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Admissions Policy
Admissions Procedures
Credit for Prior Learning
Guest Student Admission
High School Programming
International Student Admission
Out-of-State Residents
Placement Testing
Senior Citizen Credit Enrollment
Transferring to BC3
Admissions Policy
As an open admissions institution, Butler County Community College (BC3) is committed to serve all who may benefit from the academic programs of the institution. As such, the College does not require standardized pre-admission testing such as the ACT or the SAT. Placement testing to determine appropriate levels of English and/or mathematics may be required. However, if a student provides proof of ACT or SAT scores within the last 5 years that meet or exceed prescribed cut-offs or transfer credit, may exempt them from placement testing. Visit bc3.edu/placement-testing to learn more.
Enrollment at BC3 is open to:
- All high school graduates
- All students who have earned a High School Equivalency/Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma (GED® test/HiSET® exam or 30 College Credit Option)
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 and nationals, or permanent residents with a high school diploma, high school equivalency/Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma.
Admissions Procedures
An application, a $25 non-refundable application fee, and an official copy of the student’s high school transcript (or GED®/HiSET® test scores, if applicable) are required for admission to the College. Transfer students must also send an official copy of their transcript(s) from all colleges or universities attended. Students are encouraged to apply online and pay the $25 application fee with a debit or credit card by visiting bc3.edu/app-portal. General applicants are notified of their acceptance the next business day on their applicant portal.
The Massage Therapy, Nursing, RN, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Practical Nursing, programs are selective. Each has a separate application and requirements for acceptance consideration. Contact the Admissions Office for specific details and deadlines or visit bc3.edu/admission for more information.
Selective Admission Programs:
Credit for Prior Learning
Students may be granted academic credit based on prior learning, potentially reducing the number of classes needed to complete a degree or certificate. Students who wish to learn more 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, etc. should refer to the Transfer to BC3 section of the website.
Transfer of Credit
- The Records and Registration Office in consultation with the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and academic deans, will review incoming transfer of credits.
- Transfer credit accepted toward the students’ academic programs vary depending on the academic program selected.
- Official transcripts or test scores can be sent through a secure, electronic third-party system from institution to institution or by postal mail in a sealed envelope from the college/university, College Board, or organization.
- Credits will be accepted when earned in degree programs at regionally accredited (e.g. Middle States, etc.) and/or degree-granting institutions.
Students enrolled at another college or university who would like to take courses at BC3 to transfer the credits back toward their home institution’s degree requirements are considered guest students. Guest students are required to apply and pay a non-refundable $25.00 fee at bc3.edu/app-portal. They are notified of their acceptance and next steps the following business day on their applicant portal. If the course(s) they wish to take have a pre-requisite met through prior testing, such as the SAT/ACT, or previously completed coursework, the student should send their test scores or unofficial transcripts to gueststudent@bc3.edu. An advisor will confirm when a waiver has been placed on their behalf allowing them to register in Student Planning or let them know if further information is necessary.
High School Programming
This program allows high school students to enroll in BC3 college courses to accelerate their path to a college degree and explore career options. Eligibility requirements include: a 3.25 minimum G.P.A. for sophomores, 3.00 for juniors and 2.75 for seniors, along with permission of parents or guardians and school counselor or principal.
College Now courses are 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 as do the courses taught at one of BC3’s locations 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 at bc3.edu/app-portal.
For more information, contact the High School Programs Office at 724-284-8520, hsp@bc3.edu or visit bc3.edu/hsp.
International Student Admission
Applicants who are citizens of a country other than the United States may apply for admission to Butler County Community College (BC3) and petition for a F-1 international student visa. International students must enroll full-time (12+ credits) in a credit bearing associate degree program during the fall and spring semesters and are only permitted to take one class fully online per semester. They may take courses at any BC3 location and will be advised by the assigned Designated School Official (DSO).
In order to be considered for admission, the prospective student should follow the enrollment steps outlined on bc3.edu/international.
If eligible for admission to BC3, the applicant will receive an acceptance letter and a “Certificate of Eligibility” form I-20 for visa interview or change of status. An international student is charged the international/out-of-state tuition rate and is not eligible for federal financial aid programs. Submission deadlines for materials are imposed to allow sufficient time for processing. 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. Please direct questions regarding this process to admissions@bc3.edu.
Out-of-State Residents
Online and Distance Education 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: State Authorization | Butler County Community College (bc3.edu).
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: Professional Licensure Information | Butler County Community College (bc3.edu).
Placement Testing
Upon admission to the College, students may be 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 appropriate SAT/ACT cut-off scores, may be exempt from placement testing upon receipt of their official transcript and/or scores. More information can be found at bc3.edu/placement-testing.
BC3 is currently piloting a multiple-measures approach which allows students to be exempted from taking placement tests if they are a recent high school graduate with a 3.0 GPA and appropriate grades in academic English and math coursework.
Senior Citizen Credit Enrollment
Any resident of Butler County who is at least 62 years old may enroll in credit courses at the College on a space available basis by submitting a general application for admission and selecting Senior Citizen as the student type.
Butler County senior citizens enroll, on the last business day before the semester begins, without paying tuition and course fees; however, these students are responsible for the textbooks and materials associated with the courses.
At the time of registration, the student must indicate if they wish to audit or take the course for credit. Students auditing a course have the right to attend class, but do not take tests, submit assignments, or receive grades.
Transferring to BC3
Students at Butler County Community College may receive credit for graded courses taken at most other accredited, degree-granting institutions. The Records and Registration Office in consultation with the Provost and Vice President 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, and applicable to the student’s academic program. Any exception must be requested in writing to the Dean of Admissions and College Registrar for review and approval by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
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, etc. should refer to the Credit for Prior Learning section.
Transfer credit accepted toward the students’ academic programs vary depending on the academic program selected.
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