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NCAA eligibility is based on a student-athlete's academic readiness and amateur status. If you're thinking about playing college sports, it's crucial to know what this means - and it's best to start learning now.

Read on to stay up to date on the most recent NCAA eligibility rules for student-athletes.

NCAA eligibility rules and academic requirements

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NCAA temporarily eased initial eligibility requirements by removing standardized testing. This change will now become a permanent policy for students starting college full-time from the 2023-2024 academic year onward.

This means the NCAA will no longer require standardized testing as part of the eligibility criteria.

Your academic eligibility is based on two factors:

Core Course Requirement: You'll need to pass 16 approved NCAA Core Courses during your high school years. Exact requirements vary slightly between D1 and D2 schools. View our full breakdown of the NCAA core course requirements.

Core Course GPA: Your GPA will be calculated based on your performance in core courses, not your entire high school transcript. The NCAA provides a core course worksheet to help, but we recommend you meet with your high school counselor too. Here's more more information on how to determine your core course GPA.

Did You Know? 75% of college student-athletes typically meet NCAA academic minimums. Just because you are a good student doesn't guarantee academic eligibility. Surprisingly, every year, student-athletes with 3.5+ GPAs and honors courses are declared academically ineligible due to not meeting one of the following NCAA eligibility requirements.

Although the NCAA isn't making the SAT or ACT mandatory, you may still need to take them. Some colleges continue to expect these scores for admission and specific scholarships may request them too. It's a good idea to check what each college and scholarship requires to make sure you meet all the criteria.

NCSA can help you prepare for the SAT/ACT through Method Learning. Think of it as making sure you have the right tools for your academic game - you wouldn't want to miss an opportunity just because you weren't prepared!

NCAA amateurism requirements

Your amateur status is determined by following NCAA amateurism rules, which are in place to ensure that student-athletes do not receive compensation or benefits that could jeopardize their amateur status. Students who are enrolling at a D1 or D2 school for the first time must obtain a final amateurism certification before becoming eligible to participate in college sports.

Examples of situations that may impact a prospective student-athlete's amateur status include:

Having received prize money (beyond participation reimbursement).

Signing contracts or receiving benefits from agents.

Receiving money for promoting products or services.

Making money using their athletic ability or fame.

Delaying full-time collegiate enrollment to compete in organized sports.

The new NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rules allow college athletes to earn money from endorsements and promotions while remaining amateurs. However, it's important to understand these rules, including state laws, to ensure you maintain your eligibility.
You can learn more about the NCAA NIL policy here.
NCAA Division 1 eligibility requirements
For high-school athletes enrolling in college full-time in 2023-24 and beyond:

Complete 16 core courses using pass/fail grades:

English: 4 years

Math (Algebra 1 or higher): 3 years

Natural/Physical Science (Including 1 year of lab, if offered): 2 years

Social Science: 2 years

Additional Courses

English, Math or Science: 1 year

English, Math, Sciences, Foreign Language, Comparative Religion or Philosophy: 4 years

Core Course Progression: You must complete 10 core courses by the beginning of senior year, or seventh semester. Among these 10, seven must be in the subjects of English, math or natural/physical science. This is known as the 10/7 rule.

Earn a core course GPA of 2.3 or higher

Graduate high school

Receive final certification on your amateurism status via the NCAA Eligibility Center

Once you enter your senior year, the grades you've received in your core courses are "locked in" and cannot be changed. If you're currently a junior in high school, it's crucial to keep an eye on your core course count. You might need to take additional courses during the summer between your junior and senior years to meet this requirement.

NCAA Division 2 eligibility requirements

For high-school athletes enrolling in college full-time in 2023-2024 and beyond:

Complete 16 core courses using pass/fail grades:

English: 4 years

Math (Algebra 1 or higher): 3 years

Natural/Physical Science (Including 1 year of lab, if offered): 2 years

Social Science: 2 years

Additional Courses

English, Math or Science: 1 year

English, Math, Sciences, Foreign Language, Comparative Religion or Philosophy: 4 years

Earn a core course GPA of 2.2 or higher

Graduate high school

Receive final certification on your amateurism status via the NCAA Eligibility Center

NCAA Division 3 eligibility requirements

Division 3 schools are responsible for setting their own academic eligibility rules. If you are going to be competing for a D3 institution, or if you are unsure what division level you'll be competing at, you can start with a free NCAA Profile page. If you do decide to pursue a D1 or D2 program, you can always transition to a Certification Account later.

Academic status: What your academic status with the NCAA means

The NCAA will only review an athlete's eligibility status if their status has been requested by a D1 or D2 college. This process will begin once you graduate high school and complete the minimum 16 core courses with a minimum GPA average in these courses.You also need to request your final amateurism certification from the NCAA Eligibility Center.

Once the NCAA reviews your account, they will assign you an "Academic Status." Here are the various statuses you could receive and what they mean:

Final Qualifier: You meet all of the academic requirements and can receive an athletic scholarship your first year.

Early Academic Qualifier: This status is based on your academic record after six semesters of high school. It means you are eligible to receive an athletic scholarship and practice/compete with your team during your first year of full-time college enrollment. Make sure to meet with your college's compliance office to confirm this status.

Final Nonqualifier: You do not meet the academic requirements and are not eligible to compete or practice at the college requesting your final status. You will not be eligible to receive an athletic scholarship.

Final Partial Qualifier: This is a status for only D2 schools. Athletes with this status can receive an athletic scholarship and practice with the team, but you are not eligible to compete your first year in college.

Under Review: The NCAA Eligibility Center is reviewing a unique academic situation related to your case.

Academic Redshirt: This means you will be eligible to receive an athletic scholarship and practice but will not be allowed to compete during your first year in school. Only athletes enrolling in a Division 1 school after August 1, 2016, are eligible for this status.

Automatic Waiver Approved: This indicates that you are immediately eligible to receive an athletic scholarship, and practice/compete with your team during your first year as a full-time enrollee. Contact your college's compliance department for more details.

HS Decision Pending: If your high school courses are not NCAA Approved, the NCAA will likely need to make a more in-depth review of your high school classes.

In Process: The NCAA Eligibility Center is reviewing your case. Usually, cases remain in process for no more than two business days.

Secondary Review: On rare occasions, the NCAA will make a secondary review of your status. This will only happen with the help of your college compliance office.

Waiver Approved: From time to time, your colleges compliance office will file for a waiver if they think you will meet one of the cases for academic waivers. This status means that the waiver has been approved.

Waiver Denied: If your compliance office has filed for a waiver and it is denied, you will receive this status. This likely means you will not be eligible for a scholarship or to compete.

Waiver Partially Approved (athletics aid only): If your compliance office has filed for a waiver on your behalf, it might be partially approved. This would mean you are eligible to receive an athletic scholarship but are not eligible to practice or play your first year in college.

Waiver Partially Approved (aid and practice): If your compliance office has filed for a waiver on your behalf, this status would mean you are eligible to receive an athletic scholarship and practice, but you will not be eligible to compete your first year in college.

COVID-19 policies

The chart below has been created to help people understand the NCAA's new legislation and stay informed about COVID-19 policies that might affect students who start full-time enrollment in the academic year 2023-24 and later.

See these NCAA FAQs regarding COVID-19 policies for more info.

NCAA eligibility FAQs

Is the SAT/ACT required for NCAA eligibility?

No. In January 2023, the NCAA voted to remove test score requirements for initial eligibility for incoming college freshmen student-athletes following a recommendation from the NCAA Standardized Test Score Task Force.

What are the NCAA academic eligibility requirements?

To meet NCAA academic eligibility requirements, student-athletes must complete a specific set of high school core courses, maintain a minimum GPA in these courses, and graduate from high school.

How long do you have NCAA eligibility?

NCAA eligibility rules allow student-athletes 5 years to compete athletically in 4 seasons.

What is the NCAA 10/7 rule?

