Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I apply to the Intensive English
Program (IEP)?
- Is there an application deadline?
- Is the TOEFL examination required for admission
to the Academy?
- Is there an age requirement to study in
the IEP?
- How long will it take to process my application?
When will I be notified of my admission?
- How long does it take to get the I-20?
- How do I pay the fees? What fees are required
with the application? When is the last day to pay the program
fees (program fee and university service fee)?
- What is the financial statement? What should
it include (amount, sponsorship letter, etc.)?
- What is your refund policy?
- What is the Form I-20? Do I need a Form
I-20 to study at your school?
- Can I study at the Academy on a B-1 or
B-2 Visa?
- I am attending another university in the
US; can I transfer to your school? What will I need?
- What are my on-campus housing options?
- Do I have to purchase a meal plan?
- Should I go to my apartment before I check-in
at the Academy office?
- What if I arrive after the office is closed?
Where can I stay?
- What is provided in the university apartment?
- Where should I send packages?
- Can I choose my own roommate?
- Will the Academy help me find private housing
or homestay?
- What kinds of courses will I take?
- What if I want extra preparation for the
TOEFL examination?
- When will I receive my class schedule?
- How will the Academy decide my level?
- Will I receive university credit for Academy
courses?
- Will I receive a certificate?
- When I finish studying at the Academy,
can I enroll at USC?
- What are Friday Activities?
- Are Friday Activities included in the program
fee?
1. How do I apply to the Intensive English Program?
All applicants must submit the application, application fee
- $150, housing processing fee- $150 (optional), financial statement,
and financial support letter. There are two different application
options for the Intensive English Program. You can print the application online and fax/mail your application materials
to our office or request
a brochure and application from us via mail. Please mail or fax all applications to:
USC Language Academy
Admissions Advisor
950 W. Jefferson Blvd, JEF Bldg.
Los Angeles CA, 90089-1292
(213) 740-0088 – FAX
For more information on applying to the IEP, click here.
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2. Is there an application deadline?
Although there is no deadline to apply, program space and
housing is limited. Admission is first-come, first-served.
We recommend that you send all application documents at least two months
before the beginning of your first term. If you wish to apply
later, you may still do so, but remember that it may be difficult
to get a visa in a short time.
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3. Is the TOEFL examination required for admission to
the Academy?
No. The Academy provides instruction for all learners, from
beginning to advanced. We offer a special TOEFL track for
students in levels 4-6. This track helps students improve
their computer-based TOEFL score, reading speed, comprehension,
vocabulary, essay writing, listening, and grammar. Students
enrolled in this track practice computer-based tests and get
help preparing a college application. Students in levels 3 may choose the TOEFL elective.
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4. Is there an age requirement to study in the IEP?
The minimum age to study at the IEP is 17.
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5. How long will it take to process my application? When
will I be notified of my admission?
After our office receives all your application items, it takes
3 to 5 business days to process the application. If any items
are missing from your application, we will notify you within
2 business days of the specific item you need to submit to
complete the application process. After the application is
processed, admission materials will be sent within 2 business
days. The admission packet is sent by express mail at no additional
charge. International express mail takes 3 to 5 business days
to arrive.
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6. How long does it take to receive the I-20?
The I-20 is sent to the address on your application 3 to 5
business days after you submit your completed application. I-20 forms are sent DHL express mail.
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7. How do I pay the fees? What fees are required with
the application? When is the last day to pay the program fees
(program fee and university service fee)?
Pay all fees with personal check, cashier’s checks, traveler’s
checks, money orders or credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, or
Discover) only. No cash is accepted. The application fee and housing deposit (if
requesting university housing) must be paid with your application.
The semester/session program fee and university service fee
are due by the first day of class. A $100 early payment discount
is available to all students paying program fees before the
early payment deadline.
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8. What is the financial statement? What should it include
(amount, sponsorship letter, etc.)?
The financial statement is a certified letter from a bank
certifying that the student/sponsor/family member has sufficient
funds to cover the student’s expenses while studying at
the Academy. All students requesting an I-20 must provide
a financial statement. Each student must prove they have at
least $2500 per month of study ($10,000 per semester, $5,000
per session). If you have dependents accompanying you to the
US, you must provide proof of support for each dependent ($600/month
for a spouse, $300/month per child). The financial statement
should include the following information:
- The name of the account holder
- The amount (in USD) deposited in the account
- The name of the bank or financial institution
- The contact information for the bank or financial institution
- The name of the student for whom the funds are available
If the account referenced on the financial statement is NOT
in your name, the account holder (sponsor, family member)
must send a letter of sponsorship/financial support letter certifying that they will accept full responsibility for all
fees incurred while studying at the Academy (program fees,
housing, meals, living expenses).
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9. What is the Form I-20? Do I need a Form I-20 to study
at your school?
It is the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1)
Student Status for Academic and Language Students. You need
the Form I-20 to apply for the F-1 visa. If you are not a
citizen of the US, you will need a F-1 visa to study at the
Academy. Permanent residents and US citizens are not required
to have F-1 visas to study at the Academy.
