 | Admission International Admission Greetings from Mercersburg Academy!
Mercersburg has had a long and proud tradition of educating students from around the world. Living with an internationally diverse student population is important to providing our students here at the academy with a greater view of the world and the opportunity to be exposed to a diversity of global cultures. We currently have students enrolled from 34 nations including Egypt, Jamaica, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Moldova, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, the People’s Republic of China, and Mexico.
In addition to our diverse student population, Mercersburg also offers five classical and modern languages, numerous travel opportunities abroad, and three cultural exchange programs with peer schools in China, Germany and Chile.
Mercersburg does not offer English as Second Language. Therefore, international students admitted into our program are required to have a strong command of the English language. English proficiency is determined by a combination of factors such as an admission interview and standardized test scores (TOEFL and SSAT).
The admission office is committed to expanding the visibility of Mercersburg around the globe. Our travels this year have taken us to countries such as Germany, Spain, Bermuda, Jamaica, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, the People’s Republic of China, and the Republic of Korea. If you wish to make an appointment to meet with the officer who will be traveling in your area, please contact our office to make arrangements.
If you would like to visit our campus, we encourage you to contact our receptionist, Mrs. Susan Simar. For more detailed information regarding visiting Mercersburg Academy, please refer to our “Visit With Us” section of our website.
We look forward to working with you!
Kindest Regards,
Tommy Adams
Assistant Head of School for Enrollment |
International Students FAQ How many students from my country are at Mercersburg?In the 2010-2011 school year, there are 96 international students enrolled from 34 countries including
Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Germany, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, People’s Republic of China, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Togo, Turkey, Vietnam, United States.
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I do not speak English very well. Will I be able to succeed at Mercersburg?In addition to the required
TOEFL exam, we also offer an intensive ESL+
program
in the summer. This program helps improve English conversation and
writing comprehension while acclimating students to the Mercersburg
community before the school year starts. We often require
international students to enroll in the program before coming to
Mercersburg.
Mercersburg does not offer ESL within the
academic program. Students whose primary language is not English must
arrive fully prepared for the demanding nature of the academic program.
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Can I arrange for an interview in my city?Though we strongly recommend that you visit our campus to get the full sense of what we offer and what our community is like, our admission officers do travel around the world each year and are available to set up appointments with prospective families. Contact our office at admission@mercersburg.edu or by calling 717-328-6173 to inquire about dates and times. |
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| What can you tell me about the ESL+ camp? The ESL+ camp, run by the Office of Summer and Extended Programs, is designed to help students become more comfortable and increase their proficiency with the English language. It lasts for 5 weeks and we offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. The camp includes trips around the region (Hershey Park and Washington, D.C.) to offer a taste of American history and culture. |
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Video Conference Interview Instructions The Office of Admission and Financial Aid at Mercersburg Academy tries to use Skype whenever possible to conduct interviews for international students who are unable to visit campus. Through the use of this program, we are able to simulate an on-campus experience and “face to face” interaction.
In order to use Skype, you will need to have the following:
- a computer with web-browsing and built-in audio and visual capabilities
OR
When requesting an appointment, please inform our receptionist of your Skype username so that the admission officer conducting the interview will know that it is the appropriate person initiating contact. When the appointment is arranged we will provide you with our username to search for.
Please visit www.skype.com for further instructions on how to use Skype and a link to the program download.
We look forward to our conversation with you! |
- If you plan on scheduling your appointment on the same day your plane arrives in the U.S., we recommend an afternoon appointment. If your plane arrives in the afternoon, please schedule your appointment for the following morning.
- Please note that taxis are not available in the town of Mercersburg, PA. If you will not be renting a car and driving yourself you will need to prearrange a driver service.
- Often times it is assumed that because Mercersburg Academy is located in the state of Pennsylvania that the Philadelphia airport is closest. This is not correct; we recommend using airports in Baltimore, Maryland (BWI), or in Washington, D.C. (IAD or DCA).
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| | Key International Admission Contacts Please note the list of important contacts below for reference should you have any questions.
Transferring SEVIS record to colleges:
Homestay request:
William Wilis, Director of International Programs
Have a younger sibling who would benefit from our ESL+ camp?
Michelle Faust, Office of Summer and Extended Programs
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AccommodationsMercersburg Area
Bed and Breakfast Accommodations -
Anne’s Bed & Breakfast, 11478 Ft. Loudon Rd., Mercersburg 717-729-4156
Fox's Jus-Em-Tyme Bed & Breakfast, 11883 Mercersburg Rd. (Welsh Run) 328-3259
Heart Streams Bed & Breakfast, 11084 Fort Loudon Road, Mercersburg 328-3447
McFadden's Willow Gold Bed & Breakfast, 6968 Pine Road, Mercersburg 328-5522
The Steiger House, 33 North Main Street, Mercersburg 328-5757
Country Inn -
*The Mercersburg Inn, 405 South Main Street, Mercersburg 328-5231
(15 rooms with private baths; full dining facilities)
Greencastle Area
The Blue Window Bed & Breakfast, 155 South Washington Street (20 min.) 717-597-3700
White Hall Manor Bed & Breakfast, 501 East Baltimore Street (20 min.) 643-0673
*Comfort Inn, 50 Pine Drive, I-81 & Rt. 11, Exit 3 (20 min.) 597-8164
Chambersburg Area
Best Western, 211 Walker Road, I-81, Exit 16 (35 min.) 717-262-4994
Comfort Inn, 3301 Black Gap Rd., I-81, Exit 20 (40 min.) 263-6655
*Econo Lodge, 1110 Sheller Ave., I-81, Exit 14 (30 min.) 264-8005
*Days Inn of Chambersburg, 30 Falling Spring Rd., I-81, Exit 16 (35 min.) 263-1288
*Fairfield Inn by Marriott, 1122 Wayne Rd., I-81, Exit 14 (30 min.) 264-1200
*Four Points Hotel/Sheraton, 1123 Lincoln Way E., I-81 & Rt. 30, Exit 16 (35 min.) 263-9191
*Hampton Inn, 955 Lesher Rd., I-81, Exit 14 (30 min.) 261-9185
*Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, 1097 Wayne Ave., I-81, Exit 14 (30 min.) 709-9009
Penn National Inn, 3809 Anthony Highway, Fayetteville (45 min.) 800-231-0080
*Quality Inn & Suites, 1095 Wayne Ave., I-81, Exit 14 (30 min.) 263-3400
*TraveLodge Motel, 565 Lincoln Way East, I-81, Exit 16 (35 min.) 264-4187
Waynesboro Area
*Waynesboro Inn, 239 W. Main St. (30 min.) 717-762-9113
Hagerstown, MD Area
*Best Western-Venice Inn, 431 Dual Highway, Route 40 (40 min.) 301-733-0830
*Clarion Hotel, 901 Dual Highway, Route 40 (40 min.) 240-420-5450
*Four Points Hotel Sheraton, 1910 Dual Highway, Route 40 (40 min.) 301-790-3010
*Hampton Inn, 18300 Peak Circle, I-81 & Maugans Ave., Exit 9 (30 min.) 240-420-1970
*Hampton Inn, 1716 Dual Highway, Route 40 (40 min.) 301-739-6100
Holiday Inn Express, 241 Railway Lane, I-81, Exit 5A (30 min.) 301-745-5644
Homewood Suites, 1650 Pullman Lane, I-81, Exit 5A (30 min.) 301-665-3816
Microtel Inn & Suites, 13726 Oliver Drive, Exit 9 (30 min.) 240-527-2700
*Plaza Hotel, 1718 Underpass Way, I-81, Exit 5A (30 min.) 301-797-2500
Sleep Inn and Suites, 18216 Colonel Henry K. Douglas Dr., I-70, Exit 29 301-766-9449
*Spring Hill Suites by Marriott, 17280 Valley Mall Rd., I-81, Exit 5A (30 min) 301-582-0011
*indicates that a restaurant is available |
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Getting HereMercersburg is just a 90-minute drive from Washington, D.C., and
Baltimore, Maryland. It’s also within easy reach of several other
airports.
Travel by Air
Travel by Car
Travel by Air
Several airports are convenient to Mercersburg:
- Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) in
Maryland is a 25-minute drive from campus. Hagerstown is served by Cape
Air. Hagerstown offers Avis and Budget rental-car agencies.
- Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) is a 90-minute drive from campus. It has extensive service by all major domestic carriers as well as Southwest Airlines.
- Dulles International Airport (IAD)
in Washington, D.C., is 90 minutes from Mercersburg and is served by
all major domestic carriers and many international carriers. Students
arriving from abroad usually find Dulles the most convenient airport.
Mercersburg can provide transportation for current students between the
campus and any of the listed airports. To arrange transportation,
contact Carol Ecton in the transportation office.
Travel by Car
From Hagerstown and points south Take I-81 North to PA Exit 5 (Greencastle, Pa.)
Turn left onto Route 16 West (12 miles to Mercersburg, Pa.)
The Mercersburg Academy entrance sign is on the right.
From Dulles International Airport Take Airport Exit Dulles Greenway/VA Route 267 West to Leesburg to Route 15 North
Take Route 15 North to I-70 West (at Frederick, Md.)
Take I-70 West to I-81 North Exit 26 (near Hagerstown, Md.)
Follow I-81 North to PA Exit 5 (Greencastle, Pa.)
Turn left onto Route 16 West (12 miles to Mercersburg, Pa.)
The Mercersburg Academy entrance sign is on the right.
From Baltimore Washington International (BWI) Airport Take I-195 North to I-95 North to I-695 West (toward Towson, Md.)
Take I-695 West to I-70 West (towards Frederick, Md.)
Take I-70 West to I-81 North Exit 26 (near Hagerstown, Md.)
Take I-81 North to PA Exit 5 (Greencastle, Pa.)
Turn left onto Route 16 West (12 miles to Mercersburg, Pa.)
The Mercersburg Academy entrance sign is on the right.
From Pittsburgh, Ohio, and points west Take I-76 East (PA Turnpike) to Exit 12 (Breezewood)
Take Route 30 East to Route 522 South (McConnellsburg)
Take Route 16 East to Mercersburg, Pa.
After two traffic lights, take the first left onto East Seminary Street and proceed two blocks to campus.
From Harrisburg and points north and east (NYC/Philadelphia)
Take I-81 South to Exit 5. (From NYC, take I-78 west to I-81; from Philadelphia, take I-76 west to I-81)
Turn right onto Route 16 West (12 miles to Mercersburg, Pa.)
The Mercersburg Academy entrance sign is on the right.
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Mercersburg & the RegionThe picturesque borough of Mercersburg, Pennsylvania
includes a historic district featuring structures dating back to the
eighteenth century. The borough and surrounding areas figure
prominently in Civil War history, and many Mercersburg buildings have
war stories to tell.
Nearby AttractionsAntietam/Sharpsburg Battlefield , Sharpsburg, MD – 45 minutes Site of the bloodiest battle of the Civil War, where McClellan defeated Lee. National cemetery and visitor center. 301-432-5124
Baltimore, MD – 1 ½ - 2 hours Attractions include the Inner Harbor, and its star, the National Aquarium.
Tour Fort McHenry, The Constellation or Camden Yards, home of the
Baltimore Orioles. Many fine restaurants, including those in Little
Italy.
Caledonia State Park/Totem Pole Playhouse, Fayetteville, PA - 30 minutes Summer repertory theatre, blacksmith shop, swimming, golf, hiking on the AT, and cross-country skiing. 717-352-7271 East Broad Top Railroad (EBTR) Orbisonia, PA – 45 minutes The nation’s oldest narrow gauge coal railroad is now a national
historic landmark. The EBT visit includes a 50-minute narrated train
ride and a guided tour of the rail yard. Open Saturday and Sunday, June
through October. 814-447-3011. Fallingwater- Mill Run, PA – 2 ½ hours This renowned house on a waterfall, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, can be toured Tuesday through Saturday. 412-329-8501. Franklin County
- Please visit the Franklin County Visitors Bureau website for more
information on area dining, things to do, and places to stay in
Mercersburg, Chambersburg, Waynesboro, Greencastle, and Shippensburg!
Frederick, MD – 45 minutes Headquarters for the Union Army in 1863, Frederick is rich in history.
It includes the Roger Brooke Taney home, Barbara Fritchie House, and
Mount Olivet Cemetery. Weinberg Center for the Arts hosts music, dance,
theatre, and classic movies. 301-663-8703. Gettysburg, PA – 1 hour Site of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and one of the Civil War’s most
significant battle sites includes an information center, monuments,
historic al markers and National Cemetery. Nearby is the Eisenhower
farm (717-334-1124). Hagerstown, MD – 30 min The city of Hagerstown offers the Maryland Symphony, Maryland Theatre,
Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, excellent shopping and fine
dining. It is also the home of the Hagerstown Suns minor league
baseball team.
Harper’s Ferry, WV – 1 hour Now a National Historic Site, the scene of John Brown’s Raid before the
Civil War. The Town, strategically placed above the Potomac, was traded
between Union and Confederate forces throughout the war. Hershey, PA – 1 ½ hours Home of Hershey chocolate, Hershey Park and the Hotel Hershey.
Entertainment venues include the Hershey Park Arena, The Star Pavilion
and the GIANT Center. Lancaster, PA – 2 hours This major center for Amish and Mennonite culture features traditional
farms, food and craft markets, restaurants and museums demonstrating
local life and history. Shepherdstown, WV – 50 minutes This home of Shepherd University has interesting shops, cafes and restaurants and well as the Opera House, which features live music and classic films. Tuscarora Hiking Trail, Mercersburg, PA – 10 minutes Over 250 miles in length, the trail traverses the Buchanan Forest
District and goes from an elevation of 1,300 feet to 2,460 feet at its
highest point. It offers an interesting variety of scenic views and
historic sites. Washington, D.C. – 1 ½ hours Washington includes the many museums of the Smithsonian Institution,
as well as all of the nation’s capital sites. The White House, Capital
Hill, the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, the Mall and Arlington
Cemetery. |
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Local DiningMercersburg
FLANNERY'S TAVERN ON THE SQUARE – 5 North Main Street, 328-5011
Mon., Wed., Thurs. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m.-1 a.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Closed Tuesday; Lunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Dinner 5 p.m.-9 p.m.; Cocktails; Reservations recommended; Major credit cards honored
FOOT OF THE MOUNTAIN - 14191 Buchanan Trail West (Rt. 16 toward McConnellsburg 3 miles west of Mercersburg), 328-2960;
Tues.-Sat. 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Closed Monday; Reservations recommended Fri. & Sat. nights and Sun.; Visa honored
MAIN STREET CAFÉ - 111 North Main Street, 328-3699
Mon., Wed., Sat. 6 a.m.-9 p.m., Thurs. & Fri. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Closed Tuesday
THE MERCERSBURG INN - 405 South Main Street, 328-5231
Thurs., Fri. & Sat. Dinner seatings 5:30-8:30 p.m., Sun. 5-8 p.m.; Cocktails; Reservations recommended; Master Card, Visa, Discover honored
ROMEO'S - 66 Church Street, 328-3323
Tues., Wed., Thurs., Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Closed Sunday and Monday
Greencastle
JOHN ALLISON PUBLIC HOUSE - 104 E. Baltimore St. (Route 16), 597-8111 (20 min. from campus)
Mon.-Sat. 6 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Reservations requested for large groups; Major credit cards honored
CAFÉ DEL SOL – 504 North Antrim Way, 597-8700 (20 min. from campus)
Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 12 noon-8 p.m.
CASEY'S - 155 S. Antrim Way (Route 11), 597-8383 (20 min. from campus)
Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Cocktails; Reservations recommended on weekends; Major credit cards honored
Chambersburg
COPPER KETTLE - 1049 Lincoln Way East, 264-3109 (30 min. from campus)
Mon.-Sat. 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m., Closed Sun.; Cocktails; Reservations requested; Major credit cards honored
EJ’S GRILL - 346 Lincoln Way East, 263-1137 (30 min. from campus)
Mon.-Thurs. 4 p.m.-9 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 4 p.m.-10 p.m., Closed Sun.; Cocktails; Reservations recommended on weekends; Major credit cards honored
ORCHARD RESTAURANT LOUNGE – 1580 Orchard Drive, 264-4711 (30 min. from campus)
Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Cocktails; Reservations not necessary; Major credit cards honored
Hagerstown
NICK’S AIRPORT INN - Route 11, 5 min. north of Hagerstown, 301-733-8560 (25 min. from campus)
Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m., Sat. 4:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.; Closed Sun.; Cocktails; Reservations requested; Major credit cards honored
AL POMODORO – 1101 Opal Court, Hagerstown, 301-739-0440 (30 min. from campus)
Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sat. 4 p.m.-10 p.m., Closed Sun.; Cocktails; Reservations requested; Major credit cards honored
GATEWAY CRAB & SEAFOOD HOUSE – 15124 National Pike (Route 40, 6 miles west of Hagerstown), 301-582-1111 (40 min. from campus)
Tues.-Sat. 4 p.m.-11 p.m., Sun. Noon-10 p.m., Closed Mon.; Cocktails; Reservations not necessary
HOUSE OF KOBE - 757 Dual Highway, Route 40E., 301-797-6979 (40 min. from campus)
Mon.-Sun. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Reservations recommended
IMPERIAL CHINESE RESTAURANT - 13112 Pennsylvania Ave. (Route 11), 301-797-3388 (25 min. from campus)
Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Reservations recommended for party of four or more; Cocktails; Credit cards not accepted
LJ’S & THE KAT LOUNGE – 1130 Conrad Court, Hagerstown (off Route 40E), 301-739-7990 (40 min. from campus)
Tues.-Thurs. 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Fri. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Sat. 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Closed Sun. & Mon.; Cocktails; Reservations recommended; Major credit cards honored
OLD SOUTH MOUNTAIN INN - Alt. 40 between Boonsboro and Middletown, 301-432-6155 (45 min. from campus)
Tues.-Fri. 5 p.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 4 p.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Closed Mon.; Cocktails; Reservations recommended on weekends; Major credit cards honored
OLIVER'S PUB & RESTAURANT - 1565-67 Potomac Ave. (Long Meadow Shopping Center), 301-790-0011 (30 min. from campus)
Mon.-Thurs. 11:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m., Sun. 5 p.m.-11:30 p.m.; Reservations recommended on Fri. & Sat.; Visa, Master Card, American Express honored
SCHMANKERL STUBE BAVARIAN RESTAURANT - 58 S. Potomac St., 301-797-3354 (35 min. from campus)
Tues.-Sat. 11:30 a.m. thru evening, Sun. 11 a.m. thru evening, Closed Monday; Reservations recommended; Major credit cards honored
THE VENICE INN - Route 40E, 301-733-0830 (40 min. from campus)
Mon.-Sat. 6 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Sun. 6 a.m.-9 p.m.; Cocktails; Reservations recommended; Major credit cards honored
Waynesboro
FAIRFIELD INN - Route 116 between Gettysburg and Waynesboro, 642-5410 (1 hour from campus)
Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5 p.m.-8 p.m.; Cocktails; Reservations recommended
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