The 10/7 rule is a specific requirement for NCAA D1 eligibility. It means you must complete 10 of the required 16 core courses before your senior year of high school, or seventh semester. Seven of these 10 courses should be in subjects like English, Math or Natural/Physical Science. This rule doesn't apply to students with international academic credentials, including those from Canada.

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The NCAA determines a student-athlete's eligibility based on their academic preparedness and amateurism status. Learn more about NCAA eligibility.

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Student Credentials that can be used for Course Credit @NOVA

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Student Credentials that can be used for Course Credit @NOVA

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If you're looking to build some strong Virginia Tech supplemental essays (and considering things like the fact that Virginia Tech is in the top 6% of universities in the nation for research expenditures, it makes sense why you're excited by the school), the guide below will walk you through how to brainstorm and craft your essays.

If you want to get a clearer sense of all that Virginia Tech is looking for, you can explore an extensive, by-the-numbers look at its offerings, from enrollment and tuition statistics to student life and financial aid information, on its Common Data Set . And for insights into how the university envisions itself and its role, and how it wants to grow and evolve, read its strategic plan . Reading through these will give you a strong idea of what Virginia Tech values.

What are the Virginia Tech Supplemental Essay Prompts?

Prompt 1 (required)

Virginia Tech's motto is "Ut Prosim" which means 'That I May Serve'. Share how you contribute to a community that is important to you. How long have you been involved? What have you learned and how would you like to share that with others at Virginia Tech? (max 120)

Prompt 2

Virginia Tech's Principles of Community supports access and inclusion by affirming the dignity and value of every person, respecting differences, promoting mutual understanding and open expression, and strives to eliminate bias and discrimination. Have you had an experience when you or someone you know were not being included? Did you reach out to anyone for assistance, direction, or resources? Were you able to affect change and/or influence others? Did this experience change your perspective and if so, how? (max 120)

Prompt 3

Share a time when you were most proud of yourself either as a role model or when you displayed your leadership. What specific skills did you contribute to the experience? How did others rely on you for guidance? What did you learn about yourself during this time? (max 120)

Prompt 4 (optional)

Describe a goal that you have set and the steps you will take to achieve it. What made you set this goal for yourself? What is your timeline to achieve this goal? Who do you seek encouragement or guidance from and how do they support your progress as you work on this goal? (max 120)

For context, here's what Virginia Tech says about their supplemental essays :

The Ut Prosim Profile is required for all degree-seeking applicants. Each question has a word limit of 120 words for your response. The Ut Prosim Profile is your opportunity to let us get to know you beyond what is on your application or academic materials. We encourage you to use your own voice and answer each prompt as fully as possible. Once you submit your application, your responses to the Ut Prosim Profile questions are final and cannot be updated.

Please take your time to form responses that you feel confident about and help to support your application for admission.

With that in mind, as you read through the guidance, examples, and analysis below, you can start exploring your own possible responses to the prompts.

How to Write Virginia Tech's Supplemental Essay Prompt #1

Virginia Tech's motto is "Ut Prosim" which means 'That I May Serve'. Share how you contribute to a community that is important to you. How long have you been involved? What have you learned and how would you like to share that with others at Virginia Tech? (max 120)

Two questions to ask yourself as you brainstorm topics for this prompt:

What sort of service or civic engagement projects have you been involved with? Your Activities List is a good place to start.

Are there any essays you're already writing for another school that you could double with this prompt? If so, it may be a candidate for a Super Essay .

Do you have meaningful examples and anecdotes that bring the values of service and civic engagement to life-like the club you started to teach chess to fifth-graders, or the recycling project you led in your neighborhood, or the comedy skits you put on for the local senior center?

Your topic of choice should be something you genuinely care about. You'll find it much easier to write with enthusiasm if you talk about something you actually find important and interesting.

Once you've picked a topic, you'll notice you're (probably) writing an extracurricular activity essay. Here's a complete guide on how to write that. You'll want to make sure your values are super clear by the end of the essay.

Finally, you can weave in how what you've done has shaped what you want to share with others at Virginia Tech. This might make up just the end of your essay.

Below is an example of a super essay approach-the student used a version of this essay for many different school prompts.
Example essay:
Since I was fourteen, I've contributed to my family's restaurant by being a friendly, easy-going, and hard-working employee. The two separate restaurant communities-the kitchen staff and the servers-have different types of people and personalities. I've learned to navigate both communities.

I make jokes and discuss music with the kitchen staff, as well as socialize and encourage the dining room staff. I've also improved my conversational skills talking with customers. At the bar there are regulars who I have gotten to know pretty well, and who are enjoyable to talk to.

The skills I developed from my job, I hope to share at Virginia Tech in not only their mechanical engineering program, but their other communities as well. (117 words)
Tips + Analysis

Personalize your essays to the school. This allows the reader to envision you on campus and within specific communities that you mention. Whether or not you're using certain supplemental essays as super essays , a great way to personalize an essay for a particular school is to mention their name and/or school specifics. In the last sentence, this student says "I hope to share [the skills I developed] at Virginia Tech" and even goes on to mention their mechanical engineering program. If they had the space, they could have also named another specific community they were interested in instead of "their other communities as well."

_ _ _

And here's another example essay:
Example essay:
The School of Rock program offers students the opportunity to take music lessons, rehearse in a band, and play concerts in order to become great musicians. Over the last four years, I have organized and played guitar at four charity concerts, helped pay for another students' guitar lessons, and taught free lessons to younger students while playing in the advanced House Band. I've recruited friends to this program who gained an unexpected passion in music.

I believe everyone deserves the chance to discover their talents and find a community just as I did. I plan to continue teaching guitar to younger students and to support organizations that provide music lessons for students who can't afford them. (116 words)

_ _ _

How to Write Virginia Tech's Supplemental Essay Prompt #2

Virginia Tech's Principles of Community supports access and inclusion by affirming the dignity and value of every person, respecting differences, promoting mutual understanding and open expression, and strives to eliminate bias and discrimination. Have you had an experience when you or someone you know were not being included? Did you reach out to anyone for assistance, direction, or resources? Were you able to affect change and/or influence others? Did this experience change your perspective and if so, how? (max 120)
You can think of this as a form of "diversity" essay, though one that is different in some important ways from the prompts many other schools offer.

(For a complete guide to different types of "diversity" essays, head here .

To approach this particular prompt, we'd recommend paying careful attention to the prompt's phrasing, and using it to help brainstorm and structure your essay.

We'd assume that, sadly, yes, you have had this experience, since it seems incredibly rare to non-existent for people not to experience or witness exclusion.

So, as a first step, spend 5 minutes listing out experiences that fit the above framing. At first, cast a wide net, then use the next parts of the prompt (especially Q4) to narrow to your topic.

There's no right answer here. Instead, help us understand the "why" behind your actions-was there no one to reach out to? Or were you worried about potential repercussions?

You don't actually need to write about changing someone's mind here.

If you did, great. But if not, it can still work for this prompt (because changing people's minds and behaviors is actually really hard-your reader knows this).

Instead, you can think of this part as setup for Q4 below, which in many ways is perhaps the most important part-what did you learn, what insights did you gain, how are you a different you now?

We'd generally recommend using this as a key component of choosing what experience to write about-how did this change how you engage with others, or how you listen, or how and why you create belonging, or what it means to you to be inclusive, or...

You get the point. In short, how did you learn and grow?

What can you help the reader to see about how you engage with others during conflict, or how you can have healthy disagreement (and, by implication, how you'll keep doing those things on Virginia Tech's campus)?
Example essay:
Here's an example that can show you how you can approach this prompt.

Many members of my extended family are Mormon, so they tend to have more conservative and traditional views. When my cousin came out as transgender, some members of our family were not very accepting, refusing to acknowledge his new pronouns and ignoring the change.
Tips + Analysis

What did you do, and what do you wish you could've done? This student makes this distinction in their writing, being honest about both what they did (fully supporting their cousin, occasionally correcting family members) and what they wish they could've done (been more assertive and try to educate family members). They are not only honest (which is important) but their reflection shows growth: sure, it would be great if we always did the right thing at exactly the right time... but that doesn't really seem possible. Acknowledging our past failings is a sign of growth and maturity.

