Admission Policy
Terra State Community College has an “open” admission policy for Ohio residents, United States citizens, non-citizens with permanent resident status, and undocumented residents. The College shall provide for admission of any person regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex, age, gender identity, genetic information, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, pregnancy, military status, or special disabled or Vietnam-era veteran status. Terra State extends educational opportunities to everyone with a high school diploma or a GED certificate, and to non-high school graduates under certain conditions. The conditions for admission of non-high school graduates are:
- Student proves an ability to benefit; or
- Students is selected for participation in College Credit Plus; or
- Student receives recommendation for admission by a College official in consideration of unusual circumstances or abilities; or
- Student is seeking personal enrichment or credit-based workforce development and receives recommendation for admission by a College official.
Transfer students are accepted under the College’s general admission procedures.
Non-citizens and non-permanent residents may be considered for admission under the College’s international student admission procedures.
Undocumented residents may be considered for admission under the College’s undocumented student admission procedures.
Students with felony records are subject to an institutional review and committee admission decision under the College’s felony admission procedures.
Visiting transient students are accepted under the College’s visiting transient student admission procedures.
Returning students are accepted under the College’s general admission procedures. If you have been away for more than one year you must reapply. Returning students who have left the College under academic suspension and/or who have an outstanding balance on their account must abide by College procedures for re-admission.
If a student is admitted without a high school or GED diploma and wishes to earn a GED they are encouraged to contact Vanguard-Sentinel Career and Technical Centers.
Please contact the Office of Admissions and Advising at 419.559.2349 for questions regarding Terra State’s Admission Policy and admission procedures.
Official Final Secondary Education Transcript Requirement
Students who seek admission and enrollment as a certificate or degree-seeking student at Terra State Community College must submit an official and final copy of an approved high school or GED transcript prior to the start of registration for the following term. Should an official final transcript meeting requirements not be received by the Office of Admissions and Advising by this deadline, a registration hold will be placed on the student’s account and removed upon receipt of an approved transcript.
Requirements for either an official and final high school or GED transcript may be viewed on the College’s website at www.terra.edu. An official final high school or GED transcript, as defined by College procedure, must be received by the Office of Admissions and Advising unless the student is determined an ability to benefit student under the Admission Policy’s non-graduate clause, a CCP student, a senior citizen under the audit option, a visiting transient student, or a student seeking select courses for personal or professional enrichment. A student who submits a fraudulent transcript will be charged with a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Sanctions may include revocation of admission or College suspension.
The Office of Student Financial Aid may hold processing of financial aid until the Office of Admissions and Advising receives the required document.
Admission Procedures
General Admission Procedures
Prospective students may learn more about Terra State’s programs, services, faculty and staff, and tour the campus by scheduling an admissions visit session with one of our knowledgeable and caring admissions representatives. Further information about the College is available through the College website at www.terra.edu. These are all information gathering steps to help prospective students with their college decision.
Students who wish to apply should complete and submit the application for admission to the Office of Admissions and Academic Advising. The application for admission can be completed and submitted online through the College website www.terra.edu/apply. Terra State does not charge an application fee.
Once admitted, the student will receive an acceptance letter and guidance for upcoming enrollment, and may also refer to the placement testing, advising and registration section.
Transfer Student Admission Procedures
Transfer students must submit an application for admission, and in addition to the general admission requirements, submit official and final transcripts from previously attended colleges or universities to the Records Office. After an application for admission and official transcripts are received by Terra State’s Records Office, a credit transfer evaluation will be made, and results will be shared with the student. Transfer students must also send their official high school transcripts to the Admissions office.
International Student Admission Procedures
Terra State Community College welcomes qualified students from other countries. An international student is defined as one who is in the United States on an F-1 (student) visa. International students must complete the following enrollment requirements prior to being accepted to Terra State Community College:
- Submit an application for admission online at www.terra.edu. The priority application deadline dates for international students are June 1st for fall semester, November 1st for spring semester and March 1st for summer semester. For international students currently residing in the United States, priority application deadline dates are August 1st for fall semester, January 1st for spring semester, and May 1st for summer semester.
- Submit proof of English language proficiency, adequate financial support, and official transcripts showing the completion of previous coursework. Completion of high school in the United States or an approved country where English is the primary language of secondary school instruction satisfies international students’ English proficiency requirement. All documents must come from official agencies and will undergo a verification process before an official admissions decision is made.
- Submit proof of adequate financial support. It is estimated that an international student will need a minimum of $15,000 per year for tuition, fees, books and living expenses while attending Terra State. Immigration regulations prevent the student from earning any substantial portion of this amount while enrolled. There is no financial aid or educational loans available for international students. The international student is requested to transmit a letter from an appropriate government or bank official proving the applicant has sufficient funds to cover the cost of education while attending Terra State and that these funds will be available.
