Admissions

Welcome to Germanna

The Welcome Center serves as a central resource hub for new, prospective, and continuing students, as well as community members. It provides information and guidance on credit and noncredit course offerings at Germanna Community College.

Services Offered

Students visiting the Welcome Center receive one-on-one assistance with:

• Enrollment process and admissions support
• Financial aid applications and scholarship resources
• Student support services information
• General campus guidance

Commitment to Student Success

The Welcome Center staff is dedicated to providing high-quality customer service and ensuring that all visitors receive accurate and thorough information in a supportive environment.

Locations

Welcome Centers are available at:

• Fredericksburg Campus
• Locust Grove Campus
• Joseph R. Daniel Technology Center (Culpeper)
• Barbara J. Fried Center (Stafford County)

Additionally, students can seek assistance online through our enrollment lab drop-in services by clicking here.

New Student Orientation

New students are encouraged to complete the New Student Orientation before meeting with an Admissions Coach. Orientation helps students:

• Understand program requirements
• Determine an appropriate course load
• Clarify educational goals and objectives
• Plan for the enrollment process

Orientation Options

Students can choose to complete orientation in one of two ways:

1. In-person session
2. Online Orientation module

Students who have not completed orientation before meeting with an Admissions Coach will be guided through the process during their appointment.

For more information, please visit the New Student Orientation page located at: www.germanna.edu/orientation.

College Readiness and Placement

All students must demonstrate college readiness through a transcript review or informed self-placement. Based on this evaluation, students may be required or may choose to enroll in prerequisite or corequisite math and/or English courses.

Placement Options

In addition to transcript review, students may also demonstrate readiness through:

1. Placement Testing

   • Take Germanna’s placement tests:
     • VPT English or Accuplacer (for English as a second language students)
     • VPT Math
   • Submit VPT scores from another Virginia Community College System (VCCS) institution (scores must be within five years).

2. Prior College Coursework

   • Students who have earned an associate degree or higher or who have completed college-level math and/or English (with a grade of C or better) at a regionally accredited institution may be exempt from placement testing.

3. Developmental Coursework

   • Submit proof of successful completion of developmental courses from:
     • Another VCCS institution
     • A non-VCCS institution (documentation will be evaluated for placement).

4. High School or Approved Test Scores

   • Submit a high school/home school transcript or an approved test score (ACT, SAT, GED) for evaluation.
   • High school seniors may submit a transcript after completing the first semester of senior year to determine college-level placement.

Assessment and Enrollment Process

• College readiness is assessed when the application is submitted and will be confirmed during enrollment.
• Students should prepare for and take placement tests or submit appropriate documentation before the start of the semester.
• An Application for Admission must be on file with Enrollment Services before placement testing can be completed.

General Admission to the College

Germanna Community College is an equal opportunity institution with an open-door admission policy. Individuals who are 18 years of age or older or who have earned a high school diploma or equivalent are welcome to explore academic opportunities at the college.

Applying for Admission

• All students apply through the free online application at www.germanna.edu by clicking the “Apply Now” button.
• This application includes the Virginia application for in-state tuition rates.

Identity Verification

To maintain a safe and secure learning environment, all new applicants must:

• Provide a real-time photo (Liveness Check).
• Upload a valid photo ID (see application instructions for accepted ID types).
• Visit a Welcome Center at any campus for assistance if needed.

Application Guidelines

• Use uppercase and lowercase letters appropriately.
• Enter your full first and last name, but only your middle initial.

Student Identification Number (EMPLID)

• Germanna assigns a unique student identification number (EMPLID) at the time of application.
• Students must use this EMPLID to access campus services and myGCC.
• Students cannot use EMPLIDs assigned by other colleges unless Germanna has adopted the same number.

Social Security Number (SSN) Disclosure

• Providing a Social Security number (SSN) is not required at the time of application but is highly recommended.
• Students applying for financial aid must provide an SSN.
• The U.S. Department of Education requires an SSN for Pell Grant processing.
• The IRS requires a valid SSN for tax-related purposes.