End with the lesson. From this experience, the student learned that "it's important to be open-minded... and to support [family and friends] whenever they need it." Having the lesson be the concluding sentence not only leaves the reader with your reflection on growth and how you might bring these lessons to Virginia Tech, but it also places you at the center, rather than, for example, the student's family or cousin. Other people will be important parts of what you write about here-but it's still an essay that is supposed to show who you are and what you bring to the college.

I fully support my cousin and treat him the same, but certain family members don't feel that way. I have occasionally corrected them when they misgender him, but generally I wish I could be more assertive and try to educate them. Their treatment of my cousin has hurt him and has shown me that it's important to be open-minded with my family and friends and to support them whenever they need it. (116 words)

_ _ _

How to Write Virginia Tech's Supplemental Essay Prompt #3

Share a time when you were most proud of yourself either as a role model or when you displayed your leadership. What specific skills did you contribute to the experience? How did others rely on you for guidance? What did you learn about yourself during this time? (max 120)
Before we dive in, an important note that "leadership" doesn't have to come with a title. You can demonstrate leadership in many, many ways.

The UC PIQs have a similar prompt that can be useful for framing here: think of leadership as ways that you have "positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time."

Assuming you're applying to other schools, you likely have other essays that you can adapt here using a Super Essay approach.

Generate content for your essay by filling out the Best Extracurricular Activity Brainstorm I've Ever Seen (aka BEABIES), which you can find right here .

But in case, here's how to build out your topic + content here:

Does your BEABIES content focus on a particular challenge you faced, what you did about it, and what you learned?

Use Narrative Structure.

Does your content focus on a few different experiences and problems that taught you different values and insights about leadership?

Try Montage Structure.

Challenge (the Problem You Solved column)

What I Did About It (What I Did and Impact I Had columns)

What I Learned (Lessons Learned/Skills I Gained, and How I Applied What I Learned columns)

To outline a narrative, organize your BEABIES content into three sections:

Think about (and write down) how different actions connect to and taught you about different values and insights regarding leadership.

To outline a montage, you can take a couple approaches

Evolving robotics club and encouraging debate → pushed back against stereotypes, learned to listen without moralizing or judgement

Learning to listen first → invite dialogue; better at controlling momentum with debate team or basketball, help team maintain composure and resolve

Another option is to just flip the BEABIES Exercise vertically, and that's basically your outline.

For example:
Example essay:
4. Write a draft!

Here's an example essay to point the way for you.
Tips + Analysis

Keep the summary short. This writer only dedicates the first sentence answering the part of the prompt that asks them to "share a time when you were most proud of yourself...as a role model or when you displayed leadership." This allows them to dedicate more words to their skills and what they learned about themselves. We recommend keeping the summary as short as possible, from one to two sentences so you can elaborate on your values and skills.

Don't forget about structure. Even with a prompt as short as 120 words max, this student structured their essay with two paragraphs: the first for the situation and what they did, and the second for what they learned. Breaking up your response into more than one paragraph makes it easier for your readers to find the information they're looking for, and even highlights the values and lessons (since they have their own dedicated paragraph).

Capitalize on strong verbs. Strong verbs aren't just for the activities list (but you can find a helpful list here )! Every word counts in a shorter essay, and this student's strong verbs (see: analyzed, coached, identified, urged, observed, and instructed) help them illustrate and describe beyond "I did ...this and that" or even taking up more words to say the same thing that you can do in one.

While I was elected JV Soccer team captain my sophomore year, I found myself having to direct the team from the sidelines after an injury. I analyzed my teammates' weaknesses in-game and coached them through overcoming them. I identified open positions and urged teammates to cover their respective areas. I also observed our opponents' abilities, instructing my teammates to pressure our opponents' weak side in hopes of turning the ball over.

From this experience, I came to understand the value of respect. Without it, my teammates wouldn't have listened to me. I also learned how to evaluate other people and give actionable feedback in a way they will receive and understand.
Example essay:
_ _ _

And here's another example essay:

Four-wheeling through the Utah mountains at a family reunion, my younger cousins drove into a ditch. My relatives took a different route and we were in the woods, so I had to take charge. I was shocked, but quickly helped my young cousins out of the ditch and calmly comforted them. There wasn't enough room to pull their vehicle out with my four-wheeler and tow hook, nor could I drive the stuck vehicle backwards without tipping it over. So I drove up the mountain, calling my grandpa when I got cell service. After hours, he and I managed to drive it out of the ditch. I learned that I'm calm under pressure and gained confidence in myself during stressful situations. (120 words)

_ _ _

How to Write Virginia Tech's Supplemental Essay Prompt #4

Describe a goal that you have set and the steps you will take to achieve it. What made you set this goal for yourself? What is your timeline to achieve this goal? Who do you seek encouragement or guidance from and how do they support your progress as you work on this goal? (max 120)
This prompt is pretty wide open.

To pick a topic, we'd recommend stepping back and assessing your personal statement and the other essays/application components Virgina Tech is getting (e.g. your Activities List , maybe an Additional Info section ).

Questions to ask:

If so, can you frame those in terms of a goal you want to achieve?

For example, in the essay below, the student had demonstrated tons of engagement, curiosity, intellectual drive, commitment to community in other parts of their application.
Example essay:
But they hadn't shown a value that's increasingly important to them: self-care.

As someone who has high expectations of myself, it is often a challenge to prioritize self-care. Over time, I've developed a nervous tic where I scratch my eczema. Visiting a dermatologist about my worsening skin, she told me that the dark bumps on my knees were actually prurigo nodularis caused by anxiety, not allergies. At that point, I decided to go to therapy to solve the issues and not the symptoms.
Tips + Analysis
Although it will take much longer to unlearn my unhealthy itching habits, I've already learned valuable skills that have saved me from several panic attacks. This goal is lifelong and something I want to achieve to allow myself to be unburdened by my own expectations. (116 words)

_ _ _

Special thanks to Elica for contributing to this post.
Elica (she/her) is a college essay specialist who has a love of language in all forms; she has degrees in linguistics, has taught academic writing at the university level, and has been coaching students on their college and graduate school admissions essays for over 7 years. When she's not working with students or writing, Elica can be found reading, printmaking, and exploring nature.
Top Values: Collaboration | Curiosity | Patience

Source: university-florida-supplemental-essays

Tagged: student, supplemental essay, sample supplemental essay, virginia tech

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How to Write the Virginia Tech Supplemental Essays: Examples + Guide 2025/2026

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This guide covers how to write the Virginia Tech Supplemental Essays prompts with exercises and essay examples to help you along the way.

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College Interview Tips and Strategies - The Ultimate Guide

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Know what to expect at a college interview. Learn college interview tips to crush your university interview, including interview questions, answers, & more.

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Senior planning docs, college & career planning resources, click HERE

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FCPS Gap Year Fair @Marshall HS on January 28, 2026, 6-8 pm

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FCPS Gap Year Fair @Marshall HS on January 28, 2026, 6-8 pm

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Essay Requirements Search by College Name

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Testing Information, PSAT, SAT, ACT & more. Please click HERE to access our Testing Padlet.

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Info about the FAFSA, CSS Profile, VASA - Virginia Alternative State Aid (undocumented students), Financial Aid Award Letters & more offered by College Access Fairfax. Click HERE.

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The Staff of The Princeton Review

For more than 35 years, students and families have trusted The Princeton Review to help them get into their dream schools. We help students succeed in high school and beyond by giving them resources for better grades, better test scores, and stronger college applications. Follow us on Twitter: @ThePrincetonRev.

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60 Questions to Ask on Your College Tour

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The Staff of The Princeton Review For more than 35 years, students and families have trusted The Princeton Review to help them get into their dream schools. We help students succeed in high school and beyond by giving them resources for better grades, better test scores, and stronger college applications.

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Association of International Regional Representatives - North America | AIRR-NA

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Learn from a professional college essay editor how to tell your story for admissions essays and personal statements!

