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Admissions Policy
Admissions Procedures
Selective Program Procedures
Credit for Prior Learning
High School Programming
Placement Testing
Transferring to BC3
Out-of-State Residents
International Student Admission
Senior Citizen Credit Enrollment
Admissions Policy
Butler County Community College subscribes to an open admissions policy and is committed to serve all who may benefit from the academic programs of the institution. As such, the College does not require standardized pre-admissions testing such as the SAT or the ACT. However, if a student provides proof of SAT or ACT scores that meet prescribed cut-offs it may exempt them from placement testing.
Enrollment at BC3 is open to:
- All high school graduates
- All students who have earned a high school equivalency diploma (GED®/HiSET)
Individuals who have not earned a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma may still apply to the College. Their applications will be evaluated by the Dean of Admissions/College Registrar. If admitted, and after successfully completing 30 college level credits at BC3, they can petition for a Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma through the State of Pennsylvania. Federal financial aid is only awarded to U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a high school diploma, High School Equivalency Diploma, or Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma.
Admissions Procedures
An application, a $25 non-refundable, one-time application fee, and an official copy of the high school transcript (GED®/HiSET test scores, if applicable) are required for first-time students to the College. Transfer students must also send an official copy of their transcript(s) from colleges or universities previously attended.
Paper applications are available through the mail, at the high school guidance offices, or in person during an admissions visit. Students may also apply online and pay the $25 application fee with a debit or credit card. Applicants are notified of their acceptance approximately two weeks from the date of their submission.
The Massage Therapy, Medical Assistant, Nursing (RN), and Physical Therapist Assistant programs are selective and each has special requirements for acceptance. Contact the Admissions Office for specific details and deadlines or visit bc3.edu/admission/healthcare.
See invidual degree and certificate descriptions for criteria for admission and special requirements.
Credit for Prior Learning
Students are able to receive academic credit for prior learning enabling them to begin their college work at an advanced level thus, shortening the time required to obtain a certificate or degree. Credit may be granted by: transfer of credit, college level examination program, credit by examination, general life experience, and credit through articulation agreements. No more than 45 credits for any given program will be allowed from a combination of transfer credits, division tests, AP or CLEP credits, articulation credits, and work or Life Experience credits.
A. Transfer Of Credit
- The Office of Records & Registration, in consultation with the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Deans, will review incoming transfer of credits only from official transcripts.
- A student may transfer a total of 45 credit hours toward a degree at Butler County Community College.
- College level courses taken while in the U.S. Armed Forces and submitted on official service forms are transferable if sanctioned by the American Council on Education. Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy Active Duty, Reserve and Veterans can order official transcripts through https://jst.doded.mil. Air Force service members can get transcripts from the college attended.
- Credits will be accepted when earned in degree programs at regionally accredited (i.e. Middle States, etc.) and/or degree-granting institutions.
B. College Level Examination Program
Selected CLEP credits will be accepted based upon a review and approval of the appropriate divisional faculty. A complete list of CLEP credits accepted may be obtained in the Office of Records & Registration.
C. Credit By Examination
Division tests may be developed and used for granting of credit. Testing has been developed in some English, health, speech, drafting, and business courses. The non-refundable fee is half of the current year’s tuition cost per credit payable in advance. Complete details and procedures are available in the Office of Records & Registration.
D. College Credit for Work or Life Experience
Prospective and current students can earn college credit based on prior work or life experience toward their BC3 degree requirements. Credit may be awarded for employment, training programs, certifications, military service, independent study, and/or community service.
Those interested in exploring this option should reach out to the respective Academic Dean in which the course(s) fall to determine whether they meet set objectives. If approved, they are to compile a comprehensive electronic portfolio of supporting documents sending it to life.credits@bc3.edu upon completion.
Once the documents have been evaluated, the student will be contacted for payment in the amount of $150.00 per course. Payment is remitted to the Finance Office, lower level Administration Building on Main Campus or at any BC3 campus location. Please direct questions to the Admissions Office at 724-284-8501 or life.credits@bc3.edu.
E. Articulation Agreements
Articulation agreements exist with many high schools and career and technical centers for the purpose of granting recognition for the achievement of learning comparable to college level. Information on agreements can be obtained from the Admissions Office, Office of Records & Registration, or the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
F. Advanced Placement Program
The College participates in the Advanced Placement Program (AP) of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB). Under this program, the College grants credit and advanced placement to students with completed College-level courses in secondary schools and with an AP test score of three or higher.
High School Programming
BC3’s College Within the High School and College Pathways programs are specifically designed for college bound high school students who have demonstrated a strong academic performance by the end of their freshman year. These programs allow sophomores with a 3.25, juniors with a 3.00, or seniors with a 2.75 or better G.P.A. and the permission of their parents/guardians, school counselor, homeschool evaluator, or principal to earn transferable college credits while still enrolled in their high school curriculum.
College Pathways courses are those offered at a BC3 campus location or online.
