Admission to the College

Admission of New & Transfer Degree Students

Applicants seeking admission to a degree program at VSCC must meet the following requirements:

1. Application: A completed application for admission to VSCC is required.
    
2. Citizenship: Effective October 1, 2012, the Tennessee Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act (EVEA) requires public colleges and universities to verify that any student seeking a state public benefit (in-state tuition and fees) is either a “United States citizen” or “lawfully present” in the United States.
   
   Applicants who are not citizens of the United States or Permanent Residents should refer to the section entitled Admission of International Students. Applicants with permanent residency status wishing to seek admission to the College must submit a photocopy of both sides of the permanent residency card (also known as the Form I-551 or green card), visa, or other immigration authorization. A PASSPORT IS NOT CONSIDERED IMMIGRATION AUTHORIZATION.
    
3. High School Credentials: All applicants seeking a degree or certificate from VSCC should request an official transcript be mailed directly to the Office of Admissions from the high school which the applicant graduated. To be acceptable for admission to a degree or certificate program, official transcripts must include credits earned and a date of graduation. Faxed, emailed or student copies of transcripts are not considered official.
   
   If the applicant has earned an associate degree or higher from a postsecondary institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, VSCC will not require the applicant to provide a copy of their high school transcript, or HiSET/GED certificate showing proof of a passing score, as a part of our admissions process.
   
   To be admitted to a degree or certificate program, applicants must graduate high school with a regular diploma or higher. High school certificates of attendance, special diplomas or the like are not sufficient for admission to a degree or certificate program. Applicants falling into this category may substitute acceptable scores on the General Educational Development (GED) or High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) examination or apply as a non-degree student. See the Admission of Non-Degree Students section for admission requirements for applicants not seeking a degree.
   
   Public Tennessee High Schools - In addition to the above requirements, the transcript of graduates of Tennessee public high schools beginning with the 1983 graduating class must include a notation indicating that the applicant passed the required proficiency exam.
   
   Non-Public Schools - Applicants who graduated from non-public high schools (including private schools, home schools, and church-related schools) must submit an official transcript showing credits earned and date of graduation. The transcript of a home school applicant must be an official copy from an affiliated organization as defined by state law (T. C. A. 49- 50-801) or be accompanied by a certification of registration with the superintendent of the local education agency which the applicant would otherwise attend. Applicants who cannot provide a satisfactory secondary school credential may substitute acceptable scores on the GED or HiSET examination.
   
   High School Equivalency Diploma - Applicants 18 years of age or over may be admitted with a passing score on the GED or HiSET. Official scores on the GED or HiSET should be mailed directly to the Office of Admissions from the testing agency.
   
   ACE Diploma - The American Council on Education External Diploma may be accepted in lieu of a high school transcript for applicants who completed high school requirements and received the ACE Diploma.
    
4. Transfer Credentials: Applicants for admission seeking a degree from VSCC who have enrolled for any credit classes in another institution of higher education, regardless of whether they wish to receive credit for it, must submit a complete official transcript to the Office of Admissions from each institution attended. Faxed, emailed or student copies of transcripts are not considered official. In every case, credentials must include a complete record of credits earned in all previous secondary schools attended and a complete record of grades from all collegiate institutions attended. Failure to indicate previous college attendance on the application for admission may subject the student to dismissal from the College.
   
   Transfer applicants should refer to the Granting Transfer Credit section for information on course evaluation and credit transferability.
    
5. Placement Testing: The placement test is designed to measure skills in reading, writing, and/or math, in order to determine appropriate placement into college-level or learning support courses.  Placement may also be determined by valid ACT scores, high school GPA, transfer credit, etc. Applicants whose native language is not English may be required to complete a specialized placement test.
   
   Transfer applicants, who have not been assessed at a TBR institution or completed any college-level courses in English Composition and/or college-level math with a grade of C or higher, will be assessed according to the College’s assessment and placement procedures. Transfer applicants with valid (less than five years old) ACT scores may be placed using those scores.
   
   Please see the Learning Support section for additional information on placement testing.
    
6. Applicant Age: Applicants must be 16 years of age or older.
    
7. Selective Service: All male applicants born in 1960 or later who have attained the age of 18 must have proof of Selective Service before registering for classes at VSCC. If a male applicant is under the age of 18 at the time of admission, the applicant must provide proof of registration with Selective Service upon turning 18 years of age if still enrolled at VSCC.

Admission of New & Transfer Technical Certificate Students

Prospective students seeking admission to a technical certificate program at VSCC must meet the following requirements:

1. Application: A completed application for admission to VSCC is required.
    
2. Citizenship: Effective October 1, 2012, the Tennessee Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act (EVEA) requires public colleges and universities to verify that any student seeking a state public benefit (in-state tuition and fees) is either a “United States citizen” or “lawfully present” in the United States.
   
