Admissions Policies and Procedures

Howard Community College maintains an open door policy of admission. Persons who have the maturity and ability to benefit from the college’s learning programs will be admitted on a space available basis without regard to race, gender, age, religion, ethnic background, marital status, sexual orientation, political persuasion or disability. No student will be denied initial admission to the college on the basis of previous educational experience, except as prescribed by law.

General admissions procedures include:

Students are strongly encouraged to submit high school transcripts or transcripts from previously attended postsecondary institutions. This information is used to advise students and does not affect general admission to the college. Application fees differ for some programs and are waived for active duty military personnel and Freshman Focus and Early Entrance applicants. The Rouse Scholars Program’s application fee is also waived for Distinguished Scholars, National Merit Scholars and Early Entrance students. Applicants to the clinical portion of the college’s various nursing programs must submit an additional $25 fee. All college application fees are waived for students eligible for the SAT and College Bound application fee waiver programs, which are based on financial need.

Additional admissions procedures are required for high school, transfer and previously dismissed students as well as for international citizens. Additional procedures are also required for students seeking admission to the clinical component of some health career programs such as nursing, cardiovascular technology and emergency medical technician/paramedic (including the Paramedic/Firefighter High School Pathway Program). Students seeking admission to radiologic technology clinical coursework must complete the specific admissions procedures jointly agreed to by Howard Community College and Anne Arundel Community College. Students planning to enroll in Mid-Maryland Allied Healthcare Education Consortium Programs must complete the specific admissions procedures jointly agreed to by consortium institutions (Howard Community College, Carroll Community College and Frederick Community College). Different application procedures are required for the James W. Rouse, Silas Craft Collegians, Freshman Focus and Early Entrance Programs (see pages 49-50 for more details).

Although admitted to the college, students may not enroll in particular courses unless they have the necessary educational background. The college has a mandatory basic skills assessment policy. Placement tests are required for most students planning to enroll in English or math courses or courses with English or math prerequisites. Exceptions are made for students who provide transcripts verifying prior college-level English or math coursework. Exceptions are also made for students who provide transcripts verifying that they have completed the highest developmental English and/or math coursework at another Maryland community college or those who have completed placement testing at another Maryland community college within the past two years and provide proof of their scores. Appropriate Advanced Placement (AP), College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Exam Scores may result in placement test waivers. The reading placement test may also be waived for students with an SAT Critical Reading score of 550 or higher as well as for students who score 21 or higher on the ACT Reading subtests. The writing portion of the placement test may be waived for students with an SAT Writing score of 550 or higher or an ACT English subtest score of 21 or higher. (Please note: If students took the SAT prior to March 2005, the reading and writing portions of the college’s placement test are waived for those with an SAT Verbal score of 550 or higher.) The basic math placement test is not required for students with an SAT math score of 550 or higher or an ACT math subtest score of 21 or higher. These SAT and ACT math scores result in placement into MATH-121, MATH-122, MATH-124, MATH-127, MATH-128, MATH-131 or MATH-138. However, in most cases, students seeking a higher course placement must take an advanced math placement test.

Placement exam scores may take several days to process. Testing is ongoing; appointments are generally required. Students should test soon enough to take advantage of early registration options. The Testing/Developmental Studies Policy provides further details regarding placement assessment requirements (pages 35-36).

All students will be offered assistance in planning a program of learning in accordance with their academic background and goals. Students must meet with an advisor to review placement test results. Results are not available by phone. Students are strongly advised to begin any required developmental course sequences immediately and are required to do so upon completion of 12 credits. Non-degree seeking students must meet with an advisor on or before completion of 12 credits to determine if they will be required to take placement exams.

High School Students

Various enrollment options are available to high school students.

CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT—High school juniors and seniors attending the college on this basis may enroll for a maximum of two courses per semester. Credits earned apply toward high school graduation only under highly specific circumstances. The award of high school credit for college coursework is arranged through a student’s high school and does not involve the college in any way. Requirements for admissions include submission of the college’s Early Entrance Program application, high school transcripts, and proof of legal residency. Appropriate placement testing is also required. Public and private high schools and home schooling programs also have their own policies and procedures that students must follow (see pages 49-50 for additional information).

SUMMER ENROLLMENT—Juniors and seniors may attend the college during the summer preceding their junior or senior year. Application procedures are identical to those for Concurrent Enrollment (see above).

