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Admission of Students Without a High School |
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General Admission to the College
Any person who has a high school diploma or the equivalent, or who is 18 years of age, and in any case is able to benefit from a program at the College may be admitted to the College as a curricular student or non-curricula student when required items have been received by the Office of Admissions.
Dual enrollment students will be admitted according to the provisions in the current Virginia Plan for Dual Enrollment. Other persons not meeting these admissions criteria may apply to the college for special consideration for admittance.
The College reserves the right to evaluate special cases and to refuse admission to applicants when considered advisable in the best interest of the College.
A student may be denied admission to the College if there is sufficient reason to believe that the individual represents a danger to himself or herself or other students and/or faculty.
Information about noncredit continuing education programs is available in the Office of Center for Business and Industry .
After a person has been admitted to the College as a curricular student, he/she will be given an opportunity to meet with a College counselor to discuss educational interests, to determine curricular needs, and to plan application for admission to a specific curriculum or program at the College.
Admission of High School Students
A student who is enrolled in high school at the junior or senior level may attend the College as part of the Dual Enrollment Program or with the high school principal’s permission. Some College courses may fulfill high school graduation requirements if prior approval of the high school principal is obtained.
• High school students who want to attend VHCC under the Principal’s Permission provision must indicate high school status on the College application and submit a transcript of grades and "Principal’s Permission to Enroll" form to the Director of Admissions.
• Federal regulations do not permit financial aid to be awarded to college students who are simultaneously enrolled in public or private secondary educational programs.
Admission of Home School Students
VHCC will consider the admission of students who are at least 16 years old, who are not attending public or private school, and are " home school students." The acceptance of such students may be considered as enrichment to the home school program, but is not intended to substitute for the home school experience. The following policies will apply to the enrollment of home school students:
• Prior to admission, an applicant who does not have a high school diploma and is not at least 18 years old will be required to demonstrate appropriate basic skills compatible with the College academic expectations.
• All students of VHCC, regardless of age, are subject to all of the rules, policies, and procedures of the College pertaining to attendance, confidentiality of records, conduct, etc., as found in the College Catalog and Student Handbook.
• Students who are home schooled must provide a current copy of a signed home school agreement between the appropriate school system and the authorizing parent or guardian. Such documentation must be provided to the Director of Admissions prior to admission to the College.
• Financial aid is not available to students who are simultaneously enrolled in home school.
To support the educational pursuits of persons with disabilities in our service area, it is the mission of Virginia Highlands Community College to 1) disseminate information to increase awareness of services available to persons with disabilities, 2) assist with the matriculation of persons with disabilities into the college environment, 3) develop and implement disability-related support services that promote the educational and personal development of persons with disabilities by networking with campus and community based resources, and 4) assist with the successful integration of persons with disabilities into continued educational activities and/or the world of work.
Students with learning or physical disabilities must present appropriate documentation from a medical doctor, a psychologist, a case worker, a specialist, or another qualified evaluator. Documentation should clearly identify the disability and state appropriate academic accommodations for the student. Eligible students can receive accommodations both in and out of the classroom. Students must contact Jackie Craft, Project EXCEL Coordinator, at (276)739-2561.
It is the student’s responsibility to communicate his or her needs and to utilize the available resources.
Admission of Students Without a High School Diploma, GED, or Recognized Home School Program (Ability-to-Benefit Assessment)
Students 18 and over who have not completed a recognized home school program or obtained a high school diploma or the recognized equivalent (i.e. General Educational Development or GED certificate) will be required to take an ability-to-benefit test. A satisfactory score on this test is required to qualify for financial aid.
Documentation Needed for Admissions
All students are required to complete an official application for admission (Note: social security number is requested). Those seeking in-state tuition also should complete an Application for Virginia In-State Tuition.
Additionally, all curricular students are required to provide official transcripts from all high schools, colleges and universities attended. Those transferring from other colleges and universities should also complete a "Transcript Evaluation Request Form" to receive transfer credit at Virginia Highlands Community College. The College also provides and requires a "Self Reported Health" form for admission to some programs.
