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 and Success 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 and Success Center has more information about placement testing, a study guide and a sample test.
General Equivalency Diploma
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) website.
Readmission
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, Career and Counseling Center (315-786-2271, toll-free 888-435-6522 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 with the Admissions Office.
Academic Fresh Start
Jefferson Community College recognizes that some students may begin college, attend a semester or two, and receive poor grades. Often students stop attending and return many years later only to have grades from their academic history negatively impact their current academic status. For students who apply for and are granted an Academic Fresh Start, courses with a grade index of less than 2.0 would no longer be calculated into the cumulative GPA and the credit would no longer count toward graduation requirements.
Readmission after Dismissal
Students who have been academically dismissed and have not attended as a matriculated student for at least one semester may request readmission through the Admissions Office. The application will be reviewed to determine if the student has addressed the issues relating to previous failure. Students are encouraged to try again to complete their college program once adjustments are made.
Admission for a Second Associate Degree
Students who have completed an associate degree at Jefferson and are seeking a second degree from JCC must apply through the Admissions Office.
Felony Conviction/Disciplinary Dismissal
Applicants who have been convicted of a felony or dismissed from a college for disciplinary reasons must complete a supplemental application and participate in a review process. The supplemental application is available upon request in the Admissions Office. JCC complies with the State University of New York Admission Policy for Ex-Offenders. Failure to disclose a felony conviction or disciplinary dismissal may result in expulsion from the College.