EARLY ADMISSION—This option enables seniors to complete high school graduation requirements at Howard Community College under very specific conditions. Students are generally required to complete 24-30 credits of college coursework, including at least one college-level English composition course. Students must apply for this option during their junior year. Application procedures include submission of the college’s standard application, the application fee, high school transcripts, college entrance exam scores, proof of residency, and two letters of recommendation which address the student’s academic ability and social and emotional maturity. Students must also submit a letter of consent from their high school principal and any other required public, private or home school officials. The college also requires an admissions interview attended by the student and a parent or guardian. Students must consult high school personnel regarding specific courses needed to fulfill high school graduation requirements. The college reserves the right to grant consent to enroll for the Early Admission option on a case-by-case basis. Consent to enroll as an Early Admissions student is dependent upon what the college determines to be in the student’s and its own best interests.

Gifted and Talented Students

Students in the eighth through tenth grades who are enrolled in public or private school gifted and talented programs, or who have otherwise demonstrated outstanding ability, may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis. Requirements for admission include submission of the college’s Early Entrance Program application, official secondary school transcripts, and proof of legal residency. In accordance with state law, other documentation of outstanding abilities and maturity, such as enrollment in gifted and talented programs, test scores, recommendations, portfolios or awards, must be submitted to assist with admissions decisions. A pre-admission interview, with at least one parent or guardian in attendance is required. Appropriate placement testing is also required. Students attending the college on this basis may enroll for a maximum of two courses per semester.

Home Schooled Students

High school juniors and seniors who are home schooled must follow Concurrent Enrollment procedures (page 20). Additional information, such as recommendations must be provided if requested. Home schooled students in the equivalent of eighth through tenth grades must follow Gifted and Talented Student procedures (page 20). As with other secondary school students, home schooled students are limited to two courses per semester. Under certain conditions, high school seniors who are home schooled will be considered for the Early Admission option. Home schooled students’ primary purpose in enrolling in the college should be for enrichment and not as a substitute for home school instruction.

Howard Community College reserves the right to grant admission to secondary school students, including home schooled students, on an individual basis. For further information regarding the college’s services for secondary school students, please contact 410-772-4599 or hsinfo@howardcc.edu. Information is also available on the college’s website at www.howardcc.edu/admissions.

Health Career Clinical Programs

Admissions requirements and procedures for health career clinical programs vary by program. Articulation agreements between Howard Community College and other community colleges as well as agreements with the Howard County Public School System may also be factors in admission for specific programs.

To address critical shortages, the State has designated certain learning programs as Health Personnel Shortage Incentive Grant Programs. Legal residents of Maryland can enroll in these programs at the in-county tuition rate. (Tuition benefits are also available to out-of-state residents for the nursing program, but with additional conditions.) Health Personnel Shortage Incentive Grant Programs do not entitle students to in-county admissions benefits. HCC’s Nursing and Emergency Medical Services programs are designated as Health Personnel Shortage Incentive Grant Programs.

In an effort to avoid duplication of programs while at the same time providing access and opportunity, the State has designated certain learning programs as Statewide Instructional Programs. Like Health Personnel Shortage Incentive Grant Programs, legal residents of Maryland can enroll in such programs at the in-county tuition rate. They are also entitled to the same admissions benefits for clinical coursework as in-county residents. HCC’s Cardiovascular Technology Program and Biomedical Engineering Technology Programs are Statewide Instructional Programs. (See page 67 for more information on Statewide Instructional Programs.)

Howard Community College is a partner with the Howard County Government in the innovative grant funded Project RENEW Scholarship Program. Sponsored by the Howard County Block Grant Development Program, Project RENEW provides low and moderate income individuals with a health career ladder. It combines theory and clinical practice that leads to a certificate of completion as a certified nursing/geriatric nursing assistant (CNA/GNA) along with the preparation required for admission into the college’s Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Certificate Program or the Associate Degree in Registered Nursing Program (ADN). Prospective students should contact the Project RENEW coordinator at 410-772-4438 or alliedhealth@howardcc.edu.

Because seating in Nursing clinical coursework cannot be guaranteed, international (F1) students may not enroll in the college’s Nursing Program. They also may not select Radiologic Technology or Mid-Maryland Allied Healthcare Education Consortium Programs. International (F1) students interested in preparing for a nursing career should choose the college’s Pre-Allied Health or General Studies-Science Emphasis programs or consult with an international student admissions officer. All other international citizens legally entitled for admission to the college may select nursing as their learning program.

