Admissions

Nashville State Community College provides opportunities for collegiate education to all qualified applicants without regard to their race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or disability. Information concerning admission to the college may be obtained from:

Office of Admissions
Nashville State Community College
120 White Bridge Road
Nashville, TN 37209
Phone 615-353-3215
Email: Recruiting@nscc.edu
Web: www.nscc.edu

Campus Visitation

Campus visits may be scheduled by calling the Office of Admissions at 615-353-3057.

Admissions Requirements

NSCC provides two major types of admission: Degree Admissions and Non-Degree Admission, with several subcategories. Each admissions category is designed for a particular purpose and for different populations. Applicants should review the various types and subcategories and select the admissions category that best suits their educational needs and qualifications.

In all cases, qualified students must:

1. Meet entry-level standards for the courses in which they enroll,
2. Be able to complete assignments, and
3. Be able to read and write at the required level.

Future students are urged to submit their applications as early as possible to allow sufficient time for application processing and the timely distribution of registration information.

All admissions documents submitted by the applicant become the property of the college and cannot be forwarded or returned. All correspondence concerning your admissions file should be sent to the address above.

When all admissions requirements have been met, the degree-seeking applicants will receive letters indicating they have been accepted for admission or indicating further action is necessary in order to establish eligibility for admission. Applicants will be advised when to appear for orientation, testing, and/or registration.

The Vice President of Academic Affairs may, upon appeal, waive or modify conditions of admissions for individual applicants.

The following admissions requirements are divided into admissions classifications. Each classification begins with a description. Read each description carefully to determine your admissions requirements.

Tennessee Transfer Pathways (TTPs) and University Parallel Program

For applicants wishing to enroll in a Tennessee Transfer Pathway (TTP) or University Parallel Program leading to an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree, and eventually a Bachelor’s degree, the Tennessee Board of Regents requires the completion of specific high school courses.

Applicants who graduated from high school or home school during or after 1989 must meet the following course requirements in addition to those listed in the applicant’s selected program of study. Applicants who received a GED certificate during 1989 and thereafter as well as students who have an Enhanced ACT composite score of 26 or higher are considered to have met all high school unit requirements except those in foreign language and visual or performing arts. Listed below are the required courses and the required number of courses.

Questions regarding this policy should be forwarded to the Records Office at 615-353-3218.

Removal of High School Unit Deficiencies

NSCC encourages students to remove unit deficiencies within the first 30 semester hours of their programs of study to avoid prerequisite problems. Courses used to remove high school unit deficiencies can be used to fulfill program requirements, and a grade of “C” or better must be earned in those courses.

High school deficiencies in English or Algebra I or Algebra II may be removed by scoring 19 or higher on the ACT sub-score or scoring at college level on placement tests other than the ACT. Completion of general education blocks also remove deficiencies in social studies, history, visual performing arts, science, geometry/advanced mathematics. Students entering Tennessee public institutions will be required to make up any deficiency, including foreign language, before receiving a baccalaureate degree. It is strongly recommended that students remove all deficiencies as part of their associate degree program. Courses used to satisfy the foreign language deficiency may be designated as electives or used to satisfy the Associate of Arts language requirement.

Degree Seeking

First-Time Student

A “First-Time Student” at NSCC is an applicant who has never attended any college before. 

These applicants must:

1. Submit a completed Application for Admission and a $20 non-refundable application fee. All information must be completed on the application. Failure to submit a complete and accurate application delays processing your application.
2. Graduate from a state approved high school, home school, or receive a GED high school equivalency diploma and submit to the Office of Admissions an “official” high school transcript or an “official” copy of GED scores. An “official” transcript is one that is mailed directly to the Office of Admissions by the high school guidance counselor or one that is submitted in an envelope sealed and stamped or initialed by the guidance counselor. An official GED is one mailed directly to the Office of Admissions by the testing agency or one that is submitted in an envelope sealed and stamped or initialed by the testing agency. Evidence on the “official” high school transcript indicating a passing Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) score is required for graduates of Tennessee public schools. NOTE: The transcript of a home-schooled student should be an official copy from an affiliated organization as defined by state law (T.C.A. 49-50-801). Transcripts from independent home-schooled students must be accompanied by certification of registration with the superintendent of the local education agency that the student would have otherwise attended. Applicants unable to provide a satisfactory secondary school credential may substitute acceptable GED scores. The minimum acceptable score for the GED is 450 with no sub-score less than 350.
3. Show proof of two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccination if they are full-time entering students born prior to January 1, 1957. By state law (Tenn. Code Annotated § 49-6-5001) immunization is not required if:
   
