Knox seeks students who are active, engaged learners.
We value students who demonstrate their appreciation for a variety of educational experiences, both in and out of the classroom. Our admission counselors consider you as an individual when making our admission decisions.
In order of importance, we'll consider the following information in evaluating your admission application:
The types and difficulty of the courses you've taken in secondary school—the more challenging and rigorous your choices, the better prepared you'll be.
The grades you earned in those courses—in addition to a high level of achievement we're looking for consistency in performance.
Your personal essay—this is your opportunity to tell us about yourself. The essay is an opportunity for us to get to know you as an individual. We encourage you to write your essay in your own voice, reflecting your unique thoughts, experiences, and perspectives. While AI tools can be helpful for brainstorming and editing, the essay should be your own original work.
Your official transcript—show us what you've accomplished already. (A translation is needed if not already in English.)
The recommendation of your teachers and counselors—these people can verify your achievements and evaluate your preparedness for college.
Your standardized test scores—such as SAT, GCE (General Certificate of Education), IGSE (International General Certification of Education), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), and/or any other comparable standardized test.
Evidence of your family's ability to afford a Knox education—if you need financial assistance to attend Knox, you should apply for financial aid.
English Proficiency
Knox EPT Policy
Knox College does not offer English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. Students should enter with sufficient English proficiency to succeed in our discussion-based and reading-intensive classes. For this reason, we require a demonstration of English proficiency for admission.
Below are the only tests accepted as evidence of English proficiency at Knox College, along with the minimum scores* indicated for each. Only one of the following tests is required to complete your application.
IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 or above
TOEFL (iBT): Overall score of 80 or 4.5 for tests taken after January 2026
DET: Overall score of 115
*English proficiency test scores are considered valid for two years from the test date and must be valid at the time of application.
Knox EPT Exemption Policy
The following applicants may qualify for an exemption to the English Proficiency requirement:
Applicants who have completed two consecutive years of full-time high school or university study in the U.S. or another country where English is the only official language. This exemption is granted only based on official transcripts.
Applicants who have completed 4 years of secondary school from an American-accredited institution abroad where English is the medium of instruction.
Test-based exemptions based on official score reports include:
AP English Language and Composition score of 4 or higher
IB score of 5 or higher on the English Language and Literature exam
A/AS Level English with a score of C or above. Predicted scores not accepted.
English proficiency requirements are not waived based on the medium of instruction at a previously attended institution.
Interviews
While interviews are not required for international students, they are a wonderful way for us to get to know you. Contact the Office of Admissions to schedule an interview—or see if we're offering interviews in your area.
