Welcome - Important Information About Applying For Fall 2012 Semester

Fall classes begin Aug. 25. The last day to add classes or register late is Tuesday, Aug. 28.

There are some questions you should ask yourself.

Do I need to take any tests before I can attend classes?

This may be the number one deal-breaker for whether you can start college right now because testing is offered for a limited time. For the latest test schedules, visit www.roanestate.edu/testingcenter.

Here is the rule:

• If you are not yet 21 years old and your ACT scores from high school are three or more years old, you must take the ACT-Residual or the ACT National exam in order to attend.
• If you are 21 years or older and in a degree program, you must take the COMPASS exam in order to attend. Being “in a degree program” means that you want to take classes that lead to a degree rather than a certificate. If you are not sure whether your program is a degree or certificate, check the list at www.roanestate.edu/academicprograms.

As with many rules, there is an exception. If you are transferring in a college-level English or math class, testing may be waived. So, if you have been to college before and took English or math, be sure to let us know.

If you have to be tested, the reason you need to take an entrance exam is because the college needs data on where you stand in subjects such as math and English. For example, if you have good math skills, then we know to place you in a higher-level course. If your exam score indicates you need some refreshment in math, then we know to place you in a course that will go back over the fundamentals.

Am I prepared to pay tuition out-of-pocket?

Financial aid and loans can take weeks to process. Your tuition may be due before you will be able to receive any financial aid. Please consider whether you can pay tuition out-of-pocket until your financial aid or loan is processed. There are some options available, including a deferred payment plan. Please come see us so that we can discuss your options.

Do I have the proper shot records?

All full-time students (students who take 12 or more credit hours, which is generally four classes) must provide proof of two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) immunizations if born in or after 1957. If you graduated from a Tennessee high school in 1999 or after, this requirement is waived and you will not need to worry about it.

Full-time students must provide proof of two doses of Varicella (Chicken Pox) vaccine. Students born before January 1, 1980 are exempt.

If you have your shot records handy, or know how to get them quickly, then you will be in good shape. Remember, though, that you must show proof of two doses, not just one. If you do not have access to these records, then it may be challenging to get them in time for fall semester.

If you need to get the shots, here is the deal. You have to get one shot before classes start. No exceptions. You can get the second shot later in the semester.

If shot records are a problem, then one option would be to take fewer than 12 hours. Taking fewer than 12 hours means you are considered part-time and are exempt from the shot requirements.

Can I get transcripts submitted on time?

New students must have their high school transcripts, college transcripts or GED scores mailed to Roane State. It can take some time to contact schools and have transcripts mailed and delivered to Roane State before classes start. Also, some schools charge fees to send transcripts. Please keep this expense in mind.

Let’s Talk

When you visit, we will walk you through some different options. For example, Roane State offers accelerated courses that start later in the semester. Taking one of these courses gives you a little more time to get your paperwork in order before your class starts.

You should be proud of yourself for considering coming to college, and we will help you find a way to get started. What is most important to us is that you get off to a good start. If you are not clear about the steps you have to take in a short amount of time, then you will get frustrated and perhaps walk away from your goal of going to college.

Let’s talk, so that we can keep that from happening.

Please visit us, and we will work out a plan together.