Accepted Students

Congratulations on being accepted to the Class of 2011 at Gettysburg College! Please contact the International Student Advisor if you have any questions about the College, the Gettysburg area, or the immigration process.  We hope that you choose to become a part of this vibrant campus community.  If you choose to attend Gettysburg and after you have paid your deposit, the International Student Advisor will begin preparing the materials you will need for the visa interview at the United States Embassy or Consulate in your home country. You will receive, via FedEx, an envelope that contains the following:

• Letter from the International Student Advisor - This comprehensive letter explains in detail the contents of the envelope, the steps that need to be taken to apply for a visa, guidelines for travel to the United States as an F-1 student, introductory information about the transition to college, and important dates to consider (international student orientation, general student orientation, etc.).
  
  
• I-20 - Your I-20 is the document that demonstrates that Gettysburg College is sponsoring you for your F-1 student visa.  You will need this document for your visa interview and you must always carry this document with you when you travel in and out of the United States.
  
  
• SEVIS Receipt - Information regarding students' status is maintained by the International Student Advisor through a system called SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).  SEVIS is an online database that ultimately generates each student's I-20. All new students are charged $100 by the Department of Homeland Security to defray the costs of managing SEVIS and the receipt is needed for the visa interview.  Gettysburg College pays this fee for all new students and the receipt that verifies payment is enclosed in FedEx envelope.
  
  
• Travel and Transportation Information - Gettysburg College can arrange for your transportation from area airports and train stations. Gettysburg College will pay for the local area transportation expenses during your first trip to the College.  Future transportation needs to and from the College to area airports and train stations are the student's responsibility. The FedEx envelope contains forms that need to be filled out regarding arrival information as well as details about pick-up locations. Click here for further information about transportation for international students. 

When arranging your flights please plan to arrive on campus in time for International Student Orientation, which is scheduled for Monday, August 20 and Tuesday, August 21, 2007 (detailed information about potential arrival days before August 20 is included in the letter from the International Student Advisor noted above). The Office of International Student Advising coordinates an International Student Orientation for all newly arrived international students. These two days have been designed to meet the specific needs of international students. It provides an opportunity to meet other students (both new and returning students), become acquainted with campus facilities and staff, and be able to ask any questions you may have.  New Student Orientation for all incoming First-Year Students begins Wednesday, August 22.

Between June and August you will receive mail and email from the College.  Once you receive your Gettysburg email address (usually in June), it is recommended that you check it periodically for news and information pertaining to your transition to the Gettysburg College community.