- Submit an official final high school transcript to the Office of Admissions and Academic Advising. Students with international transcripts must send appropriate documentation to a foreign credentials evaluation service. Once you receive the evaluation report from the service, you must send the report and an official copy of the transcript to the Student Records Office. The Student Records Office will forward the record to the appropriate academic dean for review. The academic dean or designee will evaluate your record and determine if any credit is eligible for transfer. Evaluation results are sent to the student.
Note: All costs associated with foreign transcript evaluations are the student’s responsibility. Arrangements for payment must be made directly with the agency providing the services. Please contact the Records Department with questions.
- International transfer students must submit an Intent to Transfer form sign by a designated school official (DSO) at the institution from which the student is transferring proving the student has not violated their immigration status and/or fallen out of status and has fulfilled financial obligations to the college or university from which they are transferring.
Once accepted for admission, a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (Form I-20) will be processed and sent to the student or representative with the letter of acceptance. The I-20 form is used to obtain an F-1 student visa. Applicants for student visas should generally apply at the United States Embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over their place of permanent residence.
Once students are accepted and have received their student visa, students are required to secure housing, complete the placement test administered by the College or submit ACT or SAT scores, meet with a Terra State Designated School Official (DSO).
Undocumented Student Admission Procedures
Individuals who are not United States citizens or nationals with legal authorization to reside in the United States are eligible for admission to the College if they meet the College’s admissions requirements. Individuals who apply for and are granted deferred action through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and can provide proof of their graduation from a state accredited Ohio public or Ohio non-public chartered school will be eligible for in-state tuition rates.
Ex-Offender Admission Procedures
Terra State Community College has a high standard of conduct for members of its College community, including students. To enhance the safety of the College community, all applicants are responsible for informing the College of any prior felony convictions and any prior convictions involving violence, harm to others, or weapons in any state or country upon application to the College. The College may admit, admit with restrictions, defer, or deny admission based on the nature and circumstance of the crime(s).
Under these procedures, admitted students are required to self-report any felony conviction or any conviction involving violence, harm to others, or weapons in any state or country, subsequent to application (including plea bargains), to the Associate Dean of Students in writing before registration begins for the term immediately following the conviction. The College may deny continued enrollment based upon the nature and circumstances of the crime.
Applicants for admission are required to disclose any prior felony convictions and any prior convictions involving violence, harm to others, or weapons in any state or country on the application for admission. Applicants who respond “yes” to the screening question on the application must complete the personal statement form that appears in the application. Their application will be placed in pending status, preventing applicants to enroll or access other College services until an admissions decision is made. Members of the Behavioral Intervention Team will review the personal statement form and will make a recommendation regarding admission to the college or next steps in the process which may include an interview, a background check, and/or supplemental materials. All background checks must be paid for by the applicant at the cashiers office and processed by our security office. Final determinations regarding enrollment of students with criminal activity rests with the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services, who may require the student to meet additionally with other designees prior to an admission decision. If the Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services does not concur with the recommendation of the BIT panel, a short rational regarding the decision will be issued, which shall be shown to the applicant upon request.
Visiting Guest/Transient Student Admission Procedures
Terra State Community College welcomes visiting students from other institutions seeking to enroll in courses with the intention of transferring these credits earned back to the home institution from which they are attempting to earn a degree.
A transient student may be concurrently enrolled at their home institution.
Transient students who are visiting from a home institution and enrolling in Terra State course(s) must submit an on-line application for admission indicating their educational goal as a visiting transient student and a Transient Form approved by the home institution indicating the Terra State course(s) are approved for registration. Once this form has been returned, a guest student representative will contact the student with registration information.
Students applying as transient students are not considered as certificate or degree seeking students at Terra State; therefore:
- They will not be eligible for financial aid through Terra State. They may be eligible for financial aid through their home institution; and
- The guest form must be signed by their home school advisor affirming they meet prerequisites for Terra State course(s);
- Documentation may be required showing necessary pre/co-requisites have been met, which could include official transcripts; and
- Transient students must abide by all other admissions, College, and academic practices, policies and procedures.
Senior Citizens Educational Plan
Individuals who are sixty years of age or older and who have resided in the state for at least one year, may enroll in college courses tuition-free on a space-available basis. Space available means classroom seats unoccupied by regularly enrolled students one day prior to the beginning of each term, or part of term.
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Senior citizens may elect to take a course for a grade or for no grade. Those who do not take the course for a grade must elect to audit the class prior to the deadline as defined by the college. |
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Terra State agrees to waive the tuition for eligible students. Senior citizens pay only the general and lab fees, the cost of books and supplies, and any other special fees as they apply to the specific class. |
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The college may exempt classes for which special courses or training prerequisites apply. |
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The college may cancel classes in which the number of participating regular students is insufficient to cover the college’s related expenses. |
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Courses offered through the Kern Center for Community and Industrial Development are not covered by this policy. |
Selective Health Program Admission Procedures
Students seeking to apply to Terra State’s health programs with selective admission requirements may be generally accepted to Terra State to pursue admission requirements for their intended health major. Acceptance to the College does not imply or guarantee acceptance to selective health programs. It is recommended that health majors seek advising prior to each term to ensure they understand and are pursuing the requirements for admission to their intended health program by the program’s identified application deadline.