   1. It conflicts with the parent’s or guardian’s or individual’s religious tenets and practices,
   2. A qualified physician certifies that administration of such immunization would be in any manner harmful to the individual involved due to pregnancy, allergy to the vaccine, or other valid medical reasons, or
   3. Applicant is a Tennessee graduate from 1999 to present.
4. Show proof of two doses of the Varicella (chicken pox) vaccination, laboratory evidence of immunity, or a history of varicella disease from a health care professional if they are full-time entering students born January 1, 1980 to present.
   
   1. Students enrolled in ONLY online classes are excluded.
   2. Students born prior to January 1, 1980 are exempt.
   3. Students graduating from a Tennessee high school between 1999 and May, 2016 are presumed to have had one dose of Varicella vaccine. Students graduating from a Tennessee high school after May, 2016 can be presumed to have two doses.
5. Certificate of Immunization forms may be obtained from the Office of Admissions. Official copies of State Health Department or military immunization forms will be accepted in lieu of the certificate.
6. Complete the Hepatitis B Immunization Health History Form.
7. Male applicants between the ages of 18 and 26 must show proof of Selective Service registration. Applicants must meet this requirement prior to registration. Selective Service registration forms may be obtained from the Office of Admissions.
8. Applicants under the age of 21 should submit ACT or SAT scores. ACT or SAT scores are used to determine in which areas the applicant may be required to complete college prep course work. Enhanced ACT or SAT scores must be less than three years old. Information regarding the ACT or SAT may be obtained from your high school guidance counselor, NSCC Testing Center (615-353-3564) or by writing to:

9. Applicants under 21 years of age possessing a GED with acceptable scores as described above are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores. However, they are required to undergo placement assessment.
10. All applicants 21 years of age or older must take the placement assessment.

Transfer Student

A degree-seeking applicant who has attended another college or university will be considered a transfer student. For “Transfer” applicants the following will apply:

1. Submit a completed Application for Admissions and a $20 non-refundable application fee. All appropriate spaces must be completed on the application. Failure to submit a complete and accurate application will result in a delay in processing your application.
2. Submit transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Transcripts should be mailed directly to the Office of Admissions from the sending institution. For the convenience of the applicant, the college will accept “official” transcripts hand carried by the applicant, when it is in an envelope sealed by the Records Office of the previous college attended. If the seal has been tampered with in any way, the “official” designation of the transcript will be voided and the applicant will be required to submit another “official” transcript. An initial evaluation of the transcript will be completed.
3. Students may also be required to submit an “official” high school transcript or “official” GED score report.
4. Show proof of two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccination if they are full-time entering students born prior to January 1, 1957. By state law (Tenn. Code Annotated § 49-6-5001) immunization is not required if:
   
   1. It conflicts with the parent’s or guardian’s or individual’s religious tenets and practices,
   2. A qualified physician certifies that administration of such immunization would be in any manner harmful to the individual involved due to pregnancy, allergy to the vaccine, or other valid medical reasons, or
   3. Applicant is a Tennessee graduate from 1999 to present.
5. Show proof of two doses of the Varicella (chicken pox) vaccination, laboratory evidence of immunity, or a history of varicella disease from a health care professional if they are full-time entering students born January 1, 1980 to present.
   
