Taking classes at Ivy Tech Community College, which has campuses throughout Indiana, is a wonderful idea. However, many people think all they have to do is show up and sign up for classes. They do not know there are steps to the enrollment process. Let's take a look at those steps.
Instructions
1. Apply to Ivy Tech. The preferred application method is online, and you can find the application at the school's website (see Resources below). Paper applications are still available through each campus. Once you have applied, your information will be on file with the school. Ivy Tech has an open application policy. That means everyone who applies is admitted, but you still have a few more things to do before you can take classes.
2. Request for your transcripts to be mailed to Ivy Tech. The Admissions Department requires that each student have an official copy of their high school transcript or their GED scores on file. Official copies of your transcripts must come from the original institution (your high school) in a sealed envelope. The transcripts must be opened by an authorized school official. If the transcripts are not in a sealed envelope, they are no longer official. That means faxed copies will not be accepted. If your high school or GED testing site is no longer open, contact the State Board of Education to determine where your records are housed. If you have previously attended college, you must request your college transcripts as well. Most Ivy Tech campuses house their records with their Registrar’s Office; however, not all regions do. Please check with the Ivy Tech you plan on attending to verify where you are supposed to have these records sent.
3. Take the assessment test. Ivy Tech uses ACT’s Compass test to determine if a student is at college level with their reading, writing and math skills. If the student does not test at the college level, the student must take certain classes first. If a student is not happy with his scores, he can retest once before he begins his first semester of classes. Most campuses enforce the recommended 2-week waiting period before the student is eligible to retest. Ivy Tech offers a wide range of preprogram-level classes. However, in some cases, students may test into levels below those classes. In this case, the student does not have the ability to benefit from Ivy Tech’s classes. These students will be encouraged to take adult education courses to brush up their skills before they return to retest.All incoming Ivy Tech students are required to take the Compass test. However, this requirement may be waived in a few instances. If the student has previous college and they have completed college-level English composition and/or college-level algebra (with a C or better) at a regionally accredited institution, parts of the test, or even the whole test, may be waived. If the student has completed preprogram-level courses that are comparable to Ivy Tech’s (with a C or better), this could also waive testing. If the student has high ACT or SAT scores, or has an associate degree or higher (from a regionally accredited institution), his testing may be waived. Students should check with the Admissions Department to determine whether or not they qualify to have their testing waived.
4. Review your scores with an academic adviser. Each region does things a little bit differently. Some smaller regions had advisers who work in testing. Other regions have walk-in advising, while other regions require students to make appointments after they test. Check with your local location for their policies. The academic advisers will help the students pick their classes and set up their schedule. Depending on the region, the student may register for classes online, the adviser may enter the classes for the student or the student must take the registration form to the Registrar’s Office.
Tags: high school, accredited institution, Admissions Department, Apply Tech, college level, Community College