   Applicants who are not citizens of the United States or Permanent Residents should refer to the section entitled Admission of International Students. Applicants with permanent residency status wishing to seek admission to the College must submit a photocopy of both sides of the permanent residency card (also known as the Form I-551 or green card), visa, or other immigration authorization. A PASSPORT IS NOT CONSIDERED IMMIGRATION AUTHORIZATION.
    
3. High School Credentials: All applicants seeking a technical certificate from VSCC should request an official transcript be mailed directly to the Office of Admissions from the high school which the applicant graduated. To be acceptable for admission to a technical certificate program, official transcripts must include credits earned and a date of graduation. Faxed, emailed or student copies of transcripts are not considered official.
   
   If the applicant has earned an associate degree or higher from a postsecondary institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, VSCC will not require the applicant to provide a copy of their high school transcript, or HiSET/GED certificate showing proof of a passing score, as a part of our admissions process.
   
   To be admitted to a technical certificate program, applicants must graduate high school with a regular diploma or higher. High school certificates of attendance, special diplomas or the like are not sufficient for admission to a technical certificate program. Applicants falling into this category may substitute acceptable scores on the GED or HiSET examination or apply as a non-degree student. See the Admission of Non-Degree Students section for admission requirements for applicants not seeking a technical certificate.
   
   Public Tennessee High Schools. In addition to the above requirements, the transcript of graduates of Tennessee public high schools beginning with the 1983 graduating class must include a notation indicating that the applicant passed the required proficiency exam.
   
   Non-Public Schools. Applicants who graduated from non-public high schools (including private schools, home schools, and church-related schools) must submit an official transcript showing credits earned and date of graduation. The transcript of a home school applicant must be an official copy from an affiliated organization as defined by state law (T.C.A. 49-50-801) or be accompanied by a certification of registration with the superintendent of the local education agency which the applicant would otherwise attend. Applicants who cannot provide a satisfactory secondary school credential may substitute acceptable scores on the GED or HiSET examination.
   
   High School Equivalency Diploma. Applicants 18 years of age or over may be admitted with a passing score on the GED or HiSET. Official scores on the GED or HiSET should be mailed directly to the Office of Admissions from the testing agency.
   
   ACE Diploma - The American Council on Education External Diploma may be accepted in lieu of a high school transcript for applicants who completed high school requirements and received the ACE Diploma.
    
4. Transfer Credentials: Applicants for admission seeking a technical certificate from VSCC wishing to receive transfer credit or applying for Financial Aid must submit a complete official transcript to the Office of Admissions from each institution attended. Faxed, emailed or student copies of transcripts are not considered official. In every case credentials must include a complete record of credits earned in all previous secondary schools attended and a complete record of grades from all collegiate institutions attended. Applicants who have enrolled for any credit classes in another institution of higher education and do not wish to receive credit for coursework completed there do not have to submit official transcripts from other institutions for Admission purposes. Failure to indicate previous college attendance on the application for admission may subject a student to dismissal from the College.
   
   Transfer applicants should refer to the Granting Transfer Credit section for information on course evaluation and credit transferability.
    
5. Applicant Age: Applicants must be 16 years of age or older.
    
6. Selective Service: All male applicants born in 1960 or later who have attained the age of 18 must have proof of Selective Service before registering for classes at VSCC. If a male applicant is under the age of 18 at the time of admission, the applicant must provide proof of registration with Selective Service upon turning 18 years of age if still enrolled at VSCC.

Admission of Visiting Students

A regularly enrolled student of another institution who desires to take only a limited number of hours during a term and who is not presently working toward a degree at VSCC may be admitted as a visiting student.

Visiting applicants may choose to apply to be admitted to a degree or certificate program. At that time, the applicant must meet the appropriate admission requirements for that status. Coursework completed as a visiting student may be applied to a degree or certificate if said coursework is applicable.

An Applicant seeking admission as a visiting student at the College must meet the following requirements below. International visiting students can refer to the Admission of International Student portion of the college catalog.

1. Application: A completed application for admission to VSCC is required.
    
2. Citizenship: Effective October 1, 2012, the Tennessee Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act (EVEA) requires public colleges and universities to verify that any student seeking a state public benefit (in-state tuition and fees) is either a “United States citizen” or “lawfully present” in the United States.
   
   Applicants who are not citizens of the United States or Permanent Residents should refer to the section entitled Admission of International Students. Applicants with permanent residency status wishing to seek admission to the College must submit a photocopy of both sides of the permanent residency card (also known as the Form I-551 or green card), visa, or other immigration authorization. A PASSPORT IS NOT CONSIDERED IMMIGRATION AUTHORIZATION.
    
3. Placement Testing: Unless otherwise exempt by ACT scores, transfer credit, etc., all visiting applicants will be subject to placement testing for courses having placement prerequisites. The placement test is designed to measure skills in reading, writing, and math. Applicants whose native language is not English may be required to complete a specialized placement test.
   
