at any higher education institution they have attended. Failure to comply may result in dismissal or loss of academic credit.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early, preferably not less than six months prior to the start date of the class in which they seek entrance. A class may be filled without notice prior to the official beginning date. Applicants who are not accommodated will be considered for the next available class.

In general, applicants for admission to SCU are required to provide one or more of the following: a completed application for admission, official transcripts (high school and/or college), and a successful interview. Please see the program sections in this catalog for program-specific admission requirements.

Only candidates who have also filed an application will be considered for admission. They will be notified in writing regarding their admission status.

International Students

The general admission requirements are identical for all applicants, regardless of citizenship. However, immigration regulations, varying educational backgrounds, and financial considerations require additional procedures for international students.

For visa purposes, international students must provide a foreign address in the Application for Admission. International applicants who are admitted to SCU will receive a visa information packet along with the acceptance letter from the Office of Admissions.

Other additional application requirements for students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents include:

  • Certification of Finances (COF) form: evidence of possessing financial resources to complete the academic program (minimum funds vary by program, contact the Office of Admissions for current amounts);
  • Original financial support documents (bank documents) showing proof of possession of adequate funds;
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): applicants for whom English is not a native language must submit an official copy of their TOEFL score. Testing information may be obtained at www.toefl.org or by writing to TOEFL, Box 899, Princeton, NJ 08504. For all degree programs, the minimum required TOEFL score is 500 (paper based), 173 (computer based), or 61 (internet based);
  • Proof of health insurance: a valid and unexpired policy which provides coverage in the United States;
  • A copy of a valid passport, including name, date of birth, passport number, expiration date, photo, and signature.

Please submit all supporting documentation, preferably six months prior to expected enrollment and no later than sixty (60) days prior to the start of the term.

All foreign academic transcripts are to be evaluated by World Educational Services (WES) or any NACES approved agency, with an original of the evaluation and copy of transcripts forwarded directly to the Office of Admission.  Canadian students are NOT required to have this evaluation; they can have their transcripts sent directly from their university to SCU (with the exception of Quebec schools that do not provide English transcripts). 

The Office of Admissions will evaluate the application materials, and if accepted, will issue a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status -For Academic and Language Students.” The Form I-20 is necessary for applying for a nonimmigrant visa. Please allow for at least four weeks to apply for a visa.

International students must comply with the laws, rules and regulations of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).