   1. Students enrolled in ONLY online classes are excluded.
   2. Students born prior to January 1, 1980 are exempt.
   3. Students graduating from a Tennessee high school between 1999 and May, 2016 are presumed to have had one dose of Varicella vaccine. Students graduating from a Tennessee high school after May, 2016 can be presumed to have two doses.
6. Certificate of Immunization forms may be obtained from the Office of Admissions. Official copies of State Health Department or military immunization forms will be accepted in lieu of the certificate.
7. Applicants under the age of 21 should submit ACT or SAT scores. If fewer than 60 semester hours have been attempted, the ACT or SAT scores are used to determine in which areas the applicant may be required to complete college prep course work. Grades received in transfer courses will be considered for proper placement. Enrollment in those courses indicated by the results of the assessment is mandatory.
8. Have their transcripts evaluated for proof of competency in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics, if they are 21 years of age and older and have fewer than 60 semester hours of completed work. Applicants lacking college level work in these areas will be required to undergo assessment. Enrollment in college prep courses indicated by the results of the assessment is mandatory.
9. College prep course work taken at other TBR institutions will be posted to the applicant’s NSCC record and be considered in the number of attempted hours, but are not counted as hours earned toward the program of study.
10. All transfer applicants with 60 or more semester hours of credit, which must include college-level English and math transfer credit with a grade of “C” or better, will be exempt from placement assessment.

Readmitted Student

Any former NSCC student who has not been enrolled for over one year and who wishes to return to the college is considered a readmit student. Students seeking a readmission status must:

1. Submit an application for admission.
2. Submit an official transcript from each college or university attended since leaving NSCC. If it has been more than five (5) years since attending NSCC, all transcripts must be resubmitted. (High School, GED, College, etc.)
3. Be eligible for readmission under the college’s admissions policy.
4. Take the placement assessment if they do not meet one of the following conditions:
   
   1. Meet ACT requirement as outlines under “Degree Seeking Students”, item 6 on the previous page
   2. Have previously earned college credit for first-term math or English.
5. Show proof of two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccination if they are full-time entering students born prior to January 1, 1957. By state law (Tenn. Code Annotated § 49-6-5001) immunization is not required if:
   
   1. It conflicts with the parent’s or guardian’s or individual’s religious tenets and practices,
   2. A qualified physician certifies that administration of such immunization would be in any manner harmful to the individual involved due to pregnancy, allergy to the vaccine, or other valid medical reasons, or
   3. Applicant is a Tennessee graduate from 1999 to present.
6. Certificate of Immunization forms may be obtained from the Office of Admissions. Official copies of State Health Department or military immunization forms will be accepted in lieu of the certificate.

International Student

An applicant who is a citizen or a Permanent Resident of a country other than the United States is classified as an International Student.

It is the responsibility of the International Student to be familiar with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations and assume responsibility for complying with these regulations.

Important Information for International Students

All International Students, regardless of status, are required by USCIS to complete the “Special Registration Alien’s Change of Address Card” within 10 days of such change. This form must be completed upon entering the United States and within 10 days of any change of address during time of stay.

International Students may obtain the “Special Registration Alien’s Change of Address Card” from the Information Desk in the Student Services Building. Forms should be mailed to the Department of Justice address located on the form.

F-1 Student Status

NSCC is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant students on F-1 student status in its Associate’s degree programs and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. Applicants should have the following credentials on file in the Office of Admissions one month prior to the start of the semester in which they wish to enroll:

1. A completed application for admission and a non-refundable $20.00 application fee.
2. Official copies of academic records of attendance from secondary schools, colleges, or universities accompanied by a certified English translation of these documents.
3. Show proof of two doses of Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccination and two doses of Varicella (chicken pox) vaccination.
4. Official scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for international students who are seeking an Associate’s degree. A minimum score of 500 on the paper-based version, a minimum score of 173 on the computer-based version, or a 61 on the Internet-based version is required for admission. Course work completed at another United States college or university or graduation from a United States high school may be used in lieu of TOEFL. Additional institutional placement assessment such as the Michigan Plus Language Proficiency Test and/or the math portion of the compass is required of all international students (See “Degree-Seeking Non-Immigrant Status other than F-1” section that follows). Any academic skills deficiencies must be removed through enrollment in college prep courses. Our TOEFL code number is 1149. International students who are non-degree seeking ESL students are not required to submit TOEFL scores, unless, after completing ESL requirements, they decide to be degree-seeking and/or take college- level courses. Non-degree ESL students will take the Michigan Plus test for placement in ESL courses.
5. Satisfactory evidence of the financial capability to meet the expense involved while studying at NSCC. Applicants on F-1 status must also complete the appropriate form, provided by the college, showing financial capability. Completion of this form includes the student’s intent to attend the college on a full-time basis (12 or more credit hours per semester) and states that no employment will be required to meet expenses. International students will pay out-of-state fees and are not eligible for Title IV funding.
6. A certificate from a licensed physician or other medical authority verifying freedom from tuberculosis. This certificate must be submitted to the Office of Admissions within 30 days from the first day of classes to continue enrollment. If the student either has or potentially has tuberculosis requiring medical treatment, continued enrollment depends upon the decision of a licensed physician that the student’s enrollment is not a risk to others and upon the student’s compliance with any prescribed medical treatment.
7. All foreign non-immigrant students with F-1 visas must enroll in the TBR Student/Scholar Health & Accident Insurance Plan as a condition of admission and continued enrollment.

Degree-Seeking Non-Immigrant Status other than F-1

Students whose first language is NOT English are protected under Title IV of the Civil Rights Act and are guaranteed language assistance once a language deficiency is documented. These students must:

1. Submit an application for admission and a non-refundable $20.00 application fee.
2. Provide all documentation proving U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service status.
3. Meet all regular admission requirements as a degree-seeking student except as described below:
4. Take the Michigan Plus Language Proficiency Test and accept placement in the appropriate course work. Call the ESL testing specialist for details at 615-353-3380.
5. Take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 500 is required on the paper version, or a minimum score of 173 on the computer-based version, or a 61 on the Internet-based version.
6. Take the math portion of the COMPASS examination.
7. Show proof of two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccination if they are full-time entering students born prior to January 1, 1957. By state law (Tenn. Code Annotated § 49-6-5001) immunization is not required if:
   
   1. It conflicts with the parent’s or guardian’s or individual’s religious tenets and practices,
   2. A qualified physician certifies that administration of such immunization would be in any manner harmful to the individual involved due to pregnancy, allergy to the vaccine, or other valid medical reasons, or
   3. Applicant is a Tennessee graduate from 1999 to present.
8. Show proof of two doses of the Varicella (chicken pox) vaccination, laboratory evidence of immunity, or a history of varicella disease from a health care professional if they are full-time entering students born January 1, 1980 to present.
   
   1. Students enrolled in ONLY online classes are excluded.
   2. Students born prior to January 1, 1980 are exempt.
   3. Students graduating from a Tennessee high school between 1999 and May, 2016 are presumed to have had one dose of Varicella vaccine. Students graduating from a Tennessee high school after May, 2016 can be presumed to have two doses.
9. Certificate of Immunization forms may be obtained from the Office of Admissions. Official copies of State Health Department or military immunization forms will be accepted in lieu of the certificate.

Permanent Residents and Refugees

Applicants in this category must meet all applicable requirements for regular admissions to the college. Other requirements are as follows:

1. Submit an application for admission and a non-refundable $20.00 application fee.
2. Submit Permanent Resident or I-94 card.
3. A permanent resident whose native language is NOT English must take the Michigan Plus Language Proficiency Test and accept placement in the appropriate course work in lieu of regular placement assessment. Call the ESL testing specialist for details at 615-353-3380.
4. Show proof of two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccination if they are full-time entering students born prior to January 1, 1957. By state law (Tenn. Code Annotated § 49-6-5001) immunization is not required if:
   
   1. It conflicts with the parent’s or guardian’s or individual’s religious tenets and practices,
   2. A qualified physician certifies that administration of such immunization would be in any manner harmful to the individual involved due to pregnancy, allergy to the vaccine, or other valid medical reasons, or
   3. Applicant is a Tennessee graduate from 1999 to present.
5. Show proof of two doses of the Varicella (chicken pox) vaccination, laboratory evidence of immunity, or a history of varicella disease from a health care professional if they are full-time entering students born January 1, 1980 to present.
   