   Applicants with transfer credit who have not been assessed at a Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) institution or completed any college-level courses in English Composition and/or college-level math with a grade of C or higher will be assessed according to the College’s assessment and placement procedures. Visiting applicants with valid (less than five years old) ACT scores may be placed using those scores.
    
4. Visiting Credentials: Applicants for admission as a visiting student must submit a complete official transcript to the Office of Admissions from the applicant’s current higher education institution. Faxed, emailed or student copies of transcripts are not considered official. In every case credentials must include a complete record of credits earned and a complete record of grades.
    
5. Applicant Age: Applicants must be 16 years of age or older.
    
6. Selective Service: All male applicants born in 1960 or later who have attained the age of 18 must have proof of Selective Service before registering for classes at VSCC. If a male applicant is under the age of 18 at the time of admission, the applicant must provide proof of registration with Selective Service upon turning 18 years of age if still enrolled at VSCC.

Admission of Dual Enrollment Students

College level courses, for which credit may be granted, are offered to qualified high school students. Appropriate policies must be in place at the local board of education for the College to enter into an agreement with the area high school to offer dual enrollment courses.

Applicants will not be permitted to register for classes until all admission requirements have been satisfied. Admission as a dual enrollment student will be made on a term-by-term basis dependant on continued permission to enroll from the applicant’s high school.

Prospective students seeking admission as dual enrollment students at the College must meet the following requirements:

1. Application: A completed application for admission to VSCC is required.
    
2. Citizenship: Effective October 1, 2012, the Tennessee Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act (EVEA) requires public colleges and universities to verify that any student seeking a state public benefit (in-state tuition and fees) is either a “United States citizen” or “lawfully present” in the United States. Dual Enrollment applicants who will not be 18 years old before the first day of their first term of enrollment are exempt from the EVEA requirement.
   
   Applicants who are not citizens of the United States or Permanent Residents should refer to the section entitled Admission of International Students. Applicants with permanent residency status wishing to seek admission to the College must submit a photocopy of both sides of the permanent residency card (also known as the Form I-551 or green card), visa, or other immigration authorization. A PASSPORT IS NOT CONSIDERED IMMIGRATION AUTHORIZATION.
    
3. High School Credentials: All applicants seeking admission as a dual enrollment student at VSCC should request an official transcript be mailed directly to the Office of Admissions from their current high school. Faxed, emailed or student copies of transcripts are not considered official.
    
4. Letter of Permission: Applicants must submit to the Office of Admissions at VSCC a letter from the applicant’s high school principal or counselor granting permission for the applicant to participate in the dual enrollment program. A completed Dual Enrollment Permission Form with the aforementioned principal or counselor signature may serve in lieu of a letter. A Dual Enrollment Permission Form must be submitted each semester an applicant wishes to enroll as a dual enrollment student.
    
5. Placement Testing: All dual enrollment applicants must submit scores from the American College Testing program (ACT) or another approved examination with scores sufficient to meet the placement requirement for the course in which the applicant wishes to enroll. SAT scores or a high school GPA  of 3.6 on a scale of 4.0 may be submitted in lieu of ACT scores.
    
6. Applicant Grade: Applicants must have achieved a minimum of junior status in high school.
    
7. GPA Requirement: Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
    
8. Selective Service: All male applicants born in 1960 or later who have attained the age of 18 must have proof of Selective Service before registering for classes at VSCC. If a male applicant is under the age of 18 at the time of admission, the applicant must provide proof of registration with Selective Service upon turning 18 years of age if still enrolled at VSCC.

Admission of Middle College Students

A Middle College Student is one that has been identified as qualified by their school district to enroll in college credit courses, which may be conducted on the college campus in lieu of attending their high school. Successful completion of these courses will allow the award of both college credit and high school credit. Appropriate policies must be in place at the local board of education for the College to admit Middle College students from that county.

Applicants will not be permitted to register for classes until all admission requirements have been satisfied. Prospective students seeking admission as Middle College Students must meet the following requirements.

1. Approval: Applicants must receive approval from their participating school district to be admitted as a Middle College Student at VSCC.
    
2. Application: A completed application for admission to VSCC is required. The Middle College application can be found online at volstate.edu/admissions.
    
3. Citizenship: Effective October 1, 2012, the Tennessee Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act (EVEA) requires public colleges and universities to verify that any student seeking a state public benefit (in-state tuition and fees) is either a “United States citizen” or “lawfully present” in the United States. Middle College applicants who will not be 18 years old before the first day of their first term of enrollment are exempt from the EVEA requirement.
   
   Applicants with permanent residency status wishing to seek admission to the College must submit a photocopy of both sides of the permanent residency card (also known as the Form I-551 or green card), visa, or other immigration authorization. A PASSPORT IS NOT CONSIDERED IMMIGRATION AUTHORIZATION.
    