College Within the High School courses are scheduled and taught at the student’s high school before, during, or after the school day, in the evening, or on a Saturday. Courses use the same syllabus and instructional materials and follow the same semester schedule as do the courses taught at one of BC3’s campuses or online.
High school students concurrently enrolled at BC3 who wish to become degree-seeking after graduating from high school must re-apply to the College. There is no fee to re-apply. For more information, contact the High School Programming Office at 724-287-8711, ext. 8254 or visit www.bc3.edu/admissions.
Placement Testing
Upon admission to the College, students are required to take an Accuplacer placement test. The results of this test are used to assist students in selecting appropriate courses. If test scores indicate a need to strengthen basic skills in reading, mathematics, or English, students will be required to enroll in one or more developmental and/or preparatory courses. Students have the opportunity to retest once in each subject area. No fee is charged for the placement test or for the retests. Students who have a college-level English and/or math class passed with a “C” or better or with appropriate SAT/ACT cut-off scores, may be exempt from placement testing upon receipt of their official transcript and/or scores.
Transferring to BC3
Students at Butler County Community College may receive credit for graded courses taken at most other accredited, degree-granting institutions. The Office of Records & Registration in consultation with the V. P. for Academic Affairs and academic deans, will review incoming transfer of credits. For courses to be accepted in transfer, they must be listed on an official college transcript with a grade of A, B, or C. One and only one course with a D grade may be accepted if approved by the V. P. for Academic Affairs. College level work will be granted transfer credit where applicable to the student’s program.
Students who wish to learn about options for transferring credit from another college or university, College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Credit by Examination, Credit for Work or Life Experience, Articulation Agreements, or the Advanced Placement (AP) Program should refer to the Credit for Prior Learning section.
Students enrolled in a DEGREE program may not transfer in any more than forty-five (45) credits in any program. This may be done separately or combined with other methods of credit for prior learning.
Students enrolled in a CERTIFICATE program must take fifteen (15) credits in the Certificate program at Butler County Community College. The remainder may be accepted in transfer (separately or combined with other methods of credit for prior learning).
Out-of-State Residents
A. Online-Only Courses/Programs
BC3 is approved to offer distance education (online learning) to residents of 49 states in the U.S. (California not included), Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands through the institution’s membership with the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA). Before applying, please visit this webpage to view important information regarding State Authorization: www.bc3.edu/programs-classes/online-distance-education/state-authorization.html.
B. Programs that May Lead to Licensure
Professional licensure and/or certification requirements may vary from state to state. There may be a need for additional education requirements and/or special authorization from the professional licensing/certification agency in that state. Before applying, please visit this webpage to view important information regarding professional licensures: www.bc3.edu/professional-licensure.
International Student Admission
Applicants who are citizens of a country other than the United States may apply for admission to Butler County Community College as an F-1 international student. International students must enroll full-time (12+ credits) in a credit bearing associate degree program for the fall and spring semesters. They may take courses at our Main Campus in Butler or an approved BC3 location and will be advised by the assigned PDSO or DSO.
In order to be considered for admission, the prospective student must submit the following:
- A complete BC3 Application for Admission with a $25 non-refundable, one-time application fee in US Dollars.
- An official copy of their high school transcript (grades) and any other academic records beyond high school at a college, university, training or technical center. They must be translated in to the English language and American education system through World Education Services (www.wes.org) or Educational Credential Evaluators (www.ece.org) in order to be evaluated toward BC3 degree requirements.
- Take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IETLS) if English is not their native language. Students must submit TOEFL test scores at minimum of 61 on the Internet-based or an IELTS score of a minimum of 5. Test scores are good for two years from the time of completion and must be a sealed envelope from the provider.
- Obtain and complete the confidential “Certification of Finances” form and the “Oath of Sponsorship” form to determine the ability to finance a BC3 education.
- Provide a copy of their valid passport for international travel and current visa (if applicable).
After the steps above have been completed - transcripts, test scores, and financial background will be reviewed and a decision will be made on admission. Applicants may also be subject to a Skype interview. If eligible for admission to BC3, the applicant will receive an acceptance letter and a “Certificate of Eligibility” form (I-20) for immigration purposes. An international student is charged out-of-state tuition/fees and is not eligible for federal financial aid programs. Submission deadlines for materials may be imposed to allow sufficient time. Current deadline dates are June 15 for the fall semester (August) and November 15 for the spring semester (January). BC3 does not have on-campus housing for students or the support of an International Student Services Office.
Senior Citizen Credit Enrollment
Any resident of Butler County who is at least 62 years old (proof of age required) may enroll in credit classes at the College on a space available basis without paying tuition, course fees, or an application fee. However, they must still complete an Application for Admission and are responsible for the textbooks and materials associated with the class(es).
At the time of registration, the student must indicate if they wish to take audited or credit courses. Audit students have the right to attend class, but do not take tests, submit term papers, or receive grades. Senior citizens may register for available classes on the last day before classes begin.
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