Santa Monica College
Community College in Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica College is a two-year community college, founded in 1929.
The college is supported by the state of California and is accredited
by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Santa Monica
College offers courses in a wide range of academic disciplines of study.
International students who complete their first two years of undergraduate requirements
may receive an Associate in Arts degree before transferring to a four-year
college or university to complete their Bachelor's degree. Certificates
are also granted in certain occupational and vocational programs. International
students from more than 90 countries represent nearly ten percent of
the 30,000 undergraduate student body.
As a starting point for higher education in America, Santa Monica College has been recognized as the leading community college in California. The quality of education provided by SMC is comparable to that of the first two years in a small, scholastically rigorous liberal arts college. As a result, SMC's reputation as a transfer institution attracts many American and international students. Santa Monica College transfers the most students to the University of California system. The first two years at SMC prepare you to transfer to UCLA, USC, and other prestigious public and private institutions throughout America.
Santa Monica College offers students the opportunity to take the same general education courses they would take at a four-year college or university at a lower cost. In addition, SMC offers an accessible and supportive learning environment. Classes are smaller and professors are devoted entirely to teaching.
Why Santa Monica College?
Santa Monica College (SMC) offers several distinct advantages to international
students beginning their university education in the U.S. First, as
the leading community college in California, SMC transfers the most
students to the University of California system. The first two years
at SMC prepare you to transfer to UCLA, USC and other prestigious California
and American public and private institutions. Another distinct advantage
is the lower tuition cost at SMC than four-year colleges and universities.
Unlike the higher education systems of many countries where students
take only courses in their major field of study, all undergraduate students
in the U.S. must take introductory courses in several areas including
humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics. SMC
offers student the opportunity to take the same general courses they
would take at a four-year college or university at a lower cost. Finally,
SMC offers an accessible and supportive learning environment. Classes
are smaller and professors are devoted entirely to teaching.
City of Santa Monica
Santa Monica is a city with the attitudes and accessibility of a small town but the sophistication and energy of one of the world's great cities. It is only eight miles from the third-busiest airport in the world (Los Angeles International Airport) and surrounded on three sides by the second-largest city in the U.S. But Santa Monica feels worlds away - an urban village of quiet, walkable streets whose wide beach give way to dramatic cliffs and the Santa Monica National Recreation Area.
The focal point of Santa Monica is its beautiful ocean front area and
fun Santa Monica Pier. One of the world's great stretches
of sand and beach on the west coast.
High above the beach, you can gaze out to the horizon and beyond from the
green expanse of Palisades Park, which is also one of the best places
to watch the sun set.
Santa Monica is also known for incredible shopping and dining. Downtown Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade is reminiscent of European pedestrian shopping streets, and features outdoor cafes, restaurants, coffeehouses, clubs, movies, bookstores, and other stores, located just three blocks from the ocean.
Santa Monica is a truly unique combination of natural beauty and vibrant urban energy. You'll find Santa Monica the very definition of "casual chic" - comfortable and relaxed but with a sure sense of style and confidence.
International Student Admission Information
- Complete our "International Student Application."
- Send an official TOEFL score directly from ETS. The minimum score is 450/133 CBT / 45-46 IBT
- Write a personal essay (usually one or two pages) that describes your reason for applying to Santa Monica College.
- Submit official transcripts, certificates, and diplomas from secondary schooling and from any college/universities attended. If the original language is not English, a certified English translation must accompany all transcripts, certificates, and diplomas.
- Complete and submit our "International Student Financial Statement." In addition, the applicant and/or sponsor(s) must submit a current bank statement (dated within 6 months)showing a minimum of $19,000 to meet SMC's estimated tuition and living expenses.
- Complete the "General Requirements for Students Accepted to Santa Monica College."
- Submit a nonrefundable application fee of $50.00.
Application Deadlines
Fall Semester - June 30Spring Semester - December 10
Summer Session - May 1
Winter Session - November 1
International Education Center
The International Education Center services the largest international student population of the California Community Colleges. And Santa Monica College has one of the largest international student populations in higher education in the U.S. The International Education Center has a staff equipped to meet the admission, advisement, and nonimmigration needs for international students. The staff includes admissions officers, academic advisors, and an immigration counselor.In addition, the International Education Center sponsors an annual graduation dinner, International Education Week, soccer event, recreational activities on the weekend, and extracurricular activities for our International Student Club including a visit to universities in Northern and Southern California.
The International Education Center is a resource of information for international students. Santa Monica College is the place to start your college education. For more information, visit our website at: www.smc.edu/international