4. Applicant Grade Level: Applicants must have achieved a minimum of junior status in high school.
    
5. Placement Testing: All Middle College applicants must submit scores from the American College Testing program (ACT) or another approved examination. To be admitted, applicants must present the equivalent of an ACT Composite score of 19 or higher on a single administration of the exam. In addition, successful applicants must have scored at the college level in reading, writing, and math on the ACT or another approved examination. All scores must be less than five years old. Official scores on the ACT should be sent to the Office of Admissions directly from ACT. ACT scores included on an official high school transcript are sufficient to meet this requirement.
    
6. Selective Service: All male applicants born in 1960 or later who have attained the age of 18 must have proof of Selective Service before registering for classes at VSCC. If a male applicant is under the age of 18 at the time of admission, the applicant must provide proof of registration with Selective Service upon turning 18 years of age if still enrolled at VSCC.

Admission of Academically Talented and Gifted Students

Academically talented and gifted applicants enrolled in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 in public or private high schools in Tennessee may, with the recommendation and approval of the high school principal and the Director of Admissions, enroll in college courses and receive college credit. The applicant must have a 3.2 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) and the college placement recommendations must be a part of the applicant’s planned Individual Education Program that has been established by the multi-disciplinary team process.

Applicants will not be permitted to register for classes until all admission requirements have been satisfied.

Prospective applicants seeking admission as academically talented and gifted students at the College must meet the following requirements:

1. Application: A completed application for admission to VSCC is required.
    
2. Citizenship: Effective October 1, 2012, the Tennessee Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act (EVEA) requires public colleges and universities to verify that any student seeking a state public benefit (in-state tuition and fees) is either a “United States citizen” or “lawfully present” in the United States. Academically Talented and Gifted applicants who will not be 18 years old before the first day of their first term of enrollment are exempt from the EVEA requirement.
   
   Applicants who are not citizens of the United States or Permanent Residents should refer to the section entitled Admission of International Students. Applicants with permanent residency status wishing to seek admission to the College must submit a photocopy of both sides of the permanent residency card (also known as the Form I-551 or green card), visa, or other immigration authorization. A PASSPORT IS NOT CONSIDERED IMMIGRATION AUTHORIZATION.
    
3. High School Credentials: All applicants seeking admission as an academically talented and gifted student at VSCC should request an official transcript be mailed directly to the Office of Admissions from their current high school. Faxed or student-issued copies of transcripts are not considered official.
    
4. Letter of Permission: Applicants must submit to the Office of Admissions at VSCC a letter from the applicant’s high school principal or counselor granting permission for the applicant to participate in the dual enrollment program. A completed Dual Enrollment Participation Form with the aforementioned principal or counselor signature may serve in lieu of a letter.
    
5. Placement Testing: Successful applicants must have scored at the college level in reading, writing, and math on the ACT, or another approved examination, or have a 3.6 high school GPA on a 4.0 scale. All scores must be less than five years old. An ACT code number of 4037 has been assigned to VSCC. Official scores on the ACT should be sent to the Office of Admissions directly from ACT. ACT scores included on an official high school transcript are sufficient to meet this requirement.
    
6. Applicant Grade: Applicants must be in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 in a public high school, private high school, or independent home school in Tennessee.
    
7. GPA Requirement: Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale in the subject area for which they wish to enroll.
    
8. Interview: Applicants will be admitted only if, in the opinion of the Director of Admissions the applicant can clearly profit from this kind of placement. In most cases a personal interview with the applicant and parent(s) is required.
    
9. Selective Service: All male applicants born in 1960 or later who have attained the age of 18 must have proof of Selective Service before registering for classes at VSCC. If a male applicant is under the age of 18 at the time of admission, the applicant must provide proof of registration with Selective Service upon turning 18 years of age if still enrolled at VSCC.

Admission of International Students

VSCC welcomes applications from individuals living outside the United States. There are several admissions classifications for these applicants.

International Applicants Holding or Applying for F-1 or M-1 Visas

Applicants must complete ALL requirements by October 1 for spring term, March 1 for summer term, or June 1 for fall term. Applicants holding or applying for F-1 or M-1 visas MUST apply as either degree seeking students or English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program students. Applicants will not be permitted to register for classes until all admission requirements have been satisfied. International applicants will be required to pay out-of-state tuition.

Applicants seeking admission as degree-seeking international students must meet the following requirements:

1. Application: A completed application for admission to VSCC is required.
    
2. English Placement: Applicants whose native language is not English and who are not permanent residents of the United States will be required to take the TOEFL, PTE Academic, IELTS, or other approved comparable standardized examinations prior to admission to VSCC.

