International Students

No, all applicants must complete either the Standard Application Online (SAO) or Gateway Application.  International applicants have a $200 application fee. All applications are due by January 15.

No, Berkshire does not offer ESL courses.

Yes. Students who do not identify English as their first language will be required to submit one of three approved English proficiency tests: TOEFL, Duolingo, or IELTS. If you have studied in an English-speaking school for four or more years, that requirement is waived. Though Berkshire doesn’t hold a hard benchmark score, the average TOEFL score is over 100.

Berkshire has been fortunate to experience several years of record-breaking application numbers making our process more selective than ever. Our holistic admissions philosophy has always been focused on choosing strong students we believe are the best fit, based on the full scope of their talents and interests, as we seek those who will thrive and contribute to what we believe is a very special community. We are dedicated to equity and access, and understand that the playing field is not level when it comes to standardized tests. 

Recently, we completed a two-year study to better understand the role of standardized test scores as they relate to student success. Based on our research, we are confident that academic performance, character and citizenship, and community contributions are the factors that are most relevant in understanding a student’s fit at Berkshire.  

Coming from a position of strength and urged by the challenges of testing in the COVID-era, we are committing immediately to a three-year test-optional trial period. During this time, we will continue to collect data to further inform the predictive validity of SSAT scores at Berkshire.

We also know that, for some, standardized testing is a strength, and we will happily welcome scores from students who choose to submit them. When a student decides not to submit standardized test results, we will require a third academic recommendation, and their applications will be given full and equal consideration.

To begin the process, please first submit an inquiry form. From there, we encourage you to explore our Guide to Applying page here.

Yes! One of our favorite parts of the admission process is traveling the globe to identify and connect with future Berkshire Bears. Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, we are unable to visit with families in person. Rest assured, if you have submitted an inquiry to Berkshire, we will contact you just as soon as we are able to visit a city or town near you!

The Berkshire Admission Team interviews both international and domestic students.  Throughout the application review process, we look for evidence of Berkshire’s core values of curiosity, integrity, respect, inclusion, perseverance, and resilience. Berkshire is a strong, vibrant, and open-minded community, and we are looking for those applicants who are eager to take advantage of our unique learning environment and embrace all that makes our community even stronger. The committee holistically considers all aspects of a student’s experiences and background when making admission decisions. All decisions are made within committee, however, Jamie Goldsmith serves as Director of International Recruitment and oversees all international applications.

Berkshire is proud to offer financial aid assistance for international families. Please complete the PFS online application and be prepared to submit translated tax and income documents if requested. Financial aid applications are due by January 15.

Berkshire must first receive your enrollment contract prior to an I-20 being issued. Typically, I-20s are mailed to new students in early June. This should provide enough time for families to get the proper visas and make travel arrangements.

Lissa McGovern, Berkshire’s International Student Program Director, joined the Berkshire community in 1999 and serves as an advocate for all international students. She works to promote understanding and appreciation of the many cultures represented among students through community-wide activities. In addition, she supports students through the legal aspects of studying in the US, as the School's PDSO for the Student Visitor and Exchange Program. In this role, she, along with Mrs. Gibbons and Mrs. Francoline, aids students in obtaining and maintaining F-1 status throughout a student's academic career.

Along with many members of the community, Ms. McGovern supports students in the their transition from their home countries to Berkshire’s community through a variety of activities beginning over the summer and continuing as students arrive to become acclimated to their new home away from home, and throughout the school year. Current global students offer many supports to new students during this time. Ms. McGovern works closely with the Admission Office to ensure students are academically ready for Berkshire's curriculum and engages with families throughout the process of coming to campus.

In addition to her role as International Student Program Director, Ms. McGovern serves as an English teacher, member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council, a SEED leader, an advisor, an RKMP leader, and she supports both the Bears Worldwide Community and Berkshire Model United Nations Club.