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Frequently Asked Questions about International Students

Am I allowed to stay in the residence halls a little while longer during a break?

F1 students may stay from  August through May without any additional charges. However, you must notify the Designated School Official of your intentions and comply with Residential Life policies.

Can I eat in the dining hall during the summer?
All on-campus dining facilities are closed in the summer.
Do I have to have a meal plan?

All students who reside on campus must have a meal plan. Meal plan options can be designed to fit your budget.
Do I need insurance? How long is it good for?

Yes, health insurance for F1 students is mandated by SUNY. There are three periods for health insurance coverage: Aug. 15 - Jan. 15; Jan. 15 - June 15; and June 15 - Aug. 15.

Do I need to take the TOEFL exam? Do I need to take the SATs?

The TOEFL exam is required for all international students except those whose native language is English.  The minimum TOEFL score required is 500 on the paper exam (173 on the computer-based exam).  Be sure and request that an official score report be sent to Alfred State.  The college's code number is 2522. Results from the IELTS or STEP EIKEN exam may be substituted for the TOEFL exam. The SAT is required for baccalaureate level programs and for scholarship consideration.

Do you accept transfer students? Can I get transfer credit?

Yes, Alfred State does accept transfer students who have at least a 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale from previous college or university coursework.  Please note that an official transcript is required before an admission decision will be made.  In order to be evaluated for transfer credit, descriptions for all courses taken (in English) must also be provided.  In addition, it is strongly recommended that students provide a course-by-course credential evaluation completed by an approved credential evaluation service.

Do you offer scholarships for international students?

Two scholarships are available for international students. These scholarships are awarded automatically at the time of acceptance to students who qualify and are beginning their college career in the fall semester. For student is beginning his/her studies at Alfred State in the fall semester, the scholarships are guaranteed to qualified students who are accepted by March 15. Scholarship specifics are as follows:

International Excellence Scholarship-Awards free room (double occupancy) and board (18-meal plan) to international students who meet two of the following criteria: 550 TOEFL exam score (213 on computer-based exam), 3.25 college grade point average (a 90 overall high school average may be substituted), and/or 1200 combined SAT score. This scholarship is worth about $6,700 per year.

International Merit Scholarship-Awards free room (double occupancy) to international students who meet two of the following criteria: 525 TOEFL exam score (195 on computer-based exam), 3.0 college grade point average (an 88 overall high school average may be substituted), and/or 1100 combined SAT score. This scholarship is worth about $3,700 per year.

How can I have my family join me in America if I have a F-1 visa?

They must go to the Consulate or Embassy and obtain a visitor's visa.

How close is the nearest airport?

The nearest airport is the Greater Rochester International Airport. The airport is located 70 miles (112 kilometers) north of Alfred on Interstate 390.

How do I select a meal plan?

The meal plan you choose depends on your eating habits and daily schedule. If you want three meals a day and plan to be on campus most of the time, the 18-meal plan would suit you. ACES recommends that freshmen select the 18 or 14-meal plan until they are comfortable with their options and schedule.
How do I sign up for a meal plan?

Select your meal plan when you pay your bill online. Or, go to the ACES Business Office, on the first floor of Central Dining Hall, during the first days of school to select a meal plan.
How do I visit Canada or Mexico?

You must obtain a visitor visa in advance unless you are from Japan; you must also see your designated school official.

How many international students study at Alfred State?

Approximately 50 international students study at Alfred State each semester.  Currently, these students are from 10 countries.  Approximately 18-20 students graduate each academic year.  Our College has the best on-time graduation rate in the two-year SUNY system.  Alfred State has a total student population of 3,300 students.  This size allows for small class sizes (average of 20 students per class) and the opportunity for students to work closely with faculty members.  

How much does storage or airport shuttle service cost?

There is no cost assessed; however, your Designated School Official must be notified in advance.

I have a special needs diet. Where can I eat?

Notify the Health Center staff about your special diet. A special diet must be submitted to the Dining Services management staff. They will review the diet with you and make sure we have the proper items available so that you get good nutrition. We can accommodate any kind of diet restriction. Communicating a special dietary need early is important to ensure proper nutrition is being met.
Is the student application available online?

Part 1 of the international student admission application can be completed online through the State University of New York (SUNY) Web site at http://www.suny.edu/. Parts 2 - 4 can be printed and mailed to the Alfred State Admissions Office.

A paper copy of the four-part application can be requested from the Alfred State Admissions Office. Be sure and send your complete mailing address when requesting application materials.

Is there a fee for staying in residence halls for summer school students?

Yes, $100 per week.

Is there assistance to and from the airport?

Yes there is assistance available. Contact your Designated School Official in the International Education Office for further details.

Is there housing available on campus?

Yes, 12 residence halls are available on campus, and housing is guaranteed for all students.  Students are required to live on campus unless there are circumstances that prevent a student from doing so.  The residence halls are open to international students continually from the beginning of classes until the end of the academic year at no additional cost.  Specially designated areas allow for this extended stay.  Any requests to live off campus should be directed to the Residential Life Office.

Is there storage available for returning students?

Yes, contact the Designated School Official in the International Education Office for further details.

What are Dining Dollars?

Dining Dollars allow you to make prepared food purchases on-campus without having to pay taxes on those purchases.
What are the advantages of a campus spending account?

