Freshmen Students
Welcome to our information page for prospective freshman applicants. We invite you to check out the abundance of information that is available on our Website.
Why Study at Winthrop?
Winthrop is a public, co-educational university of distinction that was founded in 1886. It’s beautiful and safe campus is located in Rock Hill, South Carolina, USA. Winthrop is a truly international university with a student population of 130 international students from close to 40 countries as well as approximately 6,500 students from across 46 states in the United States. We offer 42 undergraduate and 26 graduate degree programs through four academic colleges.
Winthrop is recognized as one of the best institutions of its kind, where quality and value work together to prepare students to LIVE, LEARN, and LEAD.
While studying at Winthrop you will benefit from all this University has to offer. The University’s academic programs are tailored to your needs and expectations and through personal guidance you will be put on a path to success. The University is known for personalized attention and its welcoming environment to international students.
At Winthrop you’ll meet new people who share your interests and viewpoints or they will introduce you to theirs. You’ll join clubs and participate in sports; enjoy concerts and theater productions. Your studies will begin in the classroom, but over time will include hands-on research and real-life work settings.
The Winthrop Experience:
- You will graduate with a degree from a fully accredited American University.
- You will belong to a community of learners who want you to succeed both academically and personally
- You will be able to enjoy and experience 18 NCAA Division 1 sports
- You will interact with professors and classmates from 42 American States and from over 40 countries worldwide
- You will make friendships and build networks that will last a lifetime
- You will be taught by faculty who love to teach, and with average class size of no more than 24 most classes will be interactive and intimate.
- You will be able to join different clubs and organizations, and with more than 150 clubs to choose from you’ll easily find where you fit.
Don’t wait to start your future.
The application process is quick and easy.
If needed, a paper version of the International Application can be found here.
International Undergraduate Admissions Policy
Please note: To help expedite consideration of your application for admission,
please submit all the required documentation listed below at your earliest
opportunity. Unfortunately, applications
cannot be considered for admission until Winthrop University’s Office of
Admissions has received ALL required
application materials.
- Undergraduate applicants (beginning freshmen and transfers) must submit official transcripts, mark sheets
and examination certificates in their native language for all secondary and/or
postsecondary coursework, along with certified, literal (exact) English
translations for documents not originally issued in English. All official documents must be sent directly from the issuing institution, examining
body, evaluation service or translation service to Winthrop University’s Office
of Undergraduate Admission.
- Effective
with summer 2014 applications, undergraduate applicants (beginning freshmen and
transfers) must submit secondary and college or university credentials from
non-U.S. institutions to a foreign credential evaluation agency for a
course-by-course evaluation with grade point average calculation. Winthrop
recommends a member of the National Association of Credential
Evaluation Services
(www.naces.org). The credential
evaluation report must be sent directly from the evaluation service to Winthrop
University’s Office of Admissions.
- Official and original results of any standardized
tests, such as SAT and ACT examinations (please note that SAT and ACT
examinations are not required for international students but are highly
recommended for potential scholarship eligibility). Standardized test scores must be sent directly from the
testing agency to Winthrop University’s Office of Admissions.
Official documentation of English proficiency
(see specific English language requirements below).
- A non-refundable application fee of U.S. $60 must
accompany the application.
- A clear photocopy of identity page of passport
(to ensure correct spelling of applicant’s name and verification of birthdate).
English Language
Requirements
Winthrop
University requires proficiency in spoken and written English. This helps
ensure that students who speak English as a second language are able to
participate fully in the classroom and be successful members of the Winthrop
community. Official score
reports for proof of English proficiency must be sent directly from the testing
agency to Winthrop University’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Winthrop
University requires one of the following scores to prove English language
proficiency:
- A TOEFL score of at least 520 paper-based or 68
internet-based.
- A band score of 6.0 on IELTS with no sub score
lower than 5.
- Successful completion of level 112 of the
Intensive English for Academic Purposes Program from an ELS English Language Center. Please note that
Winthrop must receive an official Academic Report and copy of the ELS Certificate
directly from ELS.
- SAT Evidenced Based Reading and Writing score of 480 or higher for freshmen applicants only.
- Graduation from a high school where English is
the primary language of instruction.
- Successful completion of two semesters at an
accredited US institution as a full-time student, and completion of two
semesters of English composition with a grade of C- or higher (online English
composition courses are not accepted).
- International students from the following countries are exempt from the English Language Requirement:
Anguilla, Antarctica, Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas,
Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British Indian Ocean Territory,
British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Canada (except Quebec), Cayman Islands,
Cyprus, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Gibraltar,
Grenada, Guyana, India, Ireland, Islas Malvinas, Jamaica, Kenya,
Kiribati, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius,
Micronesia, Montserrat, Namibia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan,
Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Seychelles, Sierra Leone,
Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, St. Christopher
& Nevis, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the
Grenadines, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks and
Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Kingdom, Vanuatu, Vatican City,
Virgin Islands, Western Samoa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
All application materials must be sent to us directly by the issuing institution. Please ask that all
original documents be sent to the following address:
Winthrop University
Office of Admissions
Joynes Hall
Rock Hill, SC
29733, USA
IB and AP Graduates
International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit
Winthrop is one of only a few schools that awards advanced college course credit for scores of 4 or above on higher level International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations. A minimum score of 5 is required to receive credit for Math with Further Math's and Computing Studies.
The International Baccalaureate Scholarship
The International Baccalaureate scholarship is awarded to freshman applicants who complete the IB Program (Diploma or Certificates) through the senior year of high school and who have achieved a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) on their higher level courses. Please see our Financial Aid page and scroll to "Out-of-State Freshmen Scholarships" for more information on the IB scholarship requirements and award amount.
Advanced Placement (AP) Exams and Advanced Placement Credit
To assist you in achieving your academic goals, Winthrop awards Advanced Placement (AP) credit for scores of 3 or above on Advanced Placement Tests (taken in conjunction with designated high school AP classes).
If you should have any further questions to the information displayed on this page please contact the The Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Student Visa and Financial Guarantee
To receive the immigration document required to obtain an F or J visa, all international students are required to
provide evidence of financial support for one academic year at Winthrop. Proof of funding for a year at Winthrop is not an admissions requirement but a requirement of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. International students are required to complete a Statement of Financial Responsibility and Affidavit of Support verifying proof of funding. This document must indicate sufficient funds
to support your education and living expenses while studying in the
United States and be accompanied by an official bank letter or original bank statements. Immigration documents
cannot be issued without this documentation.
Winthrop's International Center can provide information on the Statement of Financial Responsibility and Affidavit of Support and costs for studying at Winthrop. If you have any additional questions about the F or J visa and your immigration status while studying at Winthrop please contact the International Center.