How to Apply

1. Complete the online application.
2. Download the recommendation forms and transcript request form and send them to your school.  School officials will complete the form, copy them, and then submit to each school you mark on the form. 
3. Applicants for 11th grade must submit PSAT scores. 
4. Transfer applicants are called for an interview once their application is on file.

Note:  Transfer students' grades from their previous schools are listed on their transcripts, but they are not used to calculate their rank in class or grade point average. The calculation begins with grades in courses taken at Incarnate Word Academy.

Admission decisions are based on the following: 

• Grades from recent report cards
• Entrance exam results/standardized testing results
• Recommendation forms 
• Student application and essay 
• Attendance and discipline records 
• Academic work habits

Transfer Welcome Program: Students who join the IWA family in 10th or 11th grade are welcomed to IWA with the help of a transfer program. This program includes:

• Orientation: The two days before school begins, all new students gather for fun activities that help introduce students to life at IWA
• Transfer buddy: Each transfer students is appointed a ‘buddy’ who helps with their integration, especially in the first weeks at IWA
• Transfer lunches: Students meet periodically for lunch with other transfer students and members of staff to gather information about upcoming events

1. Application
   • International students must submit the following:
   • Complete the International Application Form    
   • Transcript showing grades from the current school year and the two previous years (originals and translation of original)
   • iBT TOEFL results. IWA does not offer ESL classes. We require students to have at least a 70 iBT TOEFL to show a proficiency in English
   • Recommendation forms in English- sent directly from applicant’s school
2. Entrance Test
   • Applicants must take the ISEE. Click here to find a testing center near you.  Use IWA's ISEE member code, 570451, to submit results. 
3. Interview
   • If the application and ISEE show that the applicant may succeed at IWA, a date for a SKYPE interview with the applicant will be scheduled.
4. Affidavit of Support and Copy of Passport
   • Applicant must submit the Affidavit of Support (I-134) of person responsible for tuition and fees demonstrating at least $15,000 American dollars (required for I-20). Applicants must send a copy of the biometric page of their passport.
5. Acceptance Letter and I-20
   • If the applicant is accepted, IWA issues an acceptance letter and I-20 to the applicant. 
6. Step 6: SEVIS I-901
   • The student applies for SEVIS I-901 through U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Website. This document is required before going to the U.S. Consulate for an interview.
7. Step 6: Application for F-1 Visa
   • Student makes an appointment with U.S. Consulate in home country for an interview and to apply for F-1 Visa. Students must notify IWA as soon as they receive their F-1 visa.
8. Step 7: Tuition, Contract and Guardianship Papers
   • Student’s sponsor must complete enrollment documents, pay tuition and provide legal documentation for guardianship of the student.
9. Step 8: Student Health Insurance
   • Incarnate Word Academy requires proof of health insurance for international students.
10. Step 9: Check-in
    • Students must be in Houston by the end of July. Upon arrival in Houston, students must check in with IWA’s admissions office, providing original copies of all paperwork mentioned above along with their F-1 visa and I-94, which is received upon arrival to the USA.
11. Step 10: Orientation and Bridge Program
    • International students are required to attend our Bridge Program and Orientation the week prior to school beginning.

Note on Host Families: IWA does not coordinate host families for our international students. IWA must be provided with legal documentation for Guardianship.

Disclaimers: The information on this website is intended only for IWA’s prospective international students. All matters relating to the immigration status of the student is the student’s responsibility, not the responsibility of IWA. If a student has an immigration issue that requires legal advice, the student is encouraged to seek professional services from a qualified immigration attorney. Any information on IWA’s website is subject to change at any time and without notice. Nothing contained herein should be constructed as giving legal advice as contemplated under any statute, regulation, or other law.  Original copies of all paperwork from the admissions process and visa application process should be kept for a minimum of three years.