General Admissions Policy
Students who want to enroll in one of BCC’s degree or certificate programs, whether full- or part-time, must be admitted to the College. Enrolling in a program is called matriculating.
Some programs restrict entrance to applicants who have not already met specific requirements. Applicants who have not yet met those requirements can be admitted to the College to enroll in prerequisite courses.
For applicants who have a name change, the Admissions Office will need legal documentation of change of name.
BCC defines a full-time student as one who enrolls for 12 credit hours or more per semester.
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Home-Schooled Students
All home-schooled students without a high school diploma or alternative high school credential are eligible to apply for admission to a degree or certificate program provided they have successfully completed an approved home school program in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws or the laws of their home state.
To determine whether a student has participated in an approved home-school program, the student shall submit (with the application for admission) evidence that the home-school program was approved by the student’s school district’s superintendent or school committee. Additionally, if the home-schooled student is under the age of compulsory attendance (16 years old in Massachusetts), a letter from the student’s school district’s superintendent or school committee is required stating that the student is not considered truant and would not be required to attend further schooling or continue to be home-schooled if the student has completed his/her home-school program before the age of 16.
If the home-school program was not supervised under a school district, BCC recommends that the applicant complete an alternative high school credential. For more information, please contact the Admissions Office at 413-236-1630 or admissions@berkshirecc.edu.
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Students under Age 16
The College reserves the right to limit or deny enrollment of any student under the age of 16 in a course or program based on a case-by-case consideration of a variety of factors, including but not limited to: the student’s maturity, life experience, placement test scores, prior education, course content, instructional methodology and potential risks associated with participation in a particular course or program.
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Non-Degree Students
Anyone interested in taking courses without enrolling in a degree or certificate program may do so as a non-degree student. Non-degree students may sign up for courses as long as they can document that they meet or exceed any prerequisites the course may have. Results of the Accuplacer assessment or another college transcript may be used to meet this requirement.
Non-degree students do not need to apply for admission to the College in order to take courses. Non-degree students are not eligible for financial aid.
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Veterans, National Guard and Reserves
The Registrar’s Office assists veterans, their dependents or spouses, and members of the National Guard/Reserves in determining their eligibility for education benefits. Students who are eligible for benefits through a program administered by the Veterans Administration are provided with assistance in filing for benefits.
PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED BY THE VA INCLUDE:
- Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008;
- Montgomery G.I. Bill® — Active duty (MGIB-AD), Chapter 30;
- Montgomery G.I. Bill® — Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR), Chapter 1606;
- Reserve Educational Assistance Program, Chapter 1607;
- Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) Chapter 35; and
- Vocational Rehabilitation (VR&E), Chapter 31.
- In addition, the Registrar’s Office administers the Commonwealth of