   1. Students enrolled in ONLY online classes are excluded.
   2. Students born prior to January 1, 1980 are exempt.
   3. Students graduating from a Tennessee high school between 1999 and May, 2016 are presumed to have had one dose of Varicella vaccine. Students graduating from a Tennessee high school after May, 2016 can be presumed to have two doses.
6. Certificate of Immunization forms may be obtained from the Office of Admissions. Official copies of State Health Department or military immunization forms will be accepted in lieu of the certificate.

Non-Degree Seeking

Technical Certificates

Students enrolled in technical certificate programs are considered non-degree students. Placement assessment will be required if the certificate has college-level course work. Please contact the Office of Admissions for details.

For admissions into a technical certificate program, applicants must:

1. Submit an application for admission with a $20.00 non-refundable application fee.
2. Submit an official copy of high school transcript showing graduation with a regular or honors diploma or an “official” GED score report.
3. These programs of study are eligible for Title IV assistance.

Special Student

A special student is one who is not enrolled in a degree program. Students in this classification desire to take one or more courses in order to gain employment skills, professional growth, or personal enrichment. In order to apply, special students should:

1. Submit a completed application for admission with a $20.00 non-refundable application fee.
2. Students under 21 years of age must be high school graduates or have the GED equivalent. Documents showing graduation or GED must be submitted to the Office of Admissions. One exception to this requirement is students 18 years of age or older who have not earned a high school diploma, are not enrolled in high school, and are seeking admissions only to pursue study in GED preparatory courses.

There is no limit on the number of hours a special student can pursue. Although special students are not required to complete normal assessment procedures, they should realize that the content of college-level courses assumes mastery of fundamental knowledge, skills, and aptitudes required for the course. Special students may not enroll in a college-level English or mathematics course, or in a course that has an English or mathematics prerequisite, until they have provided evidence of adequate preparation for these courses. This evidence may consist of college transcripts or COMPASS/ACT or SAT examination scores.

If a special student decides to pursue an Associate’s degree, the student must meet all admissions requirements for the degree-seeking student. Credit hours accumulated as a special student are not applicable to the final 24 semester hours required for an Associate’s degree.

Transient Student

A regularly enrolled student of another institution who wants to take a limited number of credit hours during a term and who is not presently working towards a degree at NSCC may be admitted as a transient student. Those wishing to enroll as transient students must:

1. Submit an application for admission with a $20.00 non-refundable application fee.
2. Submit official college transcript(s) or take the placement assessment if the student wishes to enroll in college-level English or math. Students may provide a Transient Student Approval Request form in lieu of official college/university transcripts. The form may be obtained online or from the Office of Admissions.

Audit Student

Students wishing to enroll on a non-credit basis may choose to audit courses at NSCC. To enroll as an audit student:

1. Submit an application for admission with a non-refundable $20.00 application fee.
2. Enroll in classes on a space available basis the first day of late registration. No late registration fee is assessed, and the enrollment in certain classes may be limited or denied based upon space availability.
3. You may NOT change status from credit to audit or audit to credit once officially enrolled.
4. The student is expected to attend class but does not receive a letter grade or credit for the course. “AU” will appear on the student’s record for completion of an audit course. Audit hours are counted in determining a student’s maximum course load.
5. The student may NOT audit college-prep courses.
6. A state employee may NOT use a fee waiver to audit courses.

