St. Mary's College of Maryland (SMCM) welcomes applications from international students seeking a bachelor of arts degree.  Non-sectarian since its founding in 1840, SMCM enjoys a unique status in public higher education as Maryland's public honors college.  Because it is a state college, SMCM is committed to the ideals of affordability, accessibility, and diversity.  As Maryland's public honors college, SMCM offers an undergraduate, liberal arts education and small-college experience like those found at exceptional private colleges. 

SMCM shares the hallmarks of private institutions: an outstanding faculty, talented students, high academic standards, a challenging curriculum, small classes, a sense of community, and a spirit of intellectual inquiry.  By combining the virtues of public and private education, SMCM provides a unique alternative for students and their families.  This special identity underpins the College's success and its reputation for excellence. 

International students who are interested in attending SMCM would contact the Admissions Office to begin the application process.  The following letter from the Admissions Office describes the first steps in applying to SMCM.

Dear Prospective International Student:

Thank you for your interest in St. Mary’s College of Maryland.  If you are able to complete the five steps to the admissions process listed below, please request an application packet for international students from our Admissions Office. 

1. Complete an application with the $25 application fee.

2. Take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if English is not your native language.  We recommend scores of 550 or better for the traditional test or for the computer based test, we recommend a score of 260 or better.

3. Take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) if it is available in your area.   You can contact the Educational Testing Service of the College Entrance Examination Board, Princeton, New Jersey 08540.  Please have your scores sent directly to St. Mary’s College of Maryland.  Our ETS code is 5601.

4. Official copies of all academic work, including transcripts and certificates.  All copies need to be translated into English by the institution or by a certified translator.

5. Obtain a financial resource statement, which is an official statement from your bank indicating your financial responsibility for a year of college.

NOTE:  We are sorry to advise that financial aid can be offered only to United States citizens or persons with a permanent visa.  International students seeking assistance must search for outside sources of scholarships. 

If you desire on-campus housing, we suggest that all information be submitted as soon as possible as our dormitory space is limited.  When you have been accepted, the Form I-20 will be sent to you when we have received your acceptance confirmation deposit.

If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to let us know.  We look forward to receiving your application and supporting information.

Sincerely,

The Office of Admissions

St. Mary's College of Maryland

18952 E. Fisher Road

St. Mary's City, MD  20686

800-492-7181

240-895-5000

admissions@smcm.edu