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National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)

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For the Fall 2023 admission cycle, NACAC member four-year colleges reported that the most important factors in admission decisions were grades in high school courses and strength of the high school curriculum.
(NACAC Membership Required)

PERCENTAGE OF COLLEGES ATTRIBUTING DIFFERENT LEVELS OF IMPORTANCE TO FACTORS IN ADMISSION DECISIONS: FIRST-TIME FRESHMEN , FALL 2023

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Considerable Importance

Moderate Importance

Limited Importance

No Importance

Do the top factors in admission decisions vary by type of college?

Across all four-year colleges surveyed, high school grades and strength of high school curriculum are uniformly rated as the most important factors. However, some differences were found between public and private colleges in the level of importance given to the following factors:

high school GPA in college prep courses

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class rank

positive character attributes

the essay or writing sample

the interview

work

extracurricular activities

counselor and teacher recommendations

student's interest in attending the institution.

How has the importance of admission factors changed over time?

The Fall 2023 survey represents NACAC's first data collection since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent wide-spread adoption of test-optional or test-free admission policies. As expected, the importance of test scores has substantially declined, while grades and strength of curriculum have remained of top importance.

PERCENTAGE OF COLLEGES ATTRIBUTING "CONSIDERABLE IMPORTANCE" TO FACTORS IN ADMISSION DECISIONS: FIRST-TIME FRESHMEN , FALL 2012 TO FALL 2023

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For the Fall 2023 admission cycle, NACAC member four-year colleges reported that the most important factors in admission decisions were grades in high school courses and strength of the high school curriculum. Access the dashboards and tools (NACAC Membership Required) PERCENTAGE OF COLLEGES ATTRIBUTING

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Explore gap year opportunities to help students prepare for the transition from high school.

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It's important to take time to reflect as you consider your interests and research your options during this step of the college deferral process. Familiarize yourself with our modular Gap Year, Semester, and Short-Term programs with the help of your expert Gap Year Consultant, who will work with you and your family one-on-one to determine the perfect program for you.

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G 3 Program at NOVA - Financial Aid for High Demand Fields

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G 3 Program at NOVA - Financial Aid for High Demand Fields

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The G3 Scholarship makes it possible for Virginians with low or modest income to pursue jobs in high-demand fields on a timeline that works for them: full-time, part-time, a few weeks, or a few years.

G3 students can select from a list of approved programs in five high-need career areas:

Due to the selective admissions of the AAS, CERT, and CSC Medical Education/Allied Health, Biotechnology, and Veterinary Technology programs, only current NOVA students admitted into these programs can be considered for G3 funds. FastForward healthcare programs are available to new students and eligible for G3 funding.

Contact an Advisor

Contact an advisor at g3@nvcc.edu

Discuss your eligibility, financial aid, and potential career path(s).

Apply for Financial Aid

Enroll in Classes

Many of the G3 certificates and degrees are "stackable." This means that programs start with quick skills training leading to a certificate with immediate value in the job market. If a credential or certificate is part of a larger associate degree, a student can begin working in their field (making money!) while continuing to take courses toward finishing the degree.
View the Stacked Credentials Infographic.

At NOVA, we understand that time and money are two major factors to consider when exploring training for a new career. To support you on your new endeavor we award college credit for completion of industry certifications.

To have your previous work evaluated by NOVA: Fill out the Transfer Credit Evaluation Request Form (#125-049E). Send your official documents (certification) to AsktheCRO@nvcc.edu. Students may have official transcripts sent to NOVA via the National Student Clearinghouse, Naviance, Parchment or directly from their former institution. Costs associated with sending the transcript(s) are the responsibility of the student.

Credit for Prior Learning G3 Initiative @NOVA [PDF]

Short Vs. Long-Term Programs. The G3 program recognizes that there are many pathways to success. For some students, a short-term credential or certificate program is the best fit and might take a few weeks or a few months to complete. For other learners, a one-year or two-year program may be the most appropriate path. Students work closely with an academic advisor to determine which option makes sense for their career goals. It is important to remember that many G3 programs are stackable, learners can finish a certificate and return to build on that accomplishment.

Full- or Part-Time Study. Students in G3 can enroll full-time or part-time. "Part-time" means a student is taking 6-11 credit hours each semester or is enrolled in an approved short-term (non-credit) program. For those who can enroll as full-time students (12 or more credits in the longer fall/spring semesters and 6 credits in the shorter summer semester), additional G3 financial assistance is available to those who qualify financially. The additional financial assistance for full-time students is intended to reduce the number of part-time hours a student must work so that he or she can spend more time studying. Students can speak with an advisor about a time commitment that is most appropriate for their individual situation.

Time Limits. Maintaining momentum is important in reaching your educational and career goals. As such, G3 has several time limits built into the program. For those pursuing an associate degree, a student has up to three years to complete the degree. Those who complete a short-term certificate must return to NOVA within one year to "stack" credentials and finish an associate degree. From that point, the student has two years to complete the remaining requirements of an associate degree. As with most financial aid programs, students in G3 must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress toward graduation and must maintain a 2.0 grade point average (GPA).

Last Dollar Funds. G3 funds make up the difference between what state, federal and other financial aid grants pay and the cost of tuition, fees, and books for the program of study. This is commonly referred to as a "last dollar" program. Last-dollar funds, as the name implies, are intended to be paid after all other gift aid has been awarded. Gift aid resources include state and federal financial aid, institutional grants and scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement, and Chapter 33 Veteran's benefits.

Apply for Financial Aid. This means that an individual enrolling in a G3 certificate or degree program must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for G3 funding. An individual enrolling in a designated short-term, non-credit credential program must provide documentation of household income or eligibility for federal assistance programs by completing the Workforce Financial Assistance (FANTIC) application.

Tuition and Fees. Fall 2021, Spring 2022, and Summer 2022 tuition and fees for Virginia Residents in credit-bearing programs (A.A.S., CSC, and CERT programs) is $185.50 per credit hour. Textbooks and other required course materials are not included in this amount. NOVA's tuition and fee schedule can be viewed in its entirety here.

Tuition and fees for Fast Forward short-term career training programs (non-degree) are priced individually and can be viewed here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click here to save or print the G3 FAQ PDF

The G3 initiative provides an opportunity for any Virginian to earn a college credential that meets critical employer demands. Virginia House Bill 2204 established G3 as a last-dollar grant for eligible students after other grant aid is applied. Funding is available for either credit or non-credit programs.

G3 is a limited pool of funds for students enrolled at least half-time in one of the eligible G3 credit or non-credit programs and will be awarded on a first-come/first-served basis as eligibility is determined. G3 funds make up the difference between what state, federal and other financial aid grants pay. This is commonly referred to as a "last dollar" program.

G3 awards can cover tuition and mandatory fees and a textbook stipend of $500 for full-time attendance, $375 for three-quarter-time and $250 for half-time enrollment.

Students who are enrolled full-time and receive a full Federal Pell Grant (based on a $0 Expected Family Contribution), can receive a Student Support Incentive Grant (SSIG) of up to $2,250 per year. To qualify for the Student Support Incentive Grant (SSIG), students must be full-time (12 or more credit hours) and receive a full Federal Pell Grant with an EFC equal to 0. This additional assistance is intended to reduce the number of part-time hours a student has to work so that he or she can spend more time studying.

FastForward Programs are funded by the Workforce Credential Grant and are preparatory short-term training programs for industry credentials in high-demand professions. Virginia domiciled residents can take these programs by paying only one-third (1/3) of the full tuition cost, provided they successfully complete the program. Additional financial assistance, such as G3, is available to offset some or all of the FastForward tuition costs. Learn more https://www.nvcc.edu/workforce/assistance/

Yes. G3 is available to students who demonstrate the required financial need and want to enroll in short-term industry-recognized credential programs. To qualify for FastForward G3, students must meet the Virginia domicile requirements. Virginia "domicile" means you have lived in Virginia and intended to stay here indefinitely for at least one year prior to the date of application. Students interested in FastForward G3 programs must complete the FANTIC application. For more information and to complete the FANTIC Application online https://www.nvcc.edu/workforce/assistance/

Your income level will be assessed based on tax data provided on the current award year FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). For the 2021-2022 school year, 2019 tax information is used to complete the FAFSA. The 2019 Federal Poverty Level guidelines are available here.

