General Admissions Criteria

The criteria for admission to the International Scholars Program are scholastic performance and accomplishments, English language proficiency, emotional maturity and a desire for education emphasizing Christian values. The program is highly selective, admission standards are rigorous, and only fully qualified students are accepted into the program. The admission process requires the following:

1. A completed application, financial disclosure, student questionnaire and essay, and interview (in person or over the telephone for students outside of the United States).

2. TOEFL testing to determine English language proficiency. A minimum score of 460 (paper) or 140 (computer) is required. A score of 550 is typically required for admission to colleges and universities. Exceptional students may be accepted with lower scores. A SLEP test may be taken instead of a TOEFL test.

3. A review of the records of classes taken by the student and grades in those classes to evaluate the student’s ability to succeed academically. Transcripts must be translated into English.

4. Recommendations from former teachers and clergy.

5. Evidence of immunization injections.

Upon reception of the application, and either prior to or following acceptance to VCS, standardized testing may be required various academic areas in order to correctly evaluate students academically and for the purpose of placement in the appropriate grade level. Exceptional students who do not meet the minimum TOEFL score of 460 may be accepted but will be required to attend intensive language proficiency programs, such as those offered by local area language schools. Academic credit may be earned only after sufficient English skills are acquired to successfully complete the academic requirements. International students who are not able to successfully earn credit after one year of attendance may not be permitted to continue attendance.

International students are not allowed to enter Valley Christian for the 12th grade only. Students typically apply for college at the close of 11th grade, and 11th grade academic records must be included as part of the college application. VCS normally gives preference to 9th grade applicants to provide for an entire high school course of study. Special circumstances may allow for exceptions. Incoming students will not be placed higher than the 11th grade, even if they have completed a higher equivalent level in their own country.

VCS does not discriminate in the admission of its students in its offers of financial or other aid to students, nor does it discriminate among its students, on the basis of religious belief.

It does not, in the operation of its school, favor or disfavor students on the basis of their religious beliefs such that a reasonable student would assume that the benefits of the school would be more likely conferred upon him or her if the student adopted certain religious beliefs or practices. It does not impose requirements that would tend to discourage prospective students of different religious persuasions from making application to the school or students of different religious persuasions from availing themselves of the school’s program.