Applying to LSSU

Your application will be processed when we receive ALL of the following documents.

We recommend you submit all application materials for Fall Semester by July 15, and for Spring Semester by November 15.

Use the following as a checklist:

You can apply online or use our printable application (PDF).

  Print application is in Adobe PDF format - Download the Acrobat Reader free

ACT or SAT scores (Canadian students only)

The ACT and SAT are standardized college entrance exams offered primarily in the U.S., but additional testing locations can be found throughout Canada. LSSU requires Canadian students to submit test scores from either the ACT or SAT.  Students that have earned 19 or more university credits are exempt from submitting scores.

• When registering for the ACT and SAT you can choose to have your scores sent directly to LSSU.
  • Our school code for ACT is 2031
  • Our school code for SAT is 1421
• Already took the ACT or SAT?
  Use these websites to have the results sent to LSSU:
  • ACT
  • SAT

Transcripts

First Time in College Students

• Official secondary transcripts must be evaluated by World Evaluation Service (WES) on a comprehensive course-by-course basis. Please visit the WES homepage for additional information and details: www.wes.org

Transfer Students

• Complete official transcripts of any college and university academic records must be evaluated by World Evaluation Service (WES) on a comprehensive course-by-course basis. Please visit the WES homepage for additional information and details at: www.wes.org If you have fewer than 19 credits, your high school transcript must also be evaluated by WES.

Proof of English proficiency

English proficiency can be proven in several ways(View English Proficiency Requirments PDF):

• TOEFL score of 550 for paper-based exam; or 213 for computer-based exam; or 79 for internet-based exam. Please use institutional code 1421 to report scores directly to LSSU.
• Score of 80 on Michigan English Language Assessment Battery.
• Completion of Level 109 at any ESL Language Center located in the U.S.
• Completion of 2 years of study at a school, college, or university located in an English-speaking country.
• SAT critical reading score of 480 or higher, minimum overall score of 965 or higher; ACT composite equivalent of 20.
• IIELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 7 or higher.

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Health Insurance Requirements

Proof of purchased health and accident insurance valid for study in the United States. If you need insurance, it can be obtained through Student Assurance Services Incorporated.  Information on SAS is available at www.sas-mn.com

Immigration Form (I-20)

In order to enroll at Lake Superior State University, students must be issued a Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant (F-1) Student Status (I-20) which will allow for application of the F-1 Student Visa.

To be eligible for I-20 you must verify the ability to pay for tuition, books, fees and living expenses for one academic year. You must be prepared to pay the full cost of attendance and advise your sponsor, should the funds come from someone other than yourself, well in advance of fee payment dates to ensure timely delivery.

Note: We would like to emphasize that the educational and living costs at LSSU are less than most U.S. universities. LSSU does not have financial assistance, such as loans or grants for international students; however, the University does offer scholarships to qualified individuals.

In order to obtain the I-20, the U.S. Studen Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS) requires that LSSU have your verification of ability to pay $25,100 USD with recent financial information—no more than 90 days previous.

The ability to pay must be in one of the following formats:

• A notarized financial statement, in English, from your bank account, or from the account of whomever will be responsible for your tuition/books expenses. This can be in the form of:
  • A notarized letter from an officer at a financial institution listing the amount of tuition/books and expenses required for the upcoming year and verifying the account holder’s ability to pay this amount, and/or
  • A notarized bank statement showing a savings equal to this year’s tuition/books and expenses, and/or
  • Notarized verification of loan approvals and/or scholarships received.
• If the funds are coming from someone other than yourself, your “sponsor” will also need to supply a signed letter stating that the monies available in the bank account/loan, etc. will be used to pay for your tuition/books and expenses, plus room/board if applicable.
• You should also indicate how the remaining years will be supported.

Exceptions to the I-20 Requirements

• If you are a Permanent Resident or able to be in the US with another form of documentation, we will need a copy of this documentation for our records.

Official Forms

Official forms allowing you to demonstrate financial ability to pay tuition, books, fees, and living expenses are available for download or may be requested by contacting the Admissions Office.

Declaration of Finances (pdf)

SEVIS Bank Statement (pdf)

Upon Acceptance to Lake Superior State University

Each student that receives a form I-20 will receive a unique SEVIS ID number assigned to him/her. The ID number and the I-20 form itself are used to obtain an F-1 Visa from a U.S. Consulate or Embassy abroad.  Please check with the U.S. Consulate or Embassy for which you wish to apply in advance as often times specific appointments and arrangements must be made well in advance of the issuance of the F-1 Visa.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has implemented a rule requiring F-1 Visa applicants to pay a fee of $100 USD to supplement the administration and maintenance costs of the SEVIS program. Because LSSU will be issuing you an initial I-20 form, you will be required to pay this SEVIS fee. Information about payment of the $100 USD fee will be mailed to you along with your I-20.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Admissions Office at 1-906-635-2231