If your total household income on the FAFSA is less than or equal to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (approximately $50,000 for an individual or $100,000 for a family of four), you may be eligible for G3 funding. Keep in mind, all taxable and untaxable income for student/spouse/parent(s) is included in total household income.

If household income has declined within the last two years, students are encouraged to submit income appeal after they apply for financial aid.

To be considered for G3 funding f or credit programs (AAS, CERT, CSC), applicants must apply for financial aid by filing a FAFSA each award year and be eligible for federal and state aid . Though verification rules for 2021-2022 were recently change d , s ome students will still be selected for verification and /or may be required to provide additional documents (such as copies of tax returns for themselves and/or their parents). Conflicting information must also be resolved. Students must monitor their "To-Do List" items in MyNOVA to en sure the financial aid office has all the necessary items to process an award. If household income has declined within the last two years, students are encouraged to submit an income appeal after they apply for financial aid.

Students can only be placed into approved G3 programs. Dual placement in non-G3 programs that are financial aid eligible will not be permitted.

The number of stackable G3 programs is limited only by the CSCs and/or Certs that are embedded in the AAS. Stackable means the credits apply to both the CSC or Cert and the AAS.

The goal of the G3 initiative is to get students back into the workforce as quickly as possible. Therefore, students cannot be enrolled in NOVA's transfer degree programs and receive G3 funding. Students should work with their academic advisors to choose the programs of study most appropriate for their career goals.

Students can only be placed in approved G3 programs. Dual placement in non-G3 programs that are financial aid eligible will not be permitted.

Example: Students cannot be placed into AAS Information Systems Technology (G3) and AS Computer Science (non-G3).

Yes! G3 is special because even those with a previous degree (domestic or international) to receive funding (if all other G3 eligibility criteria are met). Those with a previous bachelors are higher may receive G3 tuition/fees/books funding, but are not eligible for SSIG (Student Success Initiative Grant) supplementary funding.

No, students who have defaulted on Federal/FFEL student loans are ineligible for Federal Financial Aid and cannot receive G3 funding.

Unfortunately, these students would not be eligible for G3 funding because NOVA cannot appropriately determine percent of poverty level. Students in this situation cannot be treated as independent students unless additional documentable circumstances exist that indicate why this student should be treated differently than all other students.

No, students who have failed Satisfactory Academic Progress standards are ineligible for Federal Financial Aid and cannot receive G3 funding. If you are no-SAP status, you may file an appeal with the Financial Aid office.

Students are initially awarded G3 funds based on full-time enrollment (12 or more credits) until adjustments are made after the 15-week term census date that occurs a few weeks into the term. G3 awards will be adjusted to actual enrollment at that time. Please do not ask for awards to be adjusted prior to the normal adjustment period.

At census date, awards will change if a student is less than full-time or has added or dropped credits. Credits dropped or never attended will also result in changes to awards and could mean that students owe back funds already awarded/received.

G3 funds make up the difference between what state, federal and other financial aid grants pay. This is commonly referred to as a "last dollar" program. As such, G3 is subject to the same census locking rules as Pell.

Students are encouraged to register for all courses they wish to take during the entire semester by the term census. Financial aid adjustments begin after this date. Classes added on or after this date for the current term will not increase your eligibility for financial aid grants. Aid may be reduced for students enrolled in less than 12 eligible credits. Information on financial aid awards, disbursements and refunds is available here.

To qualify for the Student Support Incentive Grant (SSIG), students must be full-time (12 or more credit hours) and receive a full Federal Pell Grant with an EFC equal to 0. This additional assistance is intended to reduce the number of part-time hours a student has to work so that he or she can spend more time studying. *Students with a previous Bachelor's degree or higher are not eligible for SSIG.

SSIG is disbursed in two installments with the first one occurring after census and the second one delayed until the end of the term in order to confirm the student did not completely withdraw or stop attending.

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The G3 Scholarship makes it possible for Virginians with low or modest income to pursue jobs in high-demand fields on a timeline that works for them: full-time, part-time, a few weeks, or a few years.

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Biology Cours es

BIO 278 Tropical Biology Non-Majors Biology Lower-Level (200) 4 Credits

Bio 278 Curriculum
Bio 278 10 Day Costa Rica Lab Information

*Depending on the host institution of the student, this course may also transfer in as a basic biology non-majors lab course (pre-req) , replace another 200-level biology, as an elective lower-level course, etc.

*Course may be taken online or on-site, ten-day required lab on-site at Osa Institute in Costa Rica at end of course

Course Location: Remote-Online, asynchronous learning modules on Sakai with Costa Rica Lab & immersion experience 10-Days at end of course

Dates Available:
Academic Calendar

Spring 2023 2nd Half--Time to sign up until March 1, 2023

Summer Session I

Summer Session II

Fall

Spring

How to Apply: Application Process

Costs: Current Tuition Cost per Credit for Courses: $708

Spanish Language Courses
*Click Links for Curriculum

SPN 1120 Elementary Spanish I, 4 credits

SPN 1121 Elementary Spanish II, 4 credits

SPN 2200 Intermediate Spanish I, 3 credits

SPN 2201 Intermediate Spanish II, 3 credits

SPN 2240 Spanish Conversation and Comp I, 3 credits

SPN 2241 Spanish Conversation and Comp II, 3 credits

Course Dates: Year-Round on the first day of each semester, session, etc.

Dates Available: Academic Calendar

Summer Session I

Summer Session II

Fall

Spring

How to Apply: Register

Costs: Current Tuition Cost per Credit for Courses: $708

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Independent Research Studies - Undergraduate and Graduate level*

Course Dates: Year-Round on the first day of each semester, session, etc.

Dates Available: Academic Calendar

Summer Session I

Summer Session II

Fall

Spring

How to Apply: Register

Costs: *Course is offered on an individual basis TBD tuition cost, must have professor from host institution

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Earn College Pre-Req Bio/Spanish Credits in Costa Rica

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Biology Cours es BIO 278 Tropical Biology Non-Majors Biology Lower-Level (200) 4 Credits Bio 278 Curriculum Bio 278 10 Day Costa Rica Lab Information *Depending on the host institution of the student, this course may also transfer in as a basic biology non-majors lab course (pre-req) , replace another 200-level biology, as an elective lower-level course, etc.

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For Financial Aid Resources, please click HERE. For Testing Information, please click HERE.

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PBS Video about the ADVANCE Program (Dual Enrollment at NOVA & GMU)

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PBS Video about the ADVANCE Program (Dual Enrollment at NOVA & GMU)

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The community college transfer process is often a bumpy ride. Most students at a community college wants to earn a bachelor's degree, but very few do.

According to the Community College Research Center, out of every 100 students who want to, only 31 will transfer to a four-year institution, and only 14 will complete a bachelor's degree. One of the biggest hurdles, transferring credits.

Students typically lose about 40 percent of their credits when they transfer, often due to not taking the right courses for their majors, or the four-year institution not accepting their credits. That hurdle and others mean that very few transfer students, only 8 percent, are able to successfully complete one of the cheapest route to a bachelor's degree, two years at a community college and two years at a four-year institution.

Twenty-five-year-old Northern Virginia resident Jennifer Aguilar is on track to do that.

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Universities, community colleges partner to help transfer students earn degrees

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As four-year colleges and universities look for ways to boost enrollment and reach underrepresented students, a growing number are focused on community college transfer students. At some of the nation's most selective colleges, transfer acceptance rates are now higher than first-year acceptance rates. Special correspondent Hari Sreenivasan reports for our series, "Rethinking College."

