International Students
We look forward each summer to welcoming international students to Skidmore’s Pre-College Program!
Required Student Visa Forms and Information
The International Student Visa application can be found here. Please complete the Application for Certificate of Eligibility, which includes a Biographical Data Form and a Certificate of Finances Form, and submit them to Lilly Routledge (precollege@csky88.com) by June 1, 2024.
Upon your arrival to campus, it will be your responsibility to provide our office with the following:
- Copy of your passport ID page and the international student visa
- Copy of your I-20 form with your signature
- Copy of your I-94 arrival and departure
Visa Information (F-1) for newly enrolled students
As an international student and non-U.S. citizen, you are required to apply for and obtain an F-1 student visa (except citizens of Canada who do not need a visa to enter the US) in order to enter and pursue your education in the United States. American colleges are required by U.S. federal law to obtain several documents before we can issue a SEVIS I-20 (visa eligibility document) to the international student. Please complete the forms listed above and return to us with the documents requested, so that we can issue SEVIS I-20 to you.
With completed forms, please also send the following documents:
- A photocopy of the identification page from your passport.
- Original or copies of official bank statements, or other appropriate official documents certifying available funds to cover your expenses. This can be in the form of a SIGNED LETTER from a bank official on the bank's letterhead citing the availability of the funds as outlined later in this letter.
Traveling to and from the Program
*Pre-College students must arrive at Skidmore College on July 1st between 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm in order to attend the mandatory program orientations.
For all students traveling by air: The Albany International Airport (ALB) must be your final destination. BEFORE booking your arrival flight(s), email Lilly Routledge (Pre-College Senior Program Coordinator) at lroutled@csky88.com with your travel options for program review and approval, so we may ensure your arrival at the correct destination, day, and time. Please include your intended airline name, flight number(s), and arrival time.
If traveling to Skidmore by train or bus; the Saratoga Springs, NY Train/Bus Station must be your final destination. The Saratoga Springs Train/Bus Station is served by Greyhound and Adirondack Trailways (bus service), and Amtrak (train service).
For students travelling unaccompanied by parents/guardians, once your travel arrangements are approved by us, a Pre-College residential staff member will be scheduled to greet you and escort you to Skidmore by taxi on July 1 from the Albany Airport or the Saratoga Springs Bus/Train Station. Pickup is available at these locations only. In order to be met by program staff, make your travel plans to arrive before 3 p.m.
Additionally, there is a shuttle van service that provides links between New York City metro airports and the Albany International Airport:
Premiere Transportation NYC Metro Airport Shuttle
Premiere Transportation offers daily shuttle service between Albany Airport and JFK,
LaGuardia, and Newark airports.
Please Note: All travel costs are the responsibility of the student. The Pre-College Program does not cover airfare, bus or train fare, or shuttle costs.
Pre-College students must remain enrolled at Skidmore until the end of the program on August 3, 2024, and all coursework must be completed prior to departure. Check out is August 3 by 11:00 am.
BEFORE booking your departure flight(s), email Lilly Routledge (Pre-College Senior Program Coordinator) at lroutled@csky88.com with your travel options for program review and approval. Please include your intended airline name, flight number(s), and arrival time.
For students travelling unaccompanied by parents/guardians, we will organize your taxi transportation (staff will not accompany students) to Albany Airport or the Saratoga Springs Bus/Train Station on Saturday, August 3. Departure drop offs are available to these locations only. There is a mandatory check out before 11 a.m.
After reviewing these travel requirements, complete and submit the Pre-CollegeTransportation Form by June 1, 2024. Required forms can be found here.