The campus spending account is designed to give students an account to manage college expenses like books, supplies and special meals. CSA funds save time and hassle and can be spent at the Campus Stores, vending machines, dining facilities and with our campus partners. When you pay your bill, we recommend a CSA amount, but that amount can be completely deleted from your bill, or you can add to it. The minimum amount that can be added to the card is $10. The student photo ID card is swiped like a debit card when you make a purchase using CSA funds. As purchases are made, the account balance is reduced by that amount.
What degrees are available?

Alfred State awards degrees in Associate in Applied Science (AAS), Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS), Associate in Science (AS), Associate in Arts (AA), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Science (BS), and Bachelor of Technology (BTech). Certificate programs are also available. Learn more about academic degrees at Alfred State College.

 
What do I do if my passport is lost or stolen and whom do I contact?

File a police report and notify your Designated School Official.

What do I need to do to apply to Alfred State? When will I know if I'm accepted?

International students interested in being considered for admission should complete the four-part international student application.  In addition to the completed application, official academic and financial documentation is required.  Unless the student's native language is English, the TOEFL exam is also required. Results from the IELTS or STEP EIKEN exam may be substituted for the TOEFL exam. Entrance requirements vary by major, but most require a solid background in math and science.

Once completed application materials have arrived at Alfred State, a decision regarding admission will be made within two weeks.

What documents are required to work?

Your earnings as a student employee are subject to all federal and state taxes so you must complete federal and New York State tax withholding forms (IT-2104 or an IT-2104-E) in order to be paid. In addition, to comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, ACES must verify, document and maintain a record of your eligibility to work in this country. As a result, you are required to complete an I‐9 form and present certain documents that will satisfy these requirements no later than three days after you are hired. Your driver license, Social Security card and birth certificate may be required for proof. According to the ASC Office for International Students, international students can work 20 hours per week when classes are in session. By immigration regulations, international students may not work off-campus. International students must go to the International Education Office to have their I‐20 endorsed for on-campus employment and must apply for a social security card before they start working.
What is a CSA?

The Campus Spending Account allows you to make purchases at any campus location or Campus Partner without having to carry cash.
What is SEVIS?

Student and Exchange Visitor Information System- It is the tracking system used by the Bureau of Immigration and Customs and Enforcement under the Department of Homeland Security.  The Designated School Official is the local agent to keep track of the student.  This all helps you keep your status legal.

What is the cost for international students? Is financial aid available?

Costs can be found on our international student tuition and costs page. These costs do not include tools or a laptop computer that are requirements for some majors. Other than scholarships, financial aid is not available for international students.

What programs do you offer?

Alfred State College offers over 70 academic majors in six different categories.  These include majors within the agriculture, applied technology, business, engineering technology, health related, and liberal arts and sciences areas.

What tools do I need for my curriculum?

Some academic programs require you to have equipment, tools, and uniforms on the first day of class.  Below you will find the requirements for each program listed. 

School of Applied Technology


Automotive Trades Department

Building Trades Department

Computerized Design and Manufacturing Department

Culinary Arts Department

Electrical and Electronic Service Department
When can I eat?

During the week, our first operation opens at 6:30 a.m. and our last operation closes at 11 p.m. Food is available throughout the day and evening. On the weekends, our first operation opens at 11 a.m. and the last operation closes at 11 p.m.
When is the application deadline?

If you are interested in beginning your studies with the fall semester, completed application materials should arrive in the Alfred State Admissions Office by June 1.  If you are interested in beginning at Alfred State in the spring semester, completed application materials should be in by November 1.  (If you are applying from a country that requires additional background review, May 1 and October 1 should be the latest date to submit application materials.)

Where are you located? How many students do you have?

Alfred State is located in the village of Alfred, New York, in rural western New York State.  The village of Alfred is a small, safe town with a permanent population of 2,000 people.  There is much natural beauty here and very clean air.  Another school, Alfred University, is also located in the village.  The college is about 300 miles (482 kilometers) west of New York City, 90 miles (144 kilometers) southeast of Buffalo, New York, and 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of Rochester, New York.

Where can I use my meal plan?

You can use your meal plan at any on-campus dining facility for any meal deal or value meal. A la carte purchases must be made with Dining Dollars or CSA funds.
Where do I apply to work at ACES?

Stop in and pick up an application at any of the following locations; The Terrace, Friendly's Café/Taco Bell, Pizza Hut/KFC, Exit West Café, The Peach Pit, and the Campus Store, or simply download an application.
Which meal plan is best to choose?

Our meal plans are designed to fit different eating habits of individuals. The 18 meal per week plan is excellent for on-campus freshman and frequent diners. If a student goes home most weekends he/she may want to consider a nine meal per week plan. Students who eat frequently, but lightly, may choose a five meal per week plan with $600 in the declining balance portion. Students are able to change their meal plans during the first two weeks of the fall semester.
Whom do I inform if I am staying for summer school?

You must inform your designated school official along with Residential Life to make arrangements.

Why do meal plans make sense?

Meal plans make sense because it is a healthy, easy and economical way to eat when you are away at school. Meal plans at ASC are designed to fit your lifestyle and your taste buds all within easy walking distance.
Alfred State College,  10 Upper College Drive,  Alfred, NY 14802   |   1-800-4-ALFRED (425-3733)