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International Admissions Overview

Step 1: CAMPUS VISIT

Please schedule a campus visit to meet Pacific Academy’s admissions office to learn more about our school by calling Irvine Campus at 949-398-5288 or emailing admissions@pacificacademy.org.

Step 2: INTERVIEW

Submit the following by January 15:
(Applications may be considered after this date if space is available.)

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1. Pacific Academy Application Form – Download the form here, or request a copy from the Admissions Office.

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2. Application Fee – $300 USD (non-refundable)

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  • Due with the completed application form and all required documents.

  • Please contact the Accounting Office for payment instructions (paiaccounting@pacificacademy.org).

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3. Academic Transcripts – Current, official transcripts in English for at least the past two (2) years. 

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  • All Students are required to submit current, official academic transcripts in English of at least two (2) years.

  • A current, official transcript (not a copy) in English with the official school seal, stamp and/or signature. 

  • Transcripts are needed for all high school years. 

  • PLEASE NOTE: The final, official transcript(s) must match and be consistent with those submitted in the application process. It is important that the information on transcripts NOT change. Pacific Academy will NOT accept transcripts that are different from or inconsistent with those submitted in the application process. 

  • Any admitted matriculating student is also required to provide final high school transcript(s), which should match the original transcript, except for new grades or will not be considered. These final, official transcripts are what are used for the students’ final Pacific Academy transcript.

 

4. Request for Release of Records Form – To be signed by parent/guardian.

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5. Copy of the Student’s Passport Bio Page

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6. Bank Statement in English (USD) showing at least $65,000 available funds.

 

7. For Transfer Students from U.S. Schools:

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  • Copy of current I-20

  • Copy of U.S. Visa

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8. Teacher Recommendations – Two academic teacher recommendations, either as formal letters or by providing teacher names and email addresses.

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9. Student Portfolio – Include at least 3 of the following:

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  • Samples of academic work

  • Writing samples in English

  • Certificates or awards earned

  • Artistic work (drawings, poems, photography, etc.)

  • Any other work the student wishes to share with the Admissions Committee

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10. iTEP SLATE Plus Test Score
(International Test of English Proficiency – Secondary Language Assessment Test of English)

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  • Minimum required score: 3.0 out of 6.0 

  • Who must take it: International students, or students whose first language is not English. Applications cannot be submitted without this score.

  • Register here: iTEP SLATE Plus Registration (https://www.itepexam.com/product/slate-plus/)

  • Must choose SLATE-PLUS TEST – For Middle/High School International Admissions (covers Grammar, Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking).

  • Cost: $141. 

  • Register with both your English name (if applicable) and your full legal name as shown on your passport.

  • Photo ID required on the test date: Passport, driver’s license, or ID card.

  • School selection: Choose “Pacific Academy, Irvine” to have scores sent directly to our school. 

Test rules: No electronic devices are permitted at the test center or during the exam. Follow all iTEP guidelines.

Please Pay Here

once you submit the application form

Step 3: INTERVIEW 

Pacific Academy will arrange a 45-60 minute interview between the student and our Admissions Committee, either onsite or via Zoom. This interview allows us to learn more about the student’s academic, social, and civic goals, while giving the student a chance to explore our school, programs, and student life. The interview will include introductions, Q&A, a timed writing prompt, and a reading activity with comprehension questions. It is for the student only. Parents will receive an update afterward.

Step 4: REVIEW/DECISION 

The student application will be reviewed by the Pacific Academy Admissions Committee. The student will be informed of the committee’s decision within two weeks after the submission of all required documents and interview.

 

The decision will be one of three:

  • The student will be admitted 

  • The student will NOT be admitted 

  • Or placed on a waitlist until March 20th or other specified time 

Step 5: ENROLLMENT

  1. Upon acceptance, the I-20 fee of $1,100, the enrollment deposit fee of $1,000, the program fee $3,500, and the new-student registration fee $1,500 become due before the I-20 may be issued (i.e. a total of $7,100). The enrollment deposit of $1,000 will be credited toward the tuition and the amount is non-refundable, unless the VISA application is rejected by the U.S. embassy. If the student’s VISA is denied and he/she cannot attend Pacific Academy, the school may issue a full refund of $6,000, based on the discretion and review of Pacific Academy. 

  2. The student will also receive an Acceptance Package (Letter of Acceptance, Enrollment Contract, Student Immigration Information, etc.) via E-MAIL. 

STEP 6: F-1 VISA

  1. It is your responsibility to pay the I-901 fee to the U.S. Government for the F-1 Visa interview. The fee may be paid at www.ice.gov/sevis/I901. 

  2. You can schedule An F-1 VISA interview as soon as you receive the electronic copy of the I-20. Depending on individual circumstances, you may need to wait 1-3 months for the VISA interview. 

Step 7: TUITION/ENROLLMENT 

  1. Payment of the remaining annual tuition and other fees are due on July 15th or based on the deadline shown on the invoice. 

  2. Please submit the signed documents specified on the Acceptance Package.

  3. Students take the following placement exams arranged by Pacific Academy: English language assessment exam and Mathematics placement exam.

  4. Report to Pacific Academy on the date specified on your Acceptance Letter.

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