   If Applying As Degree Seeking:

   The minimum required TOEFL scores are 500 on the pen-and-paper test or 60 on the internet-based test. The minimum required score for the IELTS is 5.5. The minimum test score requirement does not apply to applicants who have already successfully completed all required ESOL courses at VSCC. Applicants who are already in the United States may take the VSCC Michigan Test at VSCC. Exceptions may be made for transfer applicants who have satisfied all freshman English Composition requirements with a grade of C or higher at another institution of higher learning. A similar exception may be made for applicants who completed high school in the United States. Language testing is not required for applicants whose native language is English.

   If Applying for ESOL Program on F-1 Visa:

   The minimum required TOEFL score is 425 on the pen-and-paper test or 38 on the internet-based test. The minimum required score on the PTE Academic is 29 and the minimum required score for the IELTS is 3.5. Applicants who are already in the United States may take the Michigan Test at VSCC.
    

3. Academic Credentials: Applicants must submit official copies of academic records from secondary schools and higher education institutions, showing graduation or completion dates if applicable. Transcripts or records which are not in English should be accompanied by notarized or certified translations from companies with memberships in NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services). In addition, applicants wishing to receive transfer credit for courses taken outside the United States may be required to submit course descriptions and have their educational credentials assessed by an evaluation service.
    
4. Affidavit of Support: Applicants must submit an Affidavit of Support form, available from the Office of Admissions and the Office of Records and Registration. The form must be completed by the applicant and/or his/her sponsor, and signed or notarized by the applicant’s and/or sponsor’s bank. The first year fees and expenses total $35,984. This figure is an estimate and is subject to change. The affidavit should indicate that the student and/or sponsor has at least this amount available. Additional funds are required if the applicant plans to bring a spouse or dependent into the country.
    
5. International/Immigration Documents: Applicants must submit a copy of their I-94 form, visa, and passport. If the applicant is currently enrolled in another United States higher education institution, the applicant must also submit a copy of their I-20.
    
6. Placement Testing: The placement test is designed to measure skills in reading, writing, and/or math, in order to determine appropriate placement into college-level or learning support courses.  Placement may also be determined by valid ACT scores, high school GPA, transfer credit, etc. Applicants whose native language is not English may be required to complete a specialized placement test.
   
   Transfer applicants, who have not been assessed at a TBR institution or completed any college-level courses in English Composition and/or college-level math with a grade of C or higher, will be assessed according to the College’s assessment and placement procedures. Transfer applicants with valid (less than five years old) ACT scores may be placed using those scores.
   
   Please see the Learning Support section for additional information on placement testing.
    
7. Applicant Age. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older.
    
8. Health Insurance: Applicants must purchase health insurance through the State University and Community College System of Tennessee prior to enrollment. Contact the Assistant Director of Records & Registration for insurance information.
    
9. Immunization:
   Tuberculosis - Applicants must submit a tuberculosis immunization certificate from a licensed physician or other qualified medical authority.
   
   Additionally, applicants must meet the college’s immunization requirements for admissions.

Admission of Students Who Wish to Enroll in ESOL Classes Only

Applicants living in the United States who wish to enroll ONLY in ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) classes may do so by following the steps below. Please note that applicants holding or applying for F-1 and M-1 visas are not eligible for this status. Applicants will not be permitted to register for classes until all admission requirements have been satisfied.

Applicants to VSCC seeking admission to enroll in ESOL classes only must meet the following requirements:

1. Application: A completed application for admission to VSCC is required with ESOL Only marked as the applicant’s program of study.
    
2. Citizenship: Effective October 1, 2012, the Tennessee Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act (EVEA) requires public colleges and universities to verify that any student seeking a state public benefit (in-state tuition and fees) is either a “United States citizen” or “lawfully present” in the United States.
   
   Applicants who are not citizens of the United States or Permanent Residents should refer to the section entitled Admission of International Students. Applicants with permanent residency status wishing to seek admission to the College must submit a photocopy of both sides of the permanent residency card (also known as the Form I-551 or green card), visa, or other immigration authorization. A PASSPORT IS NOT CONSIDERED IMMIGRATION AUTHORIZATION.Take the required institutional placement tests for ESOL Only applicants. These are given by appointment by the Testing Center. Testing takes two or more hours to complete.
    
3. Applicant Age: Applicants must be 16 years of age or older.
    
4. Selective Service: All male applicants born in 1960 or later who have attained the age of 18 must have proof of Selective Service before registering for classes at VSCC. If a male applicant is under the age of 18 at the time of admission, the applicant must provide proof of registration with Selective Service upon turning 18 years of age if still enrolled at VSCC.

Applicants in ESOL status who enroll in non-ESOL classes will be subject to any and all unmet admission requirements for regular non-degree seeking status.

Other Degree-Seeking International Applicants

International applicants not holding F-1 or M-1 visas must meet all admission requirements appropriate for the classification under which they are applying as listed in the College Catalog. In addition to those requirements applicants must also meet the following requirements prior to being allowed to register:

1. English Placement: Applicants whose native language is not English and who are not permanent residents of the United States will be required to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or other approved comparable standardized examinations prior to admission to VSCC, unless enrolling in English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes only.