Under the Maryland Articulation Model, graduates who obtain Maryland Licensure are eligible for advanced placement in nursing courses when they progress to registered nursing programs in state public and participating private institutions. Graduates with an active unencumbered Maryland or Compact state practical nursing license (i.e., LPN) who wish to progress to the associate degree level may be awarded advanced placement nursing credits equivalent to a maximum of one year of full-time nursing courses. Graduates with an active unencumbered Maryland or Compact state registered nursing license who wish to progress to the baccalaureate degree level are awarded advanced placement nursing credits equal to a maximum of one year of full-time nursing courses in the program they enter.

NURSING-The college offers three Associate of Arts (A.A.) Degree Nursing options–Traditional, Accelerated, and the LPN Pathway Sequence. The major differences between these options are the selection process and the timeframe for clinical coursework. The Traditional Program’s clinical coursework is taken over a two-year period (four major terms), with classes seated for both the Fall and the Spring. The Accelerated Program’s clinical coursework is offered over an 11- month period with one class beginning in the Fall. Admission to the Traditional Program is selective based upon the fulfillment of specific pre-requisites. Admission to the Accelerated Program is competitive with seats being offered to the strongest candidates within a specific application period. The LPN Pathways Sequence is an advanced standing   option available only to students who are already licensed practical nurses and who also meet other admissions criteria. HCC also offers a Licensed Practical Nursing Certificate Program. Day and evening weekend options are available in all but the Accelerated Program which is a day-only program.

Prospective applicants–with the exception of those interested in the LPN Pathways Sequence–must attend a nursing information session as a first step in the enrollment process prior to meeting individually with an admissions advisor. Information provided at these sessions is important in enabling prospective students to determine the best option for them. Students interested in the LPN Pathway Sequence should schedule an appointment to meet with the admissions advisor responsible for this program.

In addition to standard application procedures, supplemental application procedures are required for clinical coursework. All nursing applicants must take the English placement exam unless they have earned a bachelors degree in the United States. All applicants to clinical coursework must have a high school or General Education Development (GED) diploma. Acceptance to clinical coursework is based upon fulfillment of all prerequisites, GPA requirements, time limitations for science prerequisites, legal residency, and space availability as well as additional processes specific to each nursing option. Fulfillment of the terms and conditions of specific articulation agreements and clinical site partnerships are also be factors in admission for some applicants. Nursing is a Health Personnel Shortage Incentive Grant Program entitling legal residents of Maryland in-county tuition rates (see prior page). Out-of-state residents should speak with an admissions counselor to determine their possible eligibility for in-county tuition rates.

Students must obtain a Criminal Record Check prior to starting clinical coursework in order to participate in clinical experiences. During the period of enrollment in clinical coursework, any official change or the initiation of any governmental proceeding affecting the information revealed by the required criminal check must be reported immediately to the program director/coordinator. Students are also required to provide various health certifications. Information regarding criminal background checks and health certifications is required at the time of admission and/or at the program orientation.

CARDIOVASCULAR TECHNOLOGY-The college offers an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree in Cardiovascular Technology (CVT) as well as various certificate programs. Clinical coursework is available during the day only. All applicants to clinical coursework must have a high school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) and fulfill other prerequisites depending on the option they select. Cardiovascular Technology is a Statewide Instructional Program. Legal residents of Maryland are entitled to the same tuition and admissions benefits as in-county residents. International (F1) students may apply for admission to the CVT A.A.S. degree program. Prospective applicants should contact the Office of Admissions and Advising or the CVT program director.

RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY–The Radiologic Program is a combined degree program with Anne Arundel Community College (AACC). The program degree is awarded by AACC. Students must complete specific prerequisites before applying for admission to the program’s clinical coursework. All general education coursework can be completed at HCC. Students are admitted to clinical coursework based on procedures and criteria agreed upon by both institutions. Clinical placements convenient to Howard County are available. A specific number of seats in this program are saved each year for HCC students who are legal residents of Howard County. Specific admissions benefits are not available for out-of-county students. Prospective students should contact HCC’s Office of Admissions and Advising.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES–The college offers Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree, Certificate of Proficiency, and Letter of Recognition options in Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic (EMT-P). Students must complete specific prerequisites and have current EMT-Basic certification to enroll in all Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic clinical coursework beyond EMSP-100. The EMT-P program is a Health Personnel Shortage Grant Program entitling legal residents of Maryland to in-county tuition rates. International (F1) students may apply for admission to the EMT-P degree option. Prospective students should contact the office of Admissions and Advising or the EMT-P program director for more information.