To qualify for in-state tuition, a student must live in Virginia for at least one year immediately prior to the beginning of the semester. Applications for in-state tuition must be completed by all students seeking the in-state rate.
Admission to Specific Curricula
In addition to the general admission requirements listed, specific requirements are prescribed for each curriculum of the College. These are listed in the Curriculum Offerings section of this catalog. Persons who do not initially satisfy the published academic requirements for a specific curriculum may be admitted to the curriculum with the condition that they complete the appropriate requirements.
It is policy to admit a student to curricula, as space permits. The appropriate college officer shall officially notify students of their admission to the curriculum.
Each student must be a graduate of an accredited high school or present passing score(s) on the General Educational Development Test (GED), or present passing score(s) on an Ability to Benefit test (COMPASS or ASSET), or otherwise be considered eligible by the College to be accepted to an associate degree, diploma, or certificate program. High/home school transcripts are requested unless the record is ten or more years old and official transcripts of all work completed at regionally accredited colleges or universities are required unless waived by the Director of Admissions.
Admission to English, Math, or Biology Courses
Admission to specific courses is approved only when the student meets the prerequisite requirements or has instructor approval for the course.
1. All students must pass VHCC placement tests in reading and writing before entry into the first college level English composition course.
2. Enrollment in any biology course requires reading and writing scores appropriate for placement into ENG 111.
3. All students must complete VHCC placement tests in math before entry into any math course.
4. COMPASS placement into MTH 04 is required for enrollment in any chemistry course above CHM 05.
5. Students who bypass this policy and register for an English or mathematics, biology or chemistry class without appropriate placement scores are subject to administrative withdrawal.
6. Students may not retest any portion of the placement test without written approval from a counselor or English/math faculty member. Policy requires that students requesting a retest meet specified criteria identified in the next section.
7 Students who have submitted SAT or ACT scores may be exempt from the English and mathematics placement test. SAT scores of at least 500 on both verbal and writing tests exempts the student from the reading and writing placement tests and a SAT math score of at least 500 exempts the student from the mathematics placement test. An ACT score of 21 on math exempts the student from the mathematics placement test and an ACT score of 21 on both English and verbal tests exempts the student from the reading and writing placement tests.
Placement Testing and Retest Policy
Like other institutions of higher learning, Virginia Highlands Community College requires students to take English and mathematics placement tests.
Students who submit official satisfactory ACT or SAT scores taken within the last three years will be exempt from the placement test requirement. Satisfactory scores are:
English: SAT verbal 500 and SAT writing 500 or ACT verbal 21 and ACT English 21
Math: SAT math 500 or ACT math 21
Official scores should be submitted to the Admissions and Records Office. An official report can be requested at www.collegeboard.com .
1. Purpose of Placement Test
The purpose of these tests is to assure that students are academically prepared for college level work, regardless of prior grades, work experience, or academic history.
2. When to Schedule Testing
It is recommended that students schedule testing prior to enrollment period and not wait until enrollment days. For example, if a student plans to enroll during fall semester, testing should occur during the summer prior to fall registration. All students must complete the VHCC Application for Admissions before placement testing. The Learning Lab administers all placement tests (LRC 633).
3. Placement Scores From Other Institutions
Students may submit placement scores from other institutions provided the placement test is the same as that used at VHCC and testing was completed within the past three years. VHCC will use the placement scores submitted but apply the VHCC cutoff scores. Placement scores submitted from other institutions must be on file at VHCC before a student may register for an English, mathematics, or biology class. If a student has two placement scores on record in the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) and both tests were taken within the past three years, VHCC will accept and use the higher score. Developmental course work completed outside of the Virginia Community College System is not transfer eligible and that current placement data help design academic plans that offer a higher likelihood of success.
4. Retest Policy
The Academic Divisions will adhere to a strict retest policy requiring students to appeal to the counselors and/or faculty in the respective disciplines for retest.
The professional faculty will consider a retest only if a student meets one of the following criteria:
A. A score is within three points of a passing score,
B. Previous academic history indicates the student’s academic competence and/or promise,
C. Mitigating circumstances prevented the student from appropriately completing a test, or
D. The student did not enroll in math, English and/or biology within three years of taking the placement test.
The Counselors or English and mathematics faculty will document all mitigating circumstances.