Professional Licensure or Certification Notice
Students who are pursuing degrees leading to application for professional licensure or certification, and/or who will be participating in clinical placements, internships, or practicums through their program should be aware that their host facility may require a criminal background check, finger printing, or drug screening. In such situations, each student is responsible for obtaining and paying for the background check or other screening process and for delivering required documentation to the facility. Although the College will make reasonable efforts to place admitted students in field experiences and internships, it will be up to the host facility to determine whether a student will be allowed to work at that facility. Students should further be aware that a criminal record may jeopardize licensure by the state and/or national certification body. Students may consult the certification body corresponding to their intended occupation for more details. Successful completion of a program of study at the College does not guarantee licensure, certification, or employment in the relevant occupation.
College Credit Plus
College Credit Plus is open to 7th through 12th grade students who attend public, community, private, and home school high schools who test at the college-level in reading, writing or math. Students must be Ohio residents and meet the prerequisites and co-prerequisites for courses in which they plan to enroll.
Application and Enrollment Checklist
- Complete free online application;
- Submit an unofficial high school transcript and a signed School Consent Form to Terra State Admissions Office;
- To determine eligibility submit ACT scores or complete the placement assessment offered at Terra State.
- To be accepted as a College Credit Plus students one must be considered college ready in at least one area of reading, writing, or math. Have eligible scores.
- Upon acceptance to the College Credit Plus Program students must schedule an appointment to meet with a College Credit Plus Advisor and register for classes. Before starting classes students must obtain a Terra State student ID and attend a College Credit Plus Student orientation.
Participation Guidelines
- Students can enroll in no more than 30 college credit hours per academic year. Students will work in collaboration with their high school guidance counselor and College Credit Plus Advisor to determine what is an appropriate course load;
- An Academic year begins with the Summer term followed by Fall and Spring.
- Any student wishing to take a class with an English or math prerequisites will be registered based on the results of the placement assessment or their ACT scores;
- New students, or students who have earned less than 15 college credits, are required to enroll in Level 1 courses. A current list of Level I classes can be found at terra.edu. Courses not eligible for College Credit Plus students are:
- one-on-one private instruction courses,
- physical education courses,
- religious courses,
- Course with fees that exceed amount set by Ohio Department of Higher Education, and
- Remedial or developmental education courses.
- It is the responsibility of the student to have their college schedule approved by their high school guidance counselor;
- It is the responsibility of the student to make sure their high school graduation requirements are met;
- Students are not guaranteed course availability, and;
- Students must meet all course co-requisites and/or prerequisites to enroll in a college course.
Other Helpful Information
- Some courses at Terra State Community College address subject matter that requires adult levels of maturity. College Credit Plus students are college students and must complete all required coursework as well as adhere to course requirements - such as attendance, meeting deadlines, and professional behavior in class.
- It is the responsibility of the student to schedule his/her classes each semester at the College through the College Credit Plus Advisor. Courses cannot be scheduled through high school staff.
- Academic information cannot be released or discussed with parents or guardians without the written consent of the student.
- Students are expected to be in classes when the College is holding classes, regardless of the student’s high school schedule. This includes weather delays/cancellations or high school scheduled holidays.
- Students are required to maintain a college cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. Students who do not meet this requirement will be placed on probation for one semester and dismissed from the program after two consecutive semesters of a term grade point average of less than 2.0. If a student is dismissed from the program, they may petition for re-admission after sitting out for one semester.
- Students who drop after the no-default drop out date or earn an “F” in a college course may be required to pay for classes, and associated fees for course. This determination will be made by the high school.
- Students must submit a College Credit Plus School Consent Form annually.
- Students who receive a grade of “I” (incomplete) have until the sixth week of the following semester to complete the coursework.
- Students are responsible for and expected to regularly communicate any issues, problems, or concerns with their College Credit Plus Advisor or Assistant Director for Admissions and Academic Advising for High School Partnerships.
- Special circumstances may be considered after a review by the Assistant Director of Admissions and Academic Advising for High School Partnerships, and a high school guidance counselor.
- For more information please call 419-559-2349
Placement Testing, Advising, and Registration
Students and their success is top priority at Terra State Community College and providing an entering student with proper placement assessment and advising is just the first step to success and completion.
Because we care about student success, we ask students to take an assessment of their reading, writing, math, as part of the enrollment process. The assessment is given via computer so that students can take it at their convenience and is structured so that students can take all the time they need to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they bring with them to Terra State. When scheduling for the assessment, students should indicate, at the time, if they feel they need any special accommodations for placement testing. ACT or SAT scores will also be accepted for placement. Placement scores are accepted for three years, at which time, retesting is required.
After an entering student has completed the placement assessment, an academic advising session will help the student to better understand their placement scores and requirements. During the session the academic and career advisor will help students determine and register for the appropriate courses for the first semester. Additionally, during the advising session the student attending this session will receive information on student policies and procedures, services, Banner Self-Service, and the learning management system.
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