early admissons

Ordinarily, students admitted to Dutchess Community College should either be high school graduates or holders of the New York State General Equivalency Diploma. However, since some students currently enrolled in high school may benefit, either educationally or vocationally, by beginning college study in individual courses or a selected college curriculum earlier than the traditional college entry date, Dutchess provides an Early Admissions Program to serve such students.

Courses taken at the College earn credit toward a degree, and if the high school agrees, these courses may also be used to fulfill high school graduation requirements. The high school counselor should be aware of the specific courses a student enrolls in.

Students who have completed the 11th grade and who demonstrate above average high school grades and motivation may apply to the Early Admissions Program. Students must take the COMPASS/ASSET entrance test, and place for ENG 101 in order to be accepted into the program as a full-time Early Admissions student.

High school students may also apply for Part-time study at Dutchess while still attending high school classes. Generally, such students register for afternoon, evening or weekend classes. Students are considered for part-time if, in any semester, they carry eleven or less college credits.

Guidelines for Full-Time Early Admissions Students

1. Student and parent should speak with High School Guidance Counselor.
   
2. Student arranges for general DCC application and high school transcript to be sent to DCC.
   
3. Guidance counselor fills out Early Admissions Application, listing courses needed to fulfill high school graduation. This form is available at the Admissions Office or in area high school guidance offices. Each application is signed by student and parent or guardian and is sent to DCC. This completes the application process.
   
4. If student's transcript indicates the student's readiness for college, the student will be asked to sit for the COMPASS/ASSET test.. Student must place for ENG 101.
   
5. Completed applications, including test results, transcripts, Counselor form, are due June 30 for the Fall Semester and December 1 for the Spring semester.
6. Students and parent or guardian must fulfill one of the following
   
   • attend an Early Admissions Informations Session either at DCC or at the High School
   • meet with a member of the Admissions Staff
   • meet with the academic advisor at registration session

Guidelines for Part-Time Early Admissions Students

1. Student should speak with High School Guidance Counselor.
   
2. Student must meet all DCC prerequisites prior to enrolling in a course.
   
3. The student must place for ENG 101 on the English Placement test or COMPASS/ASSET test in order to register for ENG 101.
   
4. The student must submit a signed permission form (available in the Registrar's Office, the Admissions Office or in area high school guidance offices) at the time of registration.
   

Please note that the Full-time Early Admissions Program is not intended to be an alternative high school. It is designed for those students who have both the maturity and grades to begin their college studies prior to graduating from high school. Acceptance to this program is not automatic and is based on the applicant's high school transcript, COMPASS/ASSET test results, and counselor comments and recommendations.

For more information about the Early Admissions Program, please call the Office of Admissions at (845) 431-8010.