   The minimum required TOEFL scores are 500 on the pen-and-paper test or 60 on the internet-based test. The minimum required score for the IELTS is 5.5. The minimum test score requirement does not apply to applicants who have already successfully completed all required ESOL courses at VSCC. Applicants who are already in the United States can take the VSCC Michigan Test at either the Gallatin or Livingston campuses only. Exceptions may be made for transfer applicants who have satisfied all freshman English Composition requirements with a grade of C or higher at another institution of higher learning. A similar exception may be made for applicants who completed high school in the United States. Language testing is not required for applicants whose native language is English.

2. Academic Credentials: Applicants must submit official copies of academic records from secondary schools and higher education institutions, showing graduation or completion dates if applicable. Transcripts or records which are not in English should be accompanied by notarized or certified translations from companies with memberships in NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services). In addition, applicants wishing to receive transfer credit for courses taken outside the United States may be required to submit course descriptions and have their educational credentials assessed by an evaluation service.  

Admission of Non-Degree Students

A non-degree applicant is one who is not seeking a degree but wishes to take courses for personal enrichment or professional growth. Non-degree students are not eligible for Financial Aid programs.

Non-degree applicants may choose to apply to be admitted to a degree or technical certificate program. At that time, the applicant must meet the appropriate admission requirements for that status. Coursework completed as a non-degree student may be applied to a degree or certificate if said coursework is applicable.

Applicants seeking admission as a non-degree student at the College must meet the following requirements:

1. Application: A completed application for admission to VSCC is required.
    
2. Citizenship: Effective October 1, 2012, the Tennessee Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act (EVEA) requires public colleges and universities to verify that any student seeking a state public benefit (in-state tuition and fees) is either a “United States citizen” or “lawfully present” in the United States.
   
   Applicants who are not citizens of the United States or Permanent Residents should refer to the section entitled Admission of International Students. Applicants with permanent residency status wishing to seek admission to the College must submit a photocopy of both sides of the permanent residency card (also known as the Form I-551 or green card), visa, or other immigration authorization. A PASSPORT IS NOT CONSIDERED IMMIGRATION AUTHORIZATION.
    
3. Placement Testing: The placement test is designed to measure skills in reading, writing, and/or math, in order to determine appropriate placement into college-level or learning support courses.  Placement may also be determined by valid ACT scores, high school GPA, transfer credit, etc. Applicants whose native language is not English may be required to complete a specialized placement test.
   
   Transfer applicants, who have not been assessed at a TBR institution or completed any college-level courses in English Composition and/or college-level math with a grade of C or higher, will be assessed according to the College’s assessment and placement procedures. Transfer applicants with valid (less than five years old) ACT scores may be placed using those scores.
   
   Please see the Learning Support section for additional information on placement testing.
    
4. Selective Service: All male applicants born in 1960 or later who have attained the age of 18 must have proof of Selective Service before registering for classes at VSCC. If a male applicant is under the age of 18 at the time of admission, the applicant must provide proof of registration with Selective Service upon turning 18 years of age if still enrolled at VSCC.

Admission of Auditing Students

Applicants who are not enrolled for credit courses may register to audit courses with the approval of the College Registrar upon the recommendation of the division dean.

Fees for audits will be assessed on the same basis as fees for credit courses. Auditors are not required to prepare lessons or papers or take examinations. They do not receive a grade. They are not required to take part in class discussions or laboratory or field work.

Note: Pursuant to TCA 49-7-113, exceptions exist for certain disabled and elderly students, as well as state service retirees. For audit courses, no fee is required for persons with a permanent, total disability, persons 60 years of age or older and domiciled in Tennessee, and persons who have retired from state service with 30 or more years of service, regardless of age. For credit, a fee of $70 per semester or $60 per trimester may be charged to persons with a permanent, total disability and persons who will become 65 years of age or older during the academic semester in which they begin classes and who are domiciled in Tennessee. (Note: This fee includes all mandatory fees; it does not include course-specific fees such as all miscellaneous course fees, materials fees, online course fees and parking fees.) This only applies to enrollment on a space-available basis, which permits registration no earlier than four (4) weeks prior to the first day of classes.  Senior Citizens must verify their birth date either with their State ID, driver’s license, or birth certificate.

Applicants seeking admission to audit a course, unless otherwise stated in the catalog, must meet the following requirements:

1. Application: A completed application for admission to VSCC is required.
    
2. Citizenship: Effective October 1, 2012, the Tennessee Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act (EVEA) requires public colleges and universities to verify that any student seeking a state public benefit (in-state tuition and fees) is either a “United States citizen” or “lawfully present” in the United States.
   