In-State Tuition Eligibility

To qualify for in-state tuition rates, students must have legally resided in Virginia for at least one full year before the first day of classes for the planned semester.

• Documentation may include:
  • Valid Virginia driver’s license
  • Voter registration card
  • Virginia income tax return (for independent students or parents of dependent students)
• More details can be found in the Eligibility for In-State Tuition Rates section of the college catalog.

Submitting Official Documentation

Students should submit any required official transcripts for coursework taken at previous institutions. Transfer students should request an evaluation of transfer credits using one of the following methods:

1. Complete the Transcript Evaluation e-form in the myGCC portal under Forms > Student Records eForms.
2. Download the PDF form, complete it, and email it to transcripts@germanna.edu.

The Welcome Center team is available to assist students with the admissions and enrollment process.

Eligibility for Admission

Per VCCS Policy 6.0.0, individuals are eligible for admission if they:

• Are high school graduates or have an equivalent credential.
• Are 18 years of age or older and can demonstrate academic readiness through assessment or proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics

Readmission

• Students who have not enrolled for more than three years must submit a new application for admission and in-state domicile status before registering for classes.
• Welcome Center staff are available to assist with the readmission process.

General Admission Revocation

Per VCCS Policy 6.0.1, Germanna Community College reserves the right to evaluate and document special cases and may refuse or revoke admission if:

• The applicant or student poses a threat or potential danger.
• The applicant or student is significantly disruptive to the college community.
• The refusal or revocation is determined to be in the best interest of the College.

The College may also deny admission to applicants who have been:

• Expelled or suspended from another college.
• Previously determined to be a threat, potential danger, or significantly disruptive at another institution.

Revocation After Enrollment

• If a student’s admission is revoked after enrollment, they must be provided due process.

Agreement to College Policies

• By accepting admission, students agree to follow the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities, outlined in the Student Handbook.

Types of Admission

Students may be admitted as either:

• Curricular students (enrolled in a degree or certificate program).
• Non-curricular students (taking courses for personal or professional development without pursuing a degree).

Admission to Specific Curricula

To be eligible for financial aid, students must:

• Request and be placed in an approved program plan.
• Select a program of study on their Application for Admission.

Curriculum Requirements

In addition to general admission requirements, students must meet specific requirements for their chosen program.

• Each program’s requirements are listed in the Programs of Study section of the catalog.

Associate Degree Admission Requirements

To enroll in an Associate Degree program (Associate of Arts & Sciences, Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of Applied Science), students must:

• Be a high school graduate or have an equivalent credential.
• Or be considered eligible by the College.

Admission of High School and Home School Students

Germanna Community College offers high school students the opportunity to take college courses while completing their high school education. Courses may be available at the student’s high school, online, or at a Germanna campus.

For details, refer to the “Admission of Dual Enrollment Students” section of this catalog and speak with your high school counselor. Staff at Welcome Centers are available to answer general questions and help schedule appointments with the Dual Enrollment or Independent Dual Enrollment Team.

Dual Enrollment Program

• Earn college and high school credit simultaneously.
• Courses transfer to Virginia Community Colleges and most four-year colleges and universities (transfer policies vary by institution).
• Germanna and each high school determine which courses are offered as Dual Enrollment each semester.
• Courses are typically first-year college courses and are listed in the high school’s Program of Studies.
• Dual Enrollment students are considered Germanna Community College students.

Student Resources for Dual Enrollment Students

All Germanna students, including Dual Enrollment students, have access to:

• GCC Email
• CANVAS Learning Management System
• Tutoring Services
• Library Services
• Technical Support

Course Options for Dual Enrollment

Students may take dual enrollment courses:

• At their high school (if available).
• On-campus at Germanna.
• Online.

Important Note: Dual enrollment courses become part of a permanent college transcript, so students should be prepared for the academic rigor of college-level coursework.