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Provided by the University of Delaware

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You can create your SRAR account and work on your SRAR at any time, but should submit it after submitting your application. This can be completed using the link found on the application checklist of your student portal, My Blue Hen Home. (Log-in information for your portal will be supplied after you begin your application.)

Keep in mind that you should submit by the appropriate application deadline. If you are applying for our early action deadline, you should submit your SRAR no later than Nov. 1. For regular decision, you should submit by the priority deadline of Jan. 15.

Be advised: Students who have completed their SRAR must link it to their UD application and then click "submit" at the end of the SRAR. Again, you can find the link in your My Blue Hen Home portal.

When the SRAR is complete and linked to your UD application, it should appear as received in your student portal within a few business days. All deadlines are considered met when SRAR is completed and submitted by the due date, no matter when we receive it.

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You can create your SRAR account and work on your SRAR at any time, but should submit it after submitting your application. This can be completed using the link found on the application checklist of your student portal, My Blue Hen Home. (Log-in information for your portal will be supplied after you begin your application.)

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Earn College Credit while Traveling Abroad - Verto Education

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Earn College Credit while Traveling Abroad - Verto Education

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All Verto experiences combine classroom education from world-class Academic Providers with expeditions, hands-on projects, and cultural-immersion that bring your learning to life. Spend your year abroad immersing in one Verto location or choose 2 locations to explore!

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Earn College Credit While Traveling Abroad | Verto Education

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All Verto experiences combine classroom education from world-class Academic Providers with expeditions, hands-on projects, and cultural-immersion that bring your learning to life. Spend your year abroad immersing in one Verto location or choose 2 locations to explore!

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If you cannot access the NOVA Scholarship portal, please email dshell@nvcc.edu with your NOVA ID Number.

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Through the generous support of donors, the NOVA Foundation can offer the scholarships listed on this website. To apply for these scholarships, click "Sign Up" to create an account and follow the instructions provided in the NOVA Scholarship Tutorial to apply for these opportunities before the scholarship application deadline noted below.

You may submit one general application to be considered for multiple "auto match" NOVA Foundation scholarships during the current scholarship application cycle. After submitting your general application, you may be presented with additional recommended scholarship opportunities that you may apply for individually.

There are three scholarship application cycles (fall, spring and summer) per academic year that are based on the date of the scholarship application deadline. When the application deadline falls within a particular semester then that scholarship is associated with the scholarship cycle for that semester. Spring and summer cycle scholarships are generally awarded for the upcoming academic year. Scholarships with a deadline in the fall term are typically awarded for that fall term and the upcoming spring term.
NOVA offers different scholarships during three separate application periods each year. You are encouraged to apply for additional scholarships each cycle.

The application period for NOVA's Spring 2023 Cycle will be open from January 17, 2023, through February 17, 2023 (Recipients will be notified in May 2023. Scholarships will be awarded for 2023 - 2024 enrollment, which begins with the Fall 2023 semester).

The application period for NOVA's Summer 2023 Cycle will be open from May 8, 2023, through May 29, 2023 (Recipients will be notified in July 2023. Scholarships will be awarded for 2023 - 2024 enrollment, which begins with the Fall 2023 semester).

The application period for NOVA's Fall 2023 Cycle will be open from August 28, 2023, through September 29, 2023 (Recipients will be notified in November 2023. Scholarships will be awarded for the Spring 2024 semester).

Future Scholarship Application Periods for the 2024 - 2025 Academic Year

Spring 2024 Cycle: January 2024 - February 2024 (Scholarships will be awarded for 2024 - 2025 enrollment, which begins with the Fall 2024 semester).

Summer 2024 Cycle: May 2024 - June 2024 (Scholarships will be awarded for 2024 - 2025 enrollment, which begins with the Fall 2024 semester).

Fall 2024 Cycle: August 2024 - September 2024 (Scholarships will be awarded for 2024 - 2025 enrollment, which begins with the Fall 2024 semester).

Visit this website for specific dates as each cycle approaches.
Please note that you must be admitted to NOVA to create an account and to apply for scholarships on this website.
Additional scholarships may be available through your high school, employer, or other organizations. Please review the External Scholarship Guidelines for more information.

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Through the generous support of donors, the NOVA Foundation can offer the scholarships listed on this website. To apply for these scholarships, click "Sign Up" to create an account and follow the instructions provided in the NOVA Scholarship Tutorial to apply for these opportunities before the scholarship application deadline noted below.

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Write Your Truth - A Guide to College Essays

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Write Your Truth - A Guide to College Essays

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Write Your Truth: A Guide to College Essays

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This website is dedicated to promote the success of current and prospective NOVA DREAMers. DREAMer(s) is an inclusive term for undocumented students both with and without Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). NOVA is committed to creating a more diverse, inclusive and equitable Virginia by fostering excellence in higher education.

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National Center for Education Statistics

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College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics

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College Navigator is a free consumer information tool designed to help students, parents, high school counselors, and others get information about over 7,000 postsecondary institutions in the United States - such as programs offered, retention and graduation rates, prices, aid available, degrees awarded, campus safety, and accreditation.

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NOVA Medical Education Campus in Springfield, VA

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NOVA Medical Education Campus in Springfield, VA

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The Medical Education Campus (MEC) is located in Springfield and offers quality education to more than 3,500 students each year.

Most services are accessible remotely

We hope that you and your families are well and safe. We miss seeing you on campus! During this period of remote learning we are still here to assist you meet your academic goals. Please reach out should you need any assistance.
Reach Out

The Medical Education Campus (MEC) is a technologically sophisticated specialized campus dedicated to the education and preparation of Nursing and Health Science professionals with a strong commitment to workforce development and continuing education.

MEC Campus Map

Do you need to find your way around?
Download this map to help you navigate your way through the campus to find what you're looking for.

Download Campus Map

Academics

Associate Degrees are offered in: Nursing (RN), Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT), Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), Radiography-Diagnostic Imaging (RT-R), Diagnostic Medical Sonography (RDMS, RDCS or RVT), Respiratory Therapy (CRT) and (RRT), Health Information Management (RHIT), Dental Hygiene (RDH) and Emergency Medical Services (EMT-P).

Certificate Programs are offered in: Clinical Data Coding, Dental Assisting, Medical Laboratory Assisting, and Phlebotomy.

Numerous pre-employment and healthcare career enhancement programs are offered by the MEC's Workforce Development Division.
Academic Divisions:

Explore

Services

NOVA offers a variety of services to assist you along your educational journey. NOVA is committed to helping you reach your goals by assisting you every step of the way.

Discover all the services the Medical Campus has to offer!

Campus Hours & Information

Find general information and hours of operation for the Medical Campus.

Learn more about the MEC Campus.

Maps & Directions

The Medical Education Campus has a five-level parking garage attached to the building for Visitors, Students and Faculty

Level 1: Reserved for Hourly Pay Customers ONLY

Levels 2 and 3: Reserved for 'B' Permit Students ONLY

Level 4: Reserved for 'A' Permit Faculty/Staff ONLY

Level 5: Overflow level used when space cannot be found on Levels 1-4/Staff
Buy a permit.
Parking Services

Room 204
Phone: 703.822.6688
Email: MECParking@nvcc.edu
Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
General Info: 703.323.3000 or 877.408.2028

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The Medical Education Campus (MEC) is located in Springfield and offers quality education to more than 3,500 students each year. We hope that you and your families are well and safe. We miss seeing you on campus! During this period of remote learning we are still here to assist you meet your academic goals.

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Que quiere hacer para ganarse la vida?

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Sitio en español con búsqueda y descubrimiento de carreras optimizados para estudiantes y solicitantes de empleo. Incluye una evaluación de intereses incorporada y acceso a capacitación, educación y oportunidades laborales. Los informes de carrera de una página, sencillos y fáciles de leer, ayudan a guiar el próximo paso de las personas en su camino hacia una carrera satisfactoria.