High School Graduate

An applicant who has earned a regular high school diploma or GED may enroll in any course, except college-level math, English, or a course that has college-level math or English prerequisites. Any student who plans to enroll in college-level math or English must have the required ACT/SAT scores. For ACT/SAT requirements, refer to “Degree-Seeking, First-Time Student” above.

To enroll applicants must:

1. Submit an application for admissions with a non-refundable $20.00 application fee.
2. Submit official high school transcripts.

Student with Previous College Credit

An applicant who has earned college credit but does not have a degree may enroll after completing the following:

1. Submit an application for admission and a $20.00 non-refundable application fee.
2. Submit official college transcript(s) or take the Placement assessment if the student wishes to enroll in college-level English or math.

College Graduate

Applicants who have earned college degrees may enroll in college-level courses provided the applicants have met the prerequisite requirements for the courses in which they intend to enroll. Applicants must:

1. Submit an application for admission with a non-refundable $20.00 application fee.
2. Submit official college transcript(s).

Dual Enrollment Program

A student in grades 11 or 12 may earn both high school credit and college credit while attending the same class in his/her high school. Students may also attend college classes for dual enrollment at NSCC. To enroll in the Dual Enrollment program applicants must:

1. Be a junior or senior in high school,
2. Have a minimum sub-score of 19 on the ACT in math and reading and a sub-score of 18 on the English portion.
3. Meet all prerequisites of the course or courses in which they wish to enroll, and
4. Have written permission from their high school principals and parents or guardians.

For more information on dual credit courses, contact the NSCC Director of High School Programs at 615-353-3269.

Joint Enrollment Program

A student in grades 11 or 12 may earn college credit while in high school. Classes are held on the NSCC campus with occasional courses offered at the high school. To enroll in the Joint Enrollment Program applicants must:

1. Be in the 11th or 12th grades.
2. Have a minimum sub-score of 19 on the ACT in math and reading and a sub-score of 18 on the English portion.
3. Meet all prerequisites of the course in which they wish to enroll.
4. Have written approval of parent or guardian.

Academically Talented

A student in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 who has been classified as “academically gifted” may earn college credit while in high school. Classes are held on the NSCC campus. To enroll as an “academically gifted” student applicants must:

1. Be in the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grades.
2. Have a minimum overall G.P.A. of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.
3. Have a minimum sub-score of 19 on the ACT in math and reading and a sub-score of 18 on the English portion.
4. Meet all prerequisites of the course in which they wish to enroll.
5. Have written approval of high school principal and parent or guardian.

Application forms and other admission information may be obtained from the NSCC Director of High School Programs at 615-353-3269.

Residency Classification

Upon admission to the college, the Office of Admissions classifies each student as a resident or non-resident. Ordinarily it is presumed that a person entering Tennessee from another state or country to attend college does so intending to remain only for the period of attaining his or her educational degree.

All decisions regarding residency classification are made for the purpose of paying fees and tuition, and are based on the Tennessee Board of Regents Policy No. 3:05:01:00. Copies of these policies are available in the Office of Admissions. The College may require proof of relevant facts regarding residency. The responsibility for residency classifications rests with the Director of Admissions, and all documentation should be submitted with an In-State Residency Application to the Office of Admissions. Students who disagree with the final decision may submit an appeal in writing to the Dean of Students. For more information or to receive a Residency Application, go online to www.nscc.edu, stop by the Office of Admissions in Room S-215 in the Student Services building, or call 615-353-3215.

Selective Service Requirements

1. Pursuant to federal law, every male who is between the ages of 18 and 26, and is a citizen of the United States or a resident of the United States must register with the Selective Service.
2. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 1, the requirements to register shall not apply to any alien lawfully admitted to the United States as a non-immigrant, under Section 101(a)(15) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended, for so long as he continues to maintain a lawful non-immigrant status in the United States.
3. Men who have previously served in the military must also meet this requirement.
4. If a student meeting the above age requirements has not registered for the Selective Service, that student must show proof of said registration by completing the Selective Service Registration Form. Forms may be obtained from the Office of Admissions or online at www.sss.gov.