What are the Requirements for Entrance into Two-Year Colleges?
Many students opt to enter two-year colleges before going on to pursue degrees at four-year colleges or universities. These students must meet certain entrance requirements, which are usually quite lenient, though they do vary from state to state and even from one school to another. Read on for more information regarding the requirements for entrance into two-year colleges.
Entering a Two-Year College
<p>Requirements for entrance into two-year colleges are less stringent than those of four-year colleges and universities. Most two-year colleges have an 'open door' policy, meaning anyone who meets a few simple entrance requirements will be admitted. Requirements for entrance into two-year colleges generally include educational background information, relevant testing scores and an admission application and supporting paperwork.
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<h3 id="section---ImportantInformationAboutTwoYearDegrees">Important Information About Two-Year Degrees</h3>
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<table border="1"><tr><td>Common Courses</td><td> Most two-year degrees require you to take basic level courses in math and English (composition); language, history, geography, and IT courses also tend to be common core courses.</td></tr>
<tr><td>Online Availability</td><td> Many associate degree courses are fully available online although proctored exams may be required during the course of study.</td></tr>
<tr><td>Concentrations</td><td> Concentrations are usually available in arts (Associate of Arts, AA), applied science (Associate of Applied Science, AAS), and science (Associate of Science, AS) degrees, with focus on subjects such as business administration, English, general studies, information technology, and education.</td></tr>
<tr><td>Possible Careers</td><td> Although two-degrees also serve as a foundation for higher education opportunities, they can lead to careers in business, education, and a variety of other fields, depending on the area of specialization.</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
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<h3 id="section---EducationBackground">Education Background</h3>
<p>In most cases, applicants to any two-year junior, community or technical college in the United States must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Some two-year colleges will consider an applicant without a diploma or GED (General Equivalency Diploma) if the applicant displays the ability or potential for college success. High school transcripts are often requested by some two-year colleges.
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<h3 id="section---AdmissionApplication">Admission Application</h3>
<p>Submitting a completed application is the first step for those who meet the necessary education requirements for entrance into two-year colleges. Many colleges provide downloadable applications online. Some two-year colleges require that proof of financial support and an autobiographical essay accompany the completed application.
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<h3 id="section---Testing">Testing</h3>
<p>While SAT or ACT scores have little bearing on being admitted to a two-year college, many such institutions still ask that students submit them. These scores may be used to determine students' placement in English or math courses. The ACT Compass test is another exam sometimes used for placement in English and math courses.
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<p>Additionally, applicants who do not list English as their first language must take an English proficiency test. The two most common English proficiency tests are the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Non-English speaking applicants must meet minimum testing scores on one of these tests to be considered for admission into a two-year college. These minimum scores may vary from one college to another.</p>