   Applicants who are not citizens of the United States or Permanent Residents should refer to the section entitled Admission of International Students. Applicants with permanent residency status wishing to seek admission to the College must submit a photocopy of both sides of the permanent residency card (also known as the Form I-551 or green card), visa, or other immigration authorization. A PASSPORT IS NOT CONSIDERED IMMIGRATION AUTHORIZATION.
    
3. Applicant Age: Applicants must be 21 years of age or older, or their high school class must have graduated. If applicant is a high school graduate or has earned a high school equivalency diploma, there is no age restriction.
    
4. Selective Service: All male applicants born in 1960 or later who have attained the age of 18 must have proof of Selective Service before registering for classes at VSCC. If a male applicant is under the age of 18 at the time of admission, the applicant must provide proof of registration with Selective Service upon turning 18 years of age if still enrolled at VSCC.

Admission of Senior Citizen Students

Pursuant to TCA 49-7-113, exceptions exist for certain disabled and elderly students, as well as state service retirees. For audit courses, no fee is required for persons with a permanent, total disability, persons 60 years of age or older and domiciled in Tennessee, and persons who have retired from state service with 30 or more years of service, regardless of age. For credit, a fee of $70 per semester or $60 per trimester may be charged to persons with a permanent, total disability and persons who will become 65 years of age or older during the academic semester in which they begin classes and who are domiciled in Tennessee. (Note: This fee includes all mandatory fees; it does not include course-specific fees such as all miscellaneous course fees, materials fees, online course fees and parking fees.) This only applies to enrollment on a space-available basis, which permits registration no earlier than four (4) weeks prior to the first day of classes.  Senior Citizens must verify their birth date either with their drivers license or birth certificate.  All admissions requirements must be met.

Applicants seeking admission as senior citizen students at the College must meet the following requirements:

1. Application: A completed application for admission to VSCC is required.
    
2. Citizenship: Effective October 1, 2012, the Tennessee Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act (EVEA) requires public colleges and universities to verify that any student seeking a state public benefit (in-state tuition and fees) is either a “United States citizen” or “lawfully present” in the United States.
   
   Applicants who are not citizens of the United States or Permanent Residents should refer to the section entitled Admission of International Students. Applicants with permanent residency status wishing to seek admission to the College must submit a photocopy of both sides of the permanent residency card (also known as the Form I-551 or green card), visa, or other immigration authorization. A PASSPORT IS NOT CONSIDERED IMMIGRATION AUTHORIZATION.
    
3. Placement Testing: The placement test is designed to measure skills in reading, writing, and/or math, in order to determine appropriate placement into college-level or learning support courses.  Placement may also be determined by valid ACT scores, high school GPA, transfer credit, etc. Applicants whose native language is not English may be required to complete a specialized placement test.
   
   Transfer applicants, who have not been assessed at a TBR institution or completed any college-level courses in English Composition and/or college-level math with a grade of C or higher, will be assessed according to the College’s assessment and placement procedures. Transfer applicants with valid (less than five years old) ACT scores may be placed using those scores.
   
   Please see the Learning Support section for additional information on placement testing.
    
4. Applicant Age: Applicants must be 65 years of age or older and must verify their birth date with their driver’s license or birth certificate.

Readmission of Students

Any former student not enrolled at VSCC the previous semester (excluding the summer) who wishes to return to the College must file an application for readmission. A student who is readmitted after completing a one-semester suspension will be readmitted as having Academic Probation Status. 

Former students seeking readmission to the College will be subject to all admission requirements as stated in other admission categories outlined in the College Catalog depending on the admission status a prospective student is seeking. All admission requirements for a prospective student’s prior status must be completely fulfilled prior to that student being readmitted to VSCC.

Former students seeking readmission to a degree or certificate program at the College must meet the following requirements:

1. Readmit Application: A completed readmit application for admission to VSCC is required.
    
2. Transfer Credentials: Applicants for readmission seeking a degree or certificate from VSCC who have enrolled for any credit classes at another institution of higher education since last attending VSCC, regardless of whether they wish to receive credit for it must submit a complete official transcript to the Office of Admissions from each institution attended. Faxed or student-issued copies of transcripts are not considered official. In every case credentials must include a complete record of credits earned in all previous secondary schools attended and a complete record of grades from all collegiate institutions attended. Failure to indicate previous college attendance on the application for admission may subject a student to dismissal from the College.
   
   Readmit applicants should refer to the Granting Transfer Credit section for information on course evaluation and credit transferability.
    
3. Placement Testing: The placement test is designed to measure skills in reading, writing, and/or math, in order to determine appropriate placement into college-level or learning support courses.  Placement may also be determined by valid ACT scores, high school GPA, transfer credit, etc. Applicants whose native language is not English may be required to complete a specialized placement test.
   