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10. What is your refund policy?
Program Fee: You may receive a full refund of the total
program fee if you cancel in writing with the Academy Admissions
Coordinator any time before the Start Day of the program.
You may receive a refund of 50% of the total program fee if
you cancel in writing on or before the end of the fifth day
from the Start Day. No refunds or program fee credits are
available after 5:00 PM on the fifth day. The Academy application
fee and the optional executive airport pick up fee are NOT
refundable at any time.
Housing: If you cancel your reservation, the housing
deposit is NOT refundable. However, the housing deposit IS
refundable if we cannot reserve a space for you because housing
is full. A full or partial refund of the housing deposit may
be given at the end of the term to students who leave their
apartment clean and undamaged. No refunds are available for
housing fees.
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11. Can I study at the Academy on a B-1 or B-2 Visa?
We are currently accepting B-1 or B-2 Visa students for part-time study (18 hours) for summer session A. For more information please contact the Immigration and Admissions Advisor.
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12. I am attending another university in the U.S.; can
I transfer to your school? What will I need?
Yes, you may transfer if you are in good standing with the
school you are currently attending. In order to transfer to
the Academy, you must submit the following items:
If you are traveling before attending the Intensive English
program, please notify the Admissions Coordinator, and send a copy
of your current I-20, bank statement, passport, F-1 Visa and
the transfer request form to the Academy office. The Admissions
Coordinator will send the I-20 in 3 to 5 business days. Use
the new I-20 when you enter the country. For more information
on transferring, please contact the Academy office.
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13. What are my on-campus housing options?
Fall and Spring Semesters Housing Options
During the Fall and Spring semesters, the Academy is pleased
to offer a variety of living arrangements in the Parkside
International Community including both the Parkside Residential
College (dorm) and the Parkside Apartment Complex. The buildings
are non-smoking and have secure access (only students living
in the community have access), Ethernet computer access (for
the Internet), laundry facilities, study rooms and an on-site
tram (free USC bus) stop. All facilities are included in the
rent cost. There are two dining facilities located in this
community: a central dining hall featuring American and international
cuisine and a coffee/snack shop with couches and tables to
relax or study. In this community there are four different
room configurations for Academy students to choose from:
- Parkside Residential College: suite-style room (2 students/room)
- Parkside Apartments: shared one-bedroom apartment (2 students/room)
- Parkside Apartments: shared studio apartment (2 students/room)
- Parkside Apartments: private studio apartment (1 student/room)
**These rooms are very limited**
Parkside Residential College (PRC) is a new on campus four-story
complex with suite-style rooms. Each suite has four separate
rooms and two shared bathrooms. There are no kitchens in these
units. Students (under 25 years old) will share a dorm-style
room in a suite of USC students.
Parkside Apartments (PKS) is an on-campus apartment complex
with private bathrooms and kitchens in each apartment. PKS
has full furnished studio and one-bedroom apartments. A studio
apartment has a bathroom, kitchen and combined living room/bedroom.
A one-bedroom apartment has a bathroom, kitchen, living room
and separate bedroom.
Summer Housing Options
In the summer, Academy students live in fully furnished 2
bedroom apartments at a university owned apartment complex.
These apartments have a full kitchen (oven, stove, and refrigerator),
private bathroom, a living room and dining area. Students
may choose to share a bedroom or have a private bedroom in
the apartment.
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14. Do I have to purchase a meal plan?
All students living in Parkside Residential College (PRC)
are required to purchase complete meal plans. The complete
meal plan includes 10 meals each week (at any USC dining facility)
and an additional $510 dining dollars (extra dining money
on the Student ID card). Students living in Parkside Apartments
are required to purchase a partial meal plan for two dinners
per week. This mandatory meal plan may be used in the Parkside
Dining Hall or any on-campus dining facility. Students wishing
to purchase a more complete meal plan may do so upon arrival.
Meal plans are not required during the summer. USC has an
exciting combination of all-you-can-eat dining halls, retail
dining, fast food restaurants, sit-down restaurants, and coffee
shops.
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15. Should I go to my apartment before I check-in at the
Academy office?
No. If you go directly to your apartment building before you
have checked-in, you will not be able to enter. We will have
your key/contract in the Language Academy office, so it will
be necessary for you to go there first.
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16. What if I arrive after the office is closed? Where
can I stay?
If you arrive before your check-in date or when the Academy
office is closed, you may need to stay in temporary housing
for a few days. There are two temporary housing options located
near campus.
Radisson Plaza Hotel
This hotel is directly across from USC’s Gate 1 on Figueroa
Street and is located on the campus map. This is the closest
hotel to USC. They have a special USC Language Academy student
rate of $200.00 per night. Rates may vary.
Vagabond Hotel
This hotel is located two blocks north of Jefferson Blvd on
Figueroa Street. It is only two blocks away from the university
campus. They offer a variety of student rates. For more information
or to make reservations call (213) 746-1531.