The Paramedic/Firefighter High School Pathway Program is a joint program created by Howard Community College, the Howard County Public School System, and Howard County Fire and Rescue Services. The program provides students enrolled in most Howard County public high schools a head start in preparing for a career as a paramedic/firefighter. Students must apply for this opportunity through the public school system in their sophomore year of high school. The program involves completing specific high school courses, training through Howard County Fire and Rescue Services, completing HCC Early Entrance admissions requirements during the junior year of high school, and enrolling in specific classes at the college during the senior year. For more information, students should consult their high school guidance office, their high school career and research development (CRD) teacher or HCC’s Office of Admissions and Advising.

MID-MARYLAND ALLIED HEALTHCARE EDUCATION CONSORTIUM-Howard Community College is a participant in the Mid-Maryland Allied Healthcare Education Consortium (MMAHEC), along with Carroll Community College (CCC) and Frederick Community College (FCC). Various combined degree and certificate options and admissions and in-county tuition benefits are available in selected clinical health career programs for students at consortium institutions. HCC students have special access to the clinical component of CCC’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program and FCC’s Surgical Technology and Respiratory Therapy programs. Students from CCC have special access to HCC’s Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic Program. Students from CCC and FCC have special access to HCC’s Cardiovascular Technology Program.

Admission to clinical coursework is based upon procedures and criteria agreed upon by consortium institutions. Students complete general education and other prerequisite coursework at their home institution. They then apply through their home institution for admission to clinical coursework offered at the appropriate consortium institution. A specific number of seats in each program are saved each year for qualified consortium students.

Howard Community College and, when appropriate, partner and MMAHCE institutions reserve the right to change admissions policies and procedures as required by law and/or as otherwise deemed necessary.

For further information regarding the college’s Health Career Programs, please contact 410-772-4230 or alliedhealth@howardcc.edu. Information is also available on the college’s web site at www.howardcc.edu/admissions. Prospective students are strongly advised to attend appropriate information sessions and are required to do so for the Nursing Program.

Transfer Students

Students planning to transfer to Howard Community College should arrange to meet with an admissions advisor. In addition to standard application procedures, students seeking credit for prior college-level coursework must declare a major and officially request a transcript evaluation by completing and submitting a Transcript Evaluation Request Form and the appropriate transcript evaluation fee ($15 for a single learning program evaluation; $25 for multiple evaluations). Transfer students must also submit official transcripts and appropriate catalogues and other documentation necessary for evaluating their transcripts.

The college will award transfer credit when appropriate for prior college-level coursework successfully completed at foreign colleges and universities. However, students with foreign transcripts must have a course evaluation by a nationally accredited foreign transcript evaluation service and submit such evaluations to the Office of Admissions and Advising for further review.

Information regarding such services is available in the Office of Admissions and Advising. Details regarding credit for prior learning policies are provided on pages 37-38. The Transcript Evaluation Request Form is available in the Office of Admissions and Advising and online at www.howardcc.edu/admissions/forms.

Military Personnel and Veterans

Howard Community College welcomes the opportunity to assist military personnel, their families, and veterans in achieving their academic goals. The college is a member of Service Members Opportunity Colleges (SOC). The college also serves participants in the Veterans’ Educational Assistance program.

The application fee is waived for all active duty military personnel and their dependents. In accordance with Maryland state law, all active duty personnel are eligible to pay in-state tuition regardless of legal residence. Active duty personnel residing in Howard County are eligible to pay in-county tuition.

Active members of the Maryland National Guard are entitled to a fifty percent discount if they are legal residents of Howard County. Maryland National Guardsmen who reside outside the county or the state are entitled to a twenty-five percent discount of their applicable tuition rate. Verification of active duty status and residency is required. Guardsmen should consult with their commanding officers or the Office of Admissions and Advising for additional information.

Military personnel and veterans should contact the Office of Admissions and Advising for information pertaining to enrollment, transcript evaluation, and tuition assistance. The Office of Records and Registration should be contacted for information related to veterans’ benefits. Further information is available at www.howardcc.edu/admissions.

International Citizens

Howard Community College is pleased to serve citizens from nations around the world. The college is a diverse learning community that is friendly and welcoming. Students from other nations feel at home and are valued as important members of the college community. Different admissions procedures apply based upon immigration status.