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GUÍA Y CUADERNO DE EJERCICIOS DE PREPARACIÓN PARA LA UNIVERSIDAD VIRGINIA 

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GUÍA Y CUADERNO DE EJERCICIOS DE PREPARACIÓN PARA LA UNIVERSIDAD VIRGINIA 

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GA Tech Admission Blog

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Listen to "Episode 27: What Does Being Deferred Really Mean? - Rick Clark" on Spreaker.
Recently we modified the final portion of our podcast to field listener questions from Instagram, Twitter, and Reddit. If you have something you want us to tackle, feel free to tag @gtadmission.

A few recent inquiries surrounded how to prepare for the various admission decisions that will be coming out from colleges and universities in the next few weeks, and how/if we think anything will be different this year due to the pandemic.

Since we know you are busy with classes and your time is limited right now, we will hit the highlights of each possible EA/ED decision (deferred, denied, admitted) over the next few weeks and put a few podcasts out on these topics as well.
Deferred
Prediction: I think more students will be deferred this year by selective schools than they have in the past. Keep in mind enrollment managers are doing exactly what their job title says: managing enrollment (you come here for the deep stuff, I know).

Colleges are closely, and quite nervously, watching their spring enrollment numbers. What will retention look like if students were disappointed with their fall experience on campus, online, or in some hybrid delivery mode? If they take an additional financial hit, they will likely be looking to build an even bigger first-year class for the summer or fall of 2021.

Additionally, they have lots of questions about how to predict this year's admitted student behavior:

Will yield go down as a result of test score optional policies?

Will international students be able to receive visas at pre-pandemic rates?

Will the financial fallout of Covid-19 deteriorate yield of domestic students?

All of this means they will likely defer a higher percentage of early applicants in order to wait and see what they can learn about vaccines, infection rates, economic recovery... you know, little stuff like that.
What does being deferred mean?
It means maybe, hold on, we're not sure, we'd like to see more. Better than No? Yes. Ideal? Nope.

Being deferred means you have more waiting to do, and that is not easy or fun. This year more than ever before, though, I want to urge you to finish the drill. More defers does not necessarily mean more admits in the spring, but in many cases I think it will. And that is likely true from the waitlist too, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.

You are likely going to need to submit another application or two. If you've already got this covered, that's great. If not, then good news-many great schools have deadlines in January. Look for colleges that interest you who have higher admit rates and lower academic profiles than the one(s) that deferred you.
What should you do?
First, read the letter, subsequent emails, and portal instructions closely. Then do what they say.

You are going to have some more work to do. Inevitably, you will need to send in fall grades, so finish this semester strong. Colleges that defer you will want to see how you've done in a challenging senior schedule (especially an abnormal junior spring term), or if your upward grade trend will continue, or how you are adjusting based on responsibilities outside the classroom. You may need to write an additional essay, have an online interview, or complete a form indicating continued interest or discussing updates on your fall activities.
What does being deferred NOT mean?
It does not mean they are questioning your ability, talent, intelligence or potential match for their school. I understand we all desire instant gratification, but don't miss the fact that the admission process can teach you some lifelong lessons (for example, some things are worth waiting for; some things do not happen your first time out; sometimes getting put on hold gives you a chance to reflect).

While both words start with "De," being deferred does not mean you are denied. If a school did not think you were competitive or a good fit, they would have denied you. This sounds harsh but it's true. Disappointed? Understood. 2020 has been a clinic in disappointment, so I feel you. But 2020 has also reminded us about patience, seeing the positives, and keeping perspective. You got this.
What should you AVOID doing?
Please do not take being deferred as code for "try harder" by sending 18 additional letters of recommendation, stalking admission counselors on social media, going to see a fortune teller, or getting a tattoo of four-leaf clovers + college logo on your back.

In my opinion, particularly based on the enrollment uncertainty I described above, you should not write off a school you have strong interest in at this point in the cycle. Hold on, send us some stuff, tell us more- you can do that. Unless you have gotten into another college that is a better match for you, then I strongly encourage you to see this through.

Want to know more about being deferred? Read on. And on. And on.
Next week we will delve into what it means to be denied admission.

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Listen to "Episode 27: What Does Being Deferred Really Mean? - Rick Clark" on Spreaker. Recently we modified the final portion of our podcast to field listener questions from Instagram, Twitter, and Reddit. If you have something you want us to tackle, feel free to tag @gtadmission.

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You have been deferred - does your college accept letters of continued interest? Please check your college portal for guidance before you send an LOCI.

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ADVANCE is an exciting new partnership between Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and George Mason University (Mason) that gives NOVA students targeted, personalized support to complete their bachelor's degrees in a timely manner and save money.

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ADVANCE: Nothing should come between you and a four-year degree.

The Fall 2021 ADVANCE Declaration will be open on March 23, 2021 and we will begin processing decisions starting on May 14th. Please contact advance@gmu.edu if you have any questions.

What Is ADVANCE?

ADVANCE is an exciting new partnership between Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and George Mason University (Mason) that gives NOVA students targeted, personalized support to complete their bachelor's degrees in a timely manner and save money.

Benefits of ADVANCE

Major Cost Savings! Completing your associates degree at NOVA before transferring to Mason will save you tuition costs.

Make every Credit Count. Specialized, aligned curriculum from NOVA to Mason ensures all credits transfer toward your selected degree program.

Dedicated Success Coaches. Success coaches provide you with continuous support and guidance, from your enrollment at NOVA to your graduation from Mason.

ADVANCE = Access. You will be eligible to access recreational facilities, sporting and cultural events at NOVA and Mason.

No Additional Application. Earn your associate degree at NOVA and then seamlessly transition to earn your bachelor's degree at Mason with no additional application required.

Co-Enrollment. You are eligible to take select classes at Mason while you are enrolled at NOVA.

ADVANCE Your Career. Enjoy special internship and co-curricular experiences that will prepare you for career success.

Success Coaches to Assist

ADVANCE is paving the way for students to easily transition from NOVA to George Mason. ADVANCE pathways and success coaches provide you with a clear cut pathway to success.

Who Should Consider ADVANCE?

ADVANCE is available to NOVA students in good academic standing who meet these enrollment requirements:

Minimum 2.00 cumulative grade point average for students with college credit

Enrolled in NOVA associate degree curricular program

Have earned no more than 30 college credits before the semester that you plan to start ADVANCE. The 30-credit limit does not include AP, IB, CLEP, or any other earned credit by exam. Credit earned at other U.S. or international colleges or universities does apply to the 30-credit limit.

Grade Requirements

Minimum 2.00 cumulative grade point average for students with college credit

P+, P- and WC grades will not affect a student's GPA and thus, will not impact this aspect of a student's eligibility for the program.
Earned no more than 30 credit hours at the time of enrollment in ADVANCE

P+ and P- grades count towards a student's total number of credits earned. Therefore, if a student has completed more than 30 credits, they are no longer eligible for the program.

Deadlines

ADVANCE welcomes declarations for fall and spring enrollment. The following dates will assist you in planning to submit your ADVANCE declaration:

The ADVANCE Agreement is the final step toward enrollment, and must be submitted by the following deadlines:

For more information, please see How to Apply.

ADVANCE Program Pathways for 2020-2021

Use the search tool below to find the ADVANCE program pathway for your degree of interest. The pathways have been sorted into categories to make them easier to find. If you are unsure of the category for your degree, see the list of all available pathways or access a printable version.

Archived pathways for past catalog years can be found here.

For more information, visit the Mason ADVANCE page.

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ADVANCE: Nothing should come between you and a four-year degree. The Fall 2021 ADVANCE Declaration will be open on March 23, 2021 and we will begin processing decisions starting on May 14th. Please contact advance@gmu.edu if you have any questions.

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Eunice Torkornoo

Annandale Campus/CA114

8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003

703-323-3070 / etorkornoo@nvcc.edu / nvcc.edu

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All opinions expressed by individuals purporting to be a current or former student, faculty, or staff member of this institution, on websites not affiliated with Northern Virginia Community College, social media channels, blogs or other online or traditional publications, are solely their opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or values of Northern Virginia Community College, the Virginia Community College System, or the State Board for Community Colleges, which do not endorse and are not responsible or liable for any such content.

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Most Student Services are currently being delivered remotely.

For academic advising, visit www.nvcc.edu/advising/virtual .

Access the Financial Aid Virtual Lobby at or by calling 1.301.715.8592 (meeting ID: 827 1339 2475) during the hours listed below on days the College is open.

10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Email finaidsupport@nvcc.edu . Be sure to include your 7-digit NOVA Student ID, phone number, and if applicable, the campus you would normally visit.

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Most Student Services are currently being delivered remotely. For academic advising, visit www.nvcc.edu/advising/virtual . Access the Financial Aid Virtual Lobby at or by calling 1.301.715.8592 (meeting ID: 827 1339 2475) during the hours listed below on days the College is open. 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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How to Apply

Apply for admission and declare a major in an eligible program of study.

When applying for admission at www.nvcc.edu, please provide your Social Security number (SSN) on the admission application so that your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be received and linked to your file. If your SSN was not listed on your admission application, please contact Student Services or the 24-Hour Student Support Center to correct your record.

Contact a counselor to declare an eligible major if you did not do so when you applied for admission.

Most one-and two-year programs at NOVA are eligible.

Transfer students should request official transcripts from all schools previously attended and request a transfer credit evaluation by the College Records Office.

Request a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID).

Create an account (FSA ID) at https://studentaid.gov.

If you are required to provide parental information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), one parent must also request his or her own FSA ID.

Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Complete the FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov. Click: Apply for Aid > Complete the FAFSA form.

Submit the 2020-2021 FAFSA for Fall 2020, Spring 2021, and Summer 2021.

Submit the 2021-2022 FAFSA for Fall 2021, Spring 2022, and Summer 2022.

Enter NOVA's federal school code (003727) on the FAFSA.

Be sure that your name on the FAFSA exactly matches the name on your Social Security card.

Contact the Financial Aid Office or call the 24-Hour Student Support Center at 855.323.3199 if you need assistance.

Remember to submit the FAFSA to reapply for financial aid each academic year.

Verify the information on your Student Aid Report.

Within two weeks after you submit the FAFSA, you will receive an email from the U.S. Department of Education with instructions on how to access your Student Aid Report (SAR) online. Carefully review it to ensure it is correct and complete.

Read the comments on your SAR and verify that your FAFSA was not rejected. Also make sure that NOVA's school code (003727) was listed.

You may correct any mistakes at https://studentaid.gov.

Check the status of your financial aid application on myNOVA.
Verify if additional information has been requested by logging into myNOVA and frequently checking your To Do List by clicking: VCCS SIS: Student Information System > Self Service > Student Center. Click on each To Do List item for instructions.

Respond to NOVA's requests for more information.

Approximately one in three students is selected for verification by the U.S. Department of Education; additional files are selected by NOVA.

Verify if additional information has been requested by logging into myNOVA and frequently checking your To Do List.

Contact the Financial Aid Office or call the 24-Hour Student Support Center at 855.323.3199 if you need assistance.

Review your financial aid award notification.

You will be notified via email and your myNOVA Message Center when you are awarded.

You may then review the type(s) and amount(s) of assistance you were offered by logging into myNOVA and going to: Student Center > Financial Aid > View Financial Aid.

Accept, decline or reduce student loans and work-study in your myNOVA account.

If you decide to borrow a student loan, complete a Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling at https://studentaid.gov.

Note that aid offered prior to the term census (which is the last day to drop with a tuition refund for the longest session of the fall, spring, or summer term) is based on anticipated full-time enrollment in courses required for your program. If you register for less than 12 eligible credits, your aid may be adjusted after the census.

Aid will be adjusted throughout the term if enrollment status and aid eligibility change due to dropped courses or non-attendance as explained on our policies and procedures website.

Enroll in courses.

Select and enroll in your courses before the term census date. Pell Grant eligibility is determined by the credits in which you are enrolled and are attending as of that date. Neither Pell Grant nor state aid will increase if you add classes later.

Aid can only be offered for courses that are required for your degree or certificate. Review your Advisement Report to ensure your courses are required. You can also view course eligibility by logging into myNOVA and by clicking VCCS SIS: Student Information System > Self Service > Student Center > View Financial Aid > View Course Eligibility.

Contact an advisor to discuss your courses if you have any questions.

Buy your books.

If you have enough financial aid to pay for tuition, fees and books, your financial aid may be used during a limited time period to buy required textbooks and supplies through the bookstore. This option is available two weeks before the start of the longest session of the term and the second 8-week sessions, and goes through the term census date.

Complete the Bookstore Authorization e-Form on your myNOVA To Do List each academic year.

Pay any remaining balance by the payment deadline.

Verify your mailing address.

A check may be mailed to your address listed in myNOVA for any credit balance on your account if you do not set up direct deposit as your refund preference.

If your address has changed, contact Student Services or update your mailing address on your myNOVA Student Center under Personal Information.

Approximately six weeks into the term (if enrollment and attendance have been established at that time), excess financial aid above what you owe the College will be processed for disbursement.

Select your refund preference.

NOVA has contracted with NelNet/Tuition Management Services (TMS) to process electronic financial aid disbursements and tuition refunds to students. For more information and to set up your refund preference, go to https://nvcc.afford.com.

Note that you might receive multiple refunds due to the timing of aid types disbursing to your account.

Once aid is disbursed to your student account, allow 6-8 business days to receive the excess aid via direct deposit or up to 10-14 days to receive a check.

Priority Application Dates

The FAFSA becomes available at https://studentaid.gov/ on October 1 almost a year before the following academic year begins. Please take note of the following important financial aid filing dates and apply early! Students who submit their FAFSA and any additional requested items by these dates should be awarded any funds they qualify for prior to the start of classes.

Summer Session: April 1 (prior to the beginning of Summer term)

Fall Semester: March 1 (prior to the beginning of Fall term)

Spring Semester: October 1 (prior to the beginning of Spring term)

Questions? Contact your campus Financial Aid Office or your Campus Financial Aid Office.

More detailed information is provided in the Financial Aid Handbook.

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Apply for admission and declare a major in an eligible program of study. When applying for admission at www.nvcc.edu, please provide your Social Security number (SSN) on the admission application so that your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be received and linked to your file.

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Explore the majors offered at NOVA

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programs credits course education transfer

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The NOVA Catalog has information about credit instructional programs, degrees and certificates, policies and procedures, and student services

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Study out-of-state in a specialized field. Pay in-state tuition.

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Study in a specialized field at an out-of-state college. Pay in-state tuition rates.

Note on COVID-19

SREB staff is aware of temporary institutional closures and moving face-to-face courses into an online format. A student's Academic Common Market status will not be affected by courses being moved online or by temporary closures due to coronavirus/COVID-19. Students should check with both their institutional and state ACM coordinators for any updates to policies or practices related to the pandemic.

Is a degree program you'd like to pursue not available in your state? Is out-of state tuition a barrier to a major offered at a college in another state?

You're in the right place. For more than 35 years, SREB's Academic Common Market has enabled students to pursue out-of-state college degrees at in-state tuition rates, through agreements among the states and colleges and universities.

Search from more than 1,900 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in 15 states.

To qualify, you must:

Be a resident of one of 15 participating SREB states.

Select a program eligible for residents of your home state.

Complete the admission process at the institution that offers the program.

Be certified as a resident of your home state by contacting your state's ACM coordinator.

Read the ACM brochure for more details.

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Academic Common Market - Southern Regional Education Board

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Study in a specialized field at an out-of-state college. Pay in-state tuition rates. Note on COVID-19 SREB staff is aware of temporary institutional closures and moving face-to-face courses into an online format. A student's Academic Common Market status will not be affected by courses being moved online or by temporary closures due to coronavirus/COVID-19.

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Find the college that's the best fit for you! The U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard has the most reliable data on college costs,graduation, and post-college earnings.

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College Planning Guide with grade level checklists - hard copies available in the Career Center.