Admissions Policies
Ability-to-Benefit
If you have left high school prior to graduation and have not earned a GED diploma, you may be considered for admissions if the following conditions are met:
- Applicant’s high school class has graduated
- Applicant is at least nineteen years of age
- Applicant takes Ability-to-Benefit tests (Computerized Placement Testing) and achieves satisfactory scores on pre-admission testing as approved by the Secretary of Education.
Computerized Placement Testing (CPT)/Assessment
Jefferson Community College is committed to assessment testing as an essential element in the enrollment process. We assess the reading, writing and math skills of new students in order to determine appropriate course placement.
Assessment testing is required of all students enrolled in a degree program unless the student is exempt because of transfer credit earned in an appropriate college-level English or math course or qualifying score on Regents test or standardized college entrance examination. Students exempt from assessment testing will be so notified by the Admissions Office.
Upon admission to Jefferson, if required, you will be asked to schedule an assessment testing appointment through the Scanlon Learning Skills Center. CPT results provide important information regarding appropriate course placement and may be used as part of the advising process in helping you develop education and career goals.
If you have been recommended by Admissions or Continuing Education to take the CPT test and cannot come to JCC, the CPT test can also be taken online.
The College reserves the right to place students in courses based on CPT results and/or high school preparation. Non-matriculated (not enrolled in a degree program) students registering for either English or math courses must be tested prior to registration unless otherwise exempt.
The Scanlon Learning Skills Center has more information about placement testing, a study guide and a sample test.
The New York state High School Equivalency Diploma Based on Earned College Credit is awarded to candidates who have completed 24 credit hours as a recognized candidate for a degree or a certificate at an approved institution. The 24 credits must be distributed as follows:
- 6 credits in English language arts including writing, speech and/or literature
- 3 credit hours in mathematics
- 3 credit hours in natural science
- 3 credit hours in social science
- 3 credit hours in humanities
- 6 credit hours applicable to your program of study
Credit for courses taken solely for personal and/or cultural advancement, and not required as part of an approved degree or certificate program, may not be used to obtain an equivalency diploma. To qualify for the 24 credit hour rule, you must be enrolled in a specific program of study.
More information about the High School Equivalency Program is available through the New York State Education Department (NYSED) (link to http://www.nysed.gov) website.
If you previously attended Jefferson Community College as a matriculated student and are in good standing, you are welcome to re-enroll and may contact the Advising Center (315-786-2478, toll-free 888-435-6522 ask for the Advising Center or email: advising @sunyjefferson.edu) to schedule an appointment for registration. If it has been 5 or more years since attending, it is necessary for you to re-apply the the Admissions Office.
If you have been academically dismissed and have not attended as a matriculated student for at least one semester, you may request readmission through the Admissions Office. The application???? will be reviewed to determine if you have addressed the issues relating to previous failure. Students are encouraged to try again to complete their college program once adjustments are made.
If you have completed an Associate Degree at JCC and are seeking a second degree from JCC, you must apply through the Admission Office.