F1 IMMIGRATION STATUS—Howard Community College issues I-20s to qualified applicants, which they then use to obtain an F1 student visa. Learning programs available to F1 students are listed on the International (F1) Student Application for Admission. Prospective F1 students are responsible for submitting all required forms and related documents. The original versions of documents must be submitted; photocopies are not acceptable. All application materials and documents must be submitted well within established deadlines to allow the college adequate time for processing and the prospective student enough time to obtain a visa. Deadline dates are earlier for overseas applicants than for those already in the US at the time they apply.

F1 Admission Requirements for Degree or Certificate Programs–Students residing overseas must fulfill all application requirements by June 1 for the Fall term and by October 1 for the Spring term. Students currently in the United States must fulfill all application requirements by June 30 for the Fall term and by November 15 for the Spring term. Summer semester admission is not available for degree and certificate programs. All requirements and deadlines are strictly upheld. Admissions requirements include submission of:

F1 Admission Requirements for the English Language Institute–Students residing overseas should fulfill all application requirements by June 15 for the Fall term; November 15 for the Spring term; and March 1 for the Summer term. Students currently in the United States should fulfill all application requirements by June 30 for the Fall term; by November 30 for the Spring term; and by March 15 for the Summer term. Admissions requirements for the English Language Institute include submission of:

CHANGE OF STATUS TO F1 AND F1 TRANSFER STUDENTS—Additional procedures, forms and fees are necessary for individuals seeking to change their immigration status to international student (F1) status. It is strongly advised that students seeking a change of status apply at least ninety days prior to the start date of the term for which they plan to enroll in order to allow sufficient time for the status change approval. Additional procedures and forms are necessary for F1 students enrolled at other institutions seeking to transfer to HCC. Students seeking to change their academic level at HCC from the English Language Institute to degree or certificate programs, must meet all requirements (see page 24) and have a new I-20 issued by either the Office of Admissions and Advising or the English Language Institute. An additional application fee is also required when changing academic levels.

F1 Students Enrolled at Other Colleges or Universities–F1 students enrolled at other colleges or universities may attend Howard Community College at the same time under certain conditions. Specific procedures must be followed, including submission of the college’s standard application for admission, proof of immigration status (I-94) and submission of a letter of consent to enroll at Howard Community College prepared by the institution that issued the student’s I-20.

OTHER INTERNATIONAL CITIZENS–In addition to standard application procedures, all other international citizens are required to submit proof of their immigration status at the time of application. Photocopied credentials are not acceptable. Students without the appropriate documentation of immigration status may be admitted, but will be charged the out-of-state tuition rate. Students in the United States on B1 or B2 visas are generally not permitted to enroll in credit coursework.

Tuition for international citizens enrolled in credit classes and programs is based upon immigration and residency status as prescribed by state law. International citizens with Permanent Resident, Refugee or Asylee status who reside in Howard County are entitled to in-county or in-state tuition in accordance with state law. They may also be eligible for financial aid and scholarships. International citizens with A, BC, E, G, H1, H4, I, K1, K2, L, N, O, R, SN, T, U, and V visas are eligible for in-county and in-state tuition in accordance with state law, but are generally not eligible for financial aid. Financial Aid Services verifies eligibility for financial aid and scholarships.

For further information: Prospective F1 students interested in degree and certificate programs should contact HCC’s Office of Admissions and Advising at 410-772-4420 or intlstudent@howardcc.edu. Those interested in the English Language Institute should contact 410-772-4740 or eli@howardcc.edu. (For those calling from outside the US, the US country phone code is 011.) The college’s website is www.howardcc.edu/admissions/intl.

Students Seeking Readmission

Students who previously attended the college may need to update admission information. This is generally required if a student has not been in attendance for two or more academic years, but may also be required in other instances. If this is necessary, a new application must be completed and proof of residency provided upon request; however, the application fee will be waived.

Students who are dismissed from the college as of a specific semester and who want to be readmitted for that semester, must submit a letter requesting approval for readmission to the Readmission Committee. They must also make an appointment to meet with a member of the committee. Students who were dismissed and have been out for one or more semesters must make an appointment to meet with the Retention Coordinator. (Contact the Learning Assistance Center, L-230; 410-772-4822 in either case.) Information about probation and dismissal policies is available on page 46.

READMISSION TO THE NURSING PROGRAM–Readmission to the Nursing Program is contingent upon specific criteria, submission of a new supplemental nursing application, and available space. Readmit students may have to complete various curricular components and demonstrate competencies. Students should consult the Nursing Education Handbook to determine procedures for re-entry to clinical nursing coursework. For further information, contact the Office of Admissions and Advising.