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17. What is provided in the university apartment?
Fall & Spring Housing
In Suite-Style Rooms (PRC), all students receive one extra-long
twin bed, one desk and chair, and one dresser. Students will
share a microwave/refrigerator. In Studio Apartments, all
students receive one extra-long twin bed, and one desk and
chair. Students share one dresser, dining table and chairs,
stove/oven and refrigerator.
In One-Bedroom Apartments, all students receive one extra-long
twin bed, one desk and chair and one dresser. Students share
a couch and coffee tables, armchair and lamp, dining table
and chairs, stove/oven and refrigerator.
Students will need to bring or buy their own towels, blankets,
a bedspread or comforter, sheets (twin size, extra-long 80
inches), pillow, pillowcases, alarm clock, toiletries, and
hangers. You may also want to bring or purchase dishes, glasses,
cooking and eating utensils, pots, pans, and small kitchen
appliances. Most of these items you may purchase after you
arrive. However, you will need towels, blankets, sheets, pillows,
and pillowcases on your first night in housing. It is best
if you bring at least one of each for your first night in
housing.
Summer Housing
Two-Bedroom furnished apartments have a full kitchen (oven,
stove and refrigerator), private bathroom, a living room and
dining area. Furnishings include: extra-long twin beds, desk
and chair, dresser, couch, coffee table, lamps, dining table
and chairs.
The Academy provides basic cooking and linens for summer
students (sheets, towels, dishes, pots & pans, utensils).
You may bring blankets, a bedspread or comforter, pillow,
alarm clock, toiletries, and hangers. You can purchase any
of these items after you arrive. In addition, you might want
to purchase small kitchen appliances.
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18. Where should I send packages?
You can send packages to your apartment address, but it is
very important that they do not arrive before you do. If they
are sent to the university before you have checked-in, they
will be sent back to your home country. It is best that you
send any packages less than one week before your check-in
date.
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19. Can I choose my own roommate?
If you know someone that you would like to room with, please
indicate the person’s name on your housing application.
We will do our best to honor your wishes.
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20. Will the Academy help me find private housing or homestay?
The USC Language Academy does not endorse any private housing
or homestay accommodations. However, the Academy tries to
keep a listing available for student reference.
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21. What kinds of courses will I take?
USC Language Academy course work is divided into six levels
of proficiency, from beginning to high-advanced. Each of the
levels consists of three types of courses: basic courses,
component courses and elective courses. In addition to our
daily courses, we offer special interest workshops. For more
information on our courses and special track and workshop
options, see Academy Courses.
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22. What if I want extra preparation for the TOEFL examination?
The Academy offers a special TOEFL Track for students interested
in extra preparation for the TOEFL exam. TOEFL track is available
for students in levels 4-6. The track program will help you
improve your computer-based TOEFL score, reading speed, comprehension,
vocabulary, essay writing, and listening and grammar. The
track includes practice computer-based tests and help with
preparing college applications. Lower level students can take
TOEFL elective for 4 hours per week.
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23. When will I receive my class schedule?
Students test on day 1 and have a USC orientation on day 2.
All students receive their class schedules before the first
class on day 3.
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24. How will the Academy decide my level?
New students take the English Placement Examination on the
Start Day of the program. This test includes a listening,
grammar/vocabulary section, and a 30-minute essay. The teachers
also monitor students very carefully during the first week
of classes to be sure they are in the correct level.
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25. Will I receive university credit for Academy courses?
At the Language Academy we offer non-credit courses. Level
6 students, with permission, may take a university course
for credit at the USC rate.
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26. Will I receive a certificate?
Students who complete a term with a performance grade of C
or better and who have maintained the attendance requirement
will receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of each
semester.
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27. When I finish studying at the Academy, can I enroll
at USC?
Students may enroll at USC at any time. Enrollment is completed
through the International Admissions Office and is based on
grade point average, test scores, and letters of recommendation.
USC Language Academy offers academic counseling but does not
guarantee USC admission.
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28. What are the Academy Activities?
Academy Activities are weekly trips and events for all Academy
students to explore the sights and culture of USC and Los
Angeles. These activities generally occur on Friday afternoons
and include trips to local theme parks, museums, shopping
areas, sporting events, musical performances, and outdoor
attractions. Each semester the Academy offers a variety of
interesting and exciting activities that last from 3-8 hours
each. For further information please refer to the activity schedule.
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29. Are the Academy Activities included in the program
fee?
The Academy Activities are offered to enrolled students at
reduced or no cost. This means that most activities are free
to attend but some, such as Disneyland, require a payment
of $5-10. Some activities require an initial deposit to hold
your space. This deposit is returned at the time of the event.
Each term, the Academy also offers an optional weekend excursion
to places like San Francisco, Las Vegas, San Diego, Big Bear,
Catalina Island, the Grand Canyon and Mammoth Lakes. These
out-of-town trips are not included in the program fee but
are offered to students for a very discounted rate. These
trips are an excellent way to travel with friends, explore
the U.S. and make lasting memories!
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