Again, congratulations on your acceptance to Alma!
By now, you should have received your acceptance letter and scholarships letter. If you are missing either of these items, please contact admissions@alma.edu.
Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Deposited International Students
Ready...Set...Go! | March | April | May | June | July | August
Step 1
OBTAIN YOUR FORM I-20 | To start your student visa (F1) application to come to the United States, you need to obtain Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status”. We prepare I-20 documents for international students who have accepted an offer of admission.
To obtain I-20 form from Alma College, you need to submit the following documents to admissions@alma.edu:
- Copy of the ID page of passport (issued by your government and acceptable for international travel);
- Financial Affidavit. Proof of enough financial resources to cover the cost of study at Alma College and living in the United States for at least one full year (e.g. bank letter). The exact amount to demonstrate was emailed to you from our office with your admission and scholarship letters. Bank letters must be dated within 30 days of submission.
- Sponsor letter, if the financial documents you provide are not in your name.
The I-20 will be emailed to you as a PDF once we have received all required supporting documentation.
Step 2
APPLY FOR YOUR STUDENT VISA | If you are coming to the United States with the primary purpose of enrolling in an undergraduate program at Alma College, you will need to get a visa from the United States Embassy/Consulate to enter the United States.
To apply for a visa, visit the website of the nearest United States Embassy/Consulate for F1 visa application details. You will need:
- Your passport
- Your Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20)
- Proof of adequate financial support for your studies and living expenses
- Your letter of admission to Alma College
- Proof of payment of the SEVIS (Student Exchange Visitor Information System) fee
You must complete form I-901 to pay the SEVIS fee to the Department of Homeland Security prior to your student visa interview. The U.S. Embassy/Consulate will have the latest SEVIS fee information.
Step 3
SUBMIT YOUR DEPOSIT | Make your decision official when you submit your $300 commitment deposit to become a Scot!
Deposited International Students
We can't wait to welcome you to the Alma College campus!
The most important next steps to becoming a Scot are listed below. Keep in mind, there will be other items to complete along the way, but we will post those as reminders in your portal. Contact us with any questions. LET'S GET STARTED:
Ready...Set...Go!
TURN IN FINAL TRANSCRIPTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE | The sooner you submit, the sooner you can register for classes! Submit your transcripts to admissions@alma.edu by July 1.
EMAIL SETUP | Download the Outlook app on your phone and set up your @alma.edu email.
SIGN IN TO YOUR INSIDE ALMA PORTAL | Add a student ID photo to your profile, explore, and familiarize yourself with the system. You’ll use this portal to also select a meal plan, review financial aid, and pay your bill.
COMPLETE ALL FORMS | In the "My Forms" section of your student portal.
- MEDICAL INSURANCE WAIVER/ENROLL FORM | You will need your medical insurance information to complete this form. International students must enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan. Please complete by August 15.
- IMMUNIZATION FORM WITH REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS | We require you to be up to date on all childhood immunizations, including tetanus. View more information on our vaccine requirements. Please complete by August 15.
MARCH
MARCH 17 | HOUSING PROCESS OPENS | STEP 1 - SIGN HOUSING AGREEMENT | Complete your profile, and and select dining plan. To access your student housing portal, login to inside.alma.edu and select "Housing Registration" in the "Next Steps" box. You can also download the “MCR Housing” app and select “Alma College” to access your housing portal right from your phone. The housing portal always remains open, but please pay attention to the dates and deadlines for self-selection!
NOTE | The Housing Process includes three steps that must be completed in order. You can't move onto the next step unless the previous one has been completed. If you do not complete the housing process by June 13, you will be housed by residence life staff and have an assignment by July 8.
April
APRIL 29 | STEP 2 - ROOMMATE SELECTION OPENS | Select roommates in your student housing portal.To access your student housing portal, login to inside.alma.edu and select "Housing Registration" in the "Next Steps" box, or open the MCR Housing app on your phone. Roommate selection must be complete receive a room selection. Roommate selection must be complete by May 28 to receive a room selection time for June 3. Still looking? Roommate selection will stay open until June 13.
May
MAY 15 | COMPLETE NEW SCOT SURVEY | The required first step for course registration.
VIEW | USING STUDENT PLANNING - VIDEO SERIES | Student Planning is the platform you will use to search and register for courses, as well as track your degree progress. Learning how to navigate Student Planning gives you the power to stay on top of your requirements and plan ahead.
REMINDER | TURN IN FINAL TRANSCRIPTS | The sooner you submit, the sooner you can register for classes! Submit your transcripts to admissions@alma.edu by July 1.
June
JUNE 2 | COURSE REGISTRATION BEGINS | Complete the New Scot Survey to access the links to set up an advising appointment and register for fall classes.
JUNE 3 - JUNE 13 | STEP 3 - SELECT ROOM | (Selection times for students who complete roommate selection by May 28). To access your student housing portal, login to inside.alma.edu and select "Housing Registration" in the "Next Steps" box or open the MCR housing app on your phone.
REMINDER | The Housing Process includes three steps that must be completed in order. You can't move onto the next step unless the previous one has been completed. If you do not complete the housing process by June 13 you will be housed by residence life staff and have an assignment by July 8.
PURCHASE PARKING PERMIT (Optional) | Available 24-hours after room selection is completed.
June 1 - July 1 | COURSE REGISTRATION OPENS
REGISTER FOR BECOMING A SCOT DAY | Attend one of our summer orientation program dates happening July 8-11.
SPORTS PHYSICALS | REGISTER NOW | In the upcoming 2025-26 season, all incoming student athletes are required to undergo a physical examination conducted by the Athletics Training Staff and Team Physician. To avoid any delays in participating in your sport, we recommend that you sign up using the provided link. Physicals will take place at the Hogan Center Athletic Training Room on Becoming a Scot Day for $20. Take this opportunity to meet our Athletic Training Staff and get ready for your Alma College Athletics journey. Due August 1.
July
FOR STUDENT ATHLETES | FILL OUT COMPLIANCE AND ELIGIBILITY FORM | An email will be sent out to all student-athletes in early July. Due August 1.
FOR STUDENT ATHLETES | SPORTS INFORMATION BIO FORM | Due August 1.
FOR STUDENT ATHLETES | MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS | Includes Checklist Information, Physical Form, Sickle Cell Requirement, and ADHD form, if needed. Physicals will take place at the Hogan Center Athletic Training Room from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Becoming a Scot Day for $20. Register now. Take this opportunity to meet our Athletic Training Staff and get ready for your Alma College Athletics journey. Due August 1.
JULY 9-12 | ATTEND BECOMING A SCOT DAY
August
SIGN UP FOR MOVE-IN TIME | Sign-ups are sent to Alma College email accounts in early August (Dates vary for early arrival students.)
AUGUST 4-8 | REGISTRATION RE-OPENS | There is an add/drop window to make final changes the week before the start of term.
AUGUST 20 | MOVE IN DAY | Note that select groups, including fall sport athletes and marching band, may have earlier move in dates. You will receive information in your Alma email if you are part of an early move in group.
AUGUST 20 | TARTAN 101 EVENT | Get started at Alma College!