Community college admissions requirements are pretty standard regardless of where you're applying. From community colleges in New York to community colleges in California, there is an "open door" policy which means that almost everyone is eligible to study at the college (as long as you meet these requirements). Once you're accepted into community college, you can pursue an associates degree and transfer to a 4 year college. If you take the proper steps, you could transfer to Ivy League from community college.
To get started, you must be a high school graduate. Otherwise, you must have a GED, General Education Diploma, instead of a high school diploma. Some community colleges offer an exception to this rule such as an early admissions program where high school students can study at community college.
In addition, many community colleges will require that you are above the age of 18, but there are several exceptions to this rule like the early admissions program and other students with special needs. I remember having a 14-year-old in my Biology Lab because he was doing some special program. He was fully capable of handling the course work though.
So if you have these two, basics down, here's the rest of the requirements you'll need to get accepted into community college.
5 Community College Admissions Requirements
- Community College Application - You can pick up the admissions application on campus in the registrar office or simply download it off the schools website.
- Community College Application Fee - Have your check or e-payment ready for when you submit your application to the admissions office.
- Official High School Transcripts - This can be requested for in your high school counseling office. It may be replaced with official GED scores.
- Standardized Test Scores - Depending on if you took the SAT or ACT (or both), you can request your scores to be sent to the community college at CollegeBoard.com or actstudent.org.
- Placement Test Scores - Some community colleges will let you take your placement tests earlier, but either way you'll need it to get accepted by admissions. Even if you don't pass, there are summer programs that can get you up to speed pretty quickly.
These are the main requirements you will need for community college admissions. If you are an international student, you are still eligible (with proper visa status), but you might require some english competency exams.
Once you're accepted, I suggest reading this community college guide to help you succeed in community college, graduate with your associates degree and transfer to top universities. Please leave any questions or comments below!