   Transfer applicants, who have not been assessed at a TBR institution or completed any college-level courses in English Composition and/or college-level math with a grade of C or higher, will be assessed according to the College’s assessment and placement procedures. Transfer applicants with valid (less than five years old) ACT scores may be placed using those scores.
   
   Please see the Learning Support section for additional information on placement testing.
    
4. Selective Service: All male applicants born in 1960 or later who have attained the age of 18 must have proof of Selective Service before registering for classes at VSCC. If a male applicant is under the age of 18 at the time of admission, the applicant must provide proof of registration with Selective Service upon turning 18 years of age if still enrolled at VSCC.

Admission to Special Programs

Certain instructional programs of the College are subject to special admission requirements which are in addition to the general admission requirements. These programs, which are shown below, necessitate special admissions requirements and are subject to change due to the availability of institutional resources. Students wishing to enter one of these programs of study should check with the appropriate division offering the program in order to become familiar with these requirements.

• Dental Assistant
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Emergency Medical Technology
• Fire Science Technology
• Health Information Technology
• Honors Program
• Medical Laboratory Technology
• Nursing
• Ophthalmic Technician
• Physical Therapist Assistant
• Radiologic Technology
• Respiratory Care Technology
• Sleep Diagnostics Technology
• Veterinary Technology

Immunization Requirements for Admissions

Applicants who graduated or will graduate from a Tennessee public high school in 1999 or later can presume they have met the MMR requirement and have had one dose of the Varicella vaccine. These applicants must also provide proof of the second dose of Varicella if enrolling full time. They must still meet the Hepatitis B requirement. For more information, please visit volstate.edu/immunizations/.

Hepatitis B - All applicants must complete and submit to the Office of Admissions the Hepatitis B Immunization Health History form. Although applicants are not required to complete the shot series, they must acknowledge that they have been informed of the dangers of Hepatitis B. For those applicants who have reached the age of 18, this form can be completed online at the time of registration. Applicants under the age of 18 must submit the form to the Office of Admissions with a parent or legal guardian’s signature prior to registering for classes. 

MMR - All applicants who wish to enroll as full-time students and who were born in1957 or later must provide proof of immunization with two doses of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines administered on or after their first birthday, unless they graduated from a Tennessee public high school in 1999 or later. If at any time an applicant becomes a full-time student at VSCC, this requirement will go into effect.

Varicella (Chicken Pox) - All applicants who wish to enroll as full-time students and who were born in1980 or later must provide proof of immunization with two doses of a varicella-containing vaccine. If at any time an applicant becomes a full-time student at VSCC, this requirement will go into effect.

Residency Requirements for Tuition Purposes

To prove Tennessee domicile, you/your spouse or your parent/guardian may select one of the following three options:

1. Provide at least one item from list A or
2. Provide at least two items from list B or
3. Provide at least one item from list B and two from list C

 Admission to the Honors Program

Incoming freshmen who meet the following criteria are strongly urged to apply to the Honors Program: an ACT composite score of 24 or higher; a high school GPA of 3.5 or a ranking in the top ten percent of the graduating class; and two letters of recommendation, one from a high school official. Applications are available online at http://www.volstate.edu/Honors/. Students already enrolled in VSCC are also strongly encouraged to apply. They need a GPA of 3.5 or above and recommendation from a faculty member. Interested students should contact the Coordinator of the Honors Program.

Admission of CEU, Non-Credit Students

A student interested in enrolling in non-credit instructional activities is not required to apply for formal admission to the College. Students, 18 years of age and older will provide the information required for enrollment during the registration process, online or manually. A student 17 years of age or younger, or his parent or guardian, must complete a Pre-College CEU Non-Credit form. Their parent or guardian must sign a waiver of liability.

Required High School Courses

Admission will be granted to freshmen applicants who hold a recognized high school diploma that includes a distribution of college preparatory courses, such as those required in the core elements of the Tennessee High School Diploma. These courses include the following:

4 Units of English

2 Units of Algebra (Algebra I and II)

1 Unit of Geometry or Higher

1 Additional Unit of Math

3 Units of Natural Science

1 Unit of United States History

1 Unit of European History, World History, or World Geography

2 Units of a single Foreign Language

1 Unit of Visual or Performing Arts

*Required by T.C.A. §49-7-110. Students deficient in the completion of United States History are required to complete six semester hours of United States History or three semester hours of United States History and three semester hours of Tennessee History.

Exceptions to the above:

Graduated from high school prior to 1989.

Passed the GED test prior to 1989.

Enrolled as a Special Student not pursuing a degree.

Enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science Program

Enrolled in a Technical Certificate Program.

Applicants who received a high school equivalency diploma or the American Council on Education (ACE) external diploma in 1989 and thereafter are considered to have met all high school unit requirements except those in foreign language and visual or performing arts. Deficiencies in foreign language and visual or performing arts should be removed within the first 30 hours after enrollment.

Applicants with a disability who volunteer information about their disability will be assessed on an individual basis.