International Applicants For Admission
Virginia Highlands Community College is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students. The College welcomes applications from international students who meet the qualifications set forth in these guidelines. All stated requirements are subject to change based upon federal regulations or a determination by the College that a policy change is in the best interests of the student and/or the College community.
International applicants will be admitted only if they fulfill all general and special requirements for admission. International students are considered out-of-state residents for purposes of determining tuition rates and admission to programs with limited enrollment. Students who acquired a student visa through acceptance by another school or college will not be considered until they have secured a written release from the original institution. International students who are exclusively taking classes through distance learning without entry into the United States will be evaluated on an individual basis. All documentation must be received by June 1 for Fall admission or October 1 for Spring admission.
1. Financial Responsibility
No financial aid is available for international students. The College will not certify applications for an international students to obtain a work permit until they have successfully completed 30 semester hours of coursework at the College with a 3.0 GPA, or resided in the U.S. for at least twelve consecutive months, whichever is the longest period of time. All international applicants must complete a form provided by the College and have it notarized to affirm they have financial resources sufficient to pay college and living expenses prior to being issued an SEVIS-20. The statement must include the amount of income the student will receive while attending college, the source of income, and the manner in which living expenses will be met. All international students holding F-1 and J-1 visas must purchase health and accident insurance. If the applicant is under 18, the parent or legal guardian must submit the notarized statement of financial support. All international students must have a local sponsor who will assume financial responsibility for the student.
2. English Proficiency
International students whose native language is not English must document proficiency in the English language by submitting a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score. Official copies of the TOEFL scores must be submitted to Enrollment Services/Admission. The TOEFL test is required of all applicants who are not native speakers of English, in addition to all foreign students with visas, except those raised or schooled in Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Jamaica, or other countries where the College can determine that English is the language of instruction. A TOEFL score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL test and 234 on the computer-based TOEFL test is required, although achieving that score is no guarantee of admission. The applicant is responsible for making early arrangements for taking the test and should address inquiries to TOEFL, Educational Testing Service, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, USA. The Bulletin of Information, obtainable without charge, contains a description of the test and rules regarding application, fees, reports on the conduct of the test, lists of examination centers, examination dates, and an application blank. On the application for the test, the student should specify that the scores be sent to the Admission Office at VHCC. The official results of the TOEFL must be received at VHCC at least 60 days before the term for which the applicant seeks admission. Applicants who are in the United States and who have not taken the TOEFL or achieved the minimum cut score, may petition the College to evaluate them for admission during a visit to the campus. This evaluation will generally include completion of our freshman assessment (COMPASS) in English, reading, and mathematics including a writing sample on an assigned topic, followed by an interview with a member of the English faculty. The English faculty member will make the final admission decision based on the interview, writing, and test results. There is no appeal to this decision. There is no substitute for planning ahead on the part of international students wishing to gain admission to our College. Transfer applicants who have completed two semesters or terms of a non-ESL English composition course with above-average grades at an American college or university are not required to submit TOEFL scores.
3. Academic Transcripts
Non-English transcripts and documents must be submitted in their original form, accompanied by a certified English translation. Unofficial documents and documents without accompanying English translations will not be accepted.
International transfer students must submit a syllabus of university study. This description of each course or subject studies must be submitted in English translation of the syllabus. Application without this information cannot be considered. It is recommended that transfer students seeking admission from international educational systems have a professional evaluation service review their transcripts and other educational credentials. Students currently enrolled in a U.S. system must still have their international transcripts evaluated.
4. International Applicant Contact
For additional information about the process for international applicants please contact: Ms. Debbie Barrett, Virginia Highlands Community College, P.O. Box 828 Abingdon, VA 24212 or by e-mail at dbarrett@vhcc.edu.
Below is a checklist of admission requirements for international students:
1. Application for Admission/Readmission as a curricular student.
2. Official translated and notarized/certified secondary and college transcripts.
3. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL test and 234 on the computer-based TOEFL test is required and the test results cannot be more than two years old.