Home School Students

• Home school students may take courses at Germanna to supplement their secondary school curriculum.
• Courses are available in multiple formats:
  • Face-to-face (in-person)
  • Online
  • Hybrid (a mix of in-person and online)
  • Video conference
• Students should generally be in 11th or 12th grade, but exceptions may be granted by the College President.

College Readiness Requirements

All Dual Enrollment and Home School students must demonstrate college readiness by meeting the required criteria. For more details, students should consult Enrollment Services and their high school counselor.

Dual Enrollment Admissions

Dual Enrollment admissions are governed by the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). Please click here to access the VCCS policy manual.

Step 1: Apply to Germanna

• Complete the Germanna application for admission, including the Virginia Domicile section for in-state tuition eligibility.

Step 2: Submit Required Documentation

• Provide proof of 10th-grade completion before starting classes, including:
  • High school or home school transcript
  • Cumulative GPA
  • Qualifying SAT/ACT scores (if applicable)
• Students below 11th grade may need to:
  • Take placement tests.
  • Meet with the Dean of Student Development or designee.
  • Receive special approval from the College President.

Step 3: Obtain High School Permission

• Submit a GCC High School Permission Form signed by a high school counselor, principal, or administrator.
• Home school students must also submit:
  • A home school agreement approved by the school district.
  • A letter from the school board or a parent/legal guardian home school declaration.

Step 4: Meet with a Germanna Counselor

• Before each semester, meet with a GCC Counselor and provide:
  • High School Permission Form
  • Updated transcript
• A hold will remain on your account until a transcript with your graduation date is submitted.

Step 5: Register and Pay Tuition

• Register for classes with a Germanna counselor before the deadline.
• Ensure tuition is paid on time to avoid being dropped from courses.

Additional Dual Enrollment Policies

• Germanna reserves the right to evaluate special cases and refuse admission when necessary.
• Students without a high school diploma or equivalent may have course limitations.
• High school/home school students cannot enroll in developmental courses (these courses should be completed in high school).
• All students must follow Germanna’s academic and behavioral policies, as outlined in the Germanna Catalog & Student Handbook.

Dual Enrollment Credit Transfer

• Credits earned through Dual Enrollment transfer to most colleges and universities in Virginia, including all Virginia Community Colleges.
• Each institution determines which courses will transfer, so students should:
  • Consult an admissions or transfer counselor at their intended four-year school.
  • Verify whether Germanna courses fulfill degree requirements.
• Some occupational/technical courses may not transfer.

Requesting Transcripts

• Germanna partners with Parchment Inc. for secure transcript requests.
• Students must authorize the release of their transcript through Parchment.
• Students are responsible for transcript ordering fees.
• Unofficial transcripts are available in the MyGCC Student Resources portal.

Partnering High Schools

Germanna offers Dual Enrollment courses in collaboration with:

• Caroline County Public Schools
• Culpeper County Public Schools
• Fredericksburg City Public Schools
• Fredericksburg Christian High School
• Madison County Public Schools
• Orange County Public Schools
• Spotsylvania County Public Schools
• Stafford County Public Schools

Early College Pathways

Students can earn an Associate of Science (AS) degree (60 credits) or a Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) (30-32 credits) while completing high school.

• Early College Pathways include:
  • Dual Enrollment
  • Independent Dual Enrollment
  • Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses
• Many Early College Pathway courses satisfy core requirements for four-year degrees.
• Students have access to GCC Email, CANVAS, tutoring, library services, and tech support.

Early College Program

• A rigorous, full-time program where students earn an Associate Degree while completing high school.
• Students can earn up to 62 transferable credits.
• Students must attend an Early College Orientation before enrollment.
• Consult an advisor or admissions representative at your intended four-year college before enrolling.

Specialized Early College Programs

Germanna Scholars Program

• Partnership between Culpeper County Public Schools and Germanna Community College.
• Students earn an Associate of Science in General Studies while completing high school.
• Classes are held at the Joseph R. Daniel Technology Center (Culpeper) in the morning, with students returning to high school in the afternoon.

Gladys P. Todd Academy

• Collaboration between Spotsylvania County High Schools, James Monroe High School, and Germanna Community College.
• Students earn an Associate of Science degree while finishing high school.
• Classes take place at the Fredericksburg Area Campus in the morning, with students returning to high school in the afternoon.

Future Educators Academy

• Designed for students interested in teaching careers.
• Students earn an Associate of Science degree during high school.
• Special transfer agreements with James Madison University (JMU) and the University of Mary Washington (UMW) allow students to:
  • Complete their bachelor’s degree and teacher licensure in two years after high school.
  • Take classes at the Joseph R. Daniel Technology Center (Culpeper) in the morning and return to high school in the afternoon.

Questions?

• Speak with your high school counselor for program details.
• Contact Germanna’s Enrollment Services or Welcome Center staff for assistance.

Admission of International Students

Germanna Community College admits qualified foreign students who already reside within the service area.

Eligibility for Admission

• Immigrants residing in Virginia who have graduated from a Virginia high school with a diploma or equivalent may be admitted even if they cannot document their legal presence.

• Undocumented applicants will pay out-of-state tuition rates.

• Students on certain visa types may not qualify for in-state tuition unless they meet requirements under Federal and State Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) legislation to establish Virginia domicile.

Additional Requirements for International Students

• In addition to general admission requirements, international students must demonstrate English proficiency in both written and oral communication through standardized or local assessments.

• Students applying under an F-1 visa can obtain required forms and instructions on how to apply for an I-20 from Enrollment Services.

Further Assistance

For more information, contact Enrollment Services or visit a Welcome Center at any Germanna campus.

Admission of Transfer Students

Per VCCS Policy 6.0.6, Transfer Student Admissions and Credit Evaluation,  Transfer students who are eligible for re-entry at their last college of attendance are also eligible for admission to Germanna Community College.

Eligibility for Enrollment

• Transfer students who are not eligible to return to a specific program at their previous institution may not enroll in the same curriculum at Germanna until:
  • One semester has passed, or
  • They have completed an approved program at Germanna.
• The Enrollment Committee will review each case and may impose special conditions for admission.

Transfer Credit Evaluation

• Students transferring from another college or university should consult Enrollment Services to request an evaluation of transfer credits before registering for classes.
• Official transfer credit evaluations will be completed only after:
  1. All official transcripts have been received.
  2. A Request for Evaluation of Transfer Credit form is submitted to Enrollment Services.

Transfer Credit Criteria

• Transferred coursework must:
  • Be collegiate-level coursework applicable to the student’s chosen curriculum.
  • Contain course content and instruction equivalent to Germanna’s courses.
  • Come from a regionally accredited institution.
• Grades of “C” or better are required for transfer credit.
• Any VCCS course in which a student earned a “C” or better will transfer as the same course at any other Virginia Community College (VCCS) institution.
• Grade point averages (GPAs) from previous institutions will not transfer.
• Students may be advised to repeat courses if it benefits their curriculum advancement.

Additional Information

For more details on transfer credit and advanced standing, refer to the “Transfer Credit and Advanced Standing” section in the Academic Information portion of the catalog or contact the Registrar.

Admission of Senior Citizens

Germanna Community College participates in the Senior Citizens Higher Education Act of 1974, which allows eligible Virginia residents aged 60 and older to take tuition-free courses under specific conditions.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, individuals must:

• Be at least 60 years old.

• Have been domiciled in Virginia for at least one year before enrollment.

Tuition-Free Course Options

• Audit Credit Courses (no grade or credit earned):

  • Tuition-free for all eligible senior citizens, on a space-available basis.

• For-Credit Courses (grade and credit earned):

  • Available tuition-free if the senior citizen’s Virginia taxable income was $23,850 or less in the previous year.

  • Enrollment is on a space-available basis.

• Non-Credit Courses:

  • Eligible senior citizens may take up to three non-credit courses per semester at no cost, regardless of income.

• Course Material Fees:

  • Students are responsible for any fees associated with course materials.

How to Apply

For details and assistance with senior citizen enrollment, contact Enrollment Services.