4. Verification of health and accident insurance.
5. Declaration of financial resources.
6. Official transcripts from American colleges or universities attended.
When enrollment for any curriculum must be limited, priority will be given to qualified applicants who are residents of the VHCC service region and other Virginia residents who do not have access to a comparable program at their community college. Similar consideration may be given to applicants who live within areas in which the College maintains a clinical site or has other agreements.
The priority list is as follows:
1. Residents of the VHCC service region (City of Bristol, Washington County, and Western portion of Smyth County) and Tennessee residents from counties in which a clinical-site or other agreements exist (Johnson County and Sullivan County),
2. Other Virginia residents,
3. Out-of-state and international students.
The Virginia Highlands Community College Board has established the following schedule for considering applications: prior to April 1 applications will be considered for only those persons living within the political subdivisions supporting the College; after April 1 all Virginia residents will be considered for admission; and after May 1 out-of-state and international students with student (F-1 and F-2) and diplomatic (A-1 and A-2) visas.
Admission of Transfer Students
In most cases, a student who is eligible to continue enrollment at another college is eligible to transfer to Virginia Highlands Community College.
Transfer students who are ineligible to return to a previous college usually will not be allowed to enroll in the same curriculum at the College until one semester elapses or until he/she completes required developmental courses at the College. The Admissions Committee of the College shall decide on each case and usually will impose special conditions for the admission of such students, including placement on probation.
Each student transferring from another college should consult the Counselors at the College for an assessment of credits in order to determine his/her standing before registering for classes. Generally no credit will be given for courses with grades lower than "C." Transfer students may be advised to repeat courses in order to make satisfactory progress in their programs.
Transcripts of students transferring from non-regionally accredited colleges and universities will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis by the appropriate Counselor.
All transfer students must complete the "Transcript Evaluation Request Form" to receive transfer credit at Virginia Highlands Community College.
All students are classified according to the following categories:
1. Curricular Student
A student who has a high school diploma, a GED, or the ability to benefit is designated as a curricular student when all of the information required for general admission to the College has been submitted to the Office of Admissions and when the individual has been admitted to one of the curricula of the College.2
. Non-Curricular Student A non-curricular student is one who is not formally admitted to one of the curricula but is classified according to the following student goals or conditions.A. Upgrading Employment Skills for Present Job
Student is employed and seeking to upgrade skills for a current job.
B. Developing Skills for New Job
Student is seeking to develop skills for a new job.
C. Career Exploration
Student is undecided about a career goal and an occupational choice. The College will provide counseling assistance to aid the student in making decisions concerning career/curricular goals. Such a student will be expected to declare another educational goal prior to completing 30 credit hours of course work.
D. Personal Satisfaction and General Knowledge
Student is enrolled for reasons not related to specific occupational or educational goals.
E. Transient Student
Student, while enrolled at a community college, maintains primary enrollment with another post-secondary institution.
F. High School Student (with college approval only)
- students must be high school juniors or seniors who are 16 or older
- students must be qualified or prepared for the demands of a college level course and able to benefit from the enrichment opportunity (determined by appropriate high school personnel)
- public school principal must approve/recommend the cross-registration of the high school student to the community college
Limitations/Exclusions
- no developmental courses may be approved for a dual enrollment arrangement
G. Auditing a Course
Students desiring to attend a course without taking the examination or receiving credit for the course may do so by registering to audit that course. Students desiring to audit a course will register in the regular manner and pay the regular tuition. Audited courses carry no credit and do not count as part of the student’s course load. Students desiring to change status in a course from audit to credit must do so within the add/drop period. Changes from credit to audit must be made by the official last day for students who withdraw from a class without penalty.
1. Freshman
- Students are classified as freshmen until 30 credits have been completed.2. Sophomore - Students are classified as sophomores after 30 or more credits of course work have been completed.
1. Full-time Student
- A student is considered a full-time student if carrying 12 or more credits of course work.- A student is considered a part-time student if carrying less than 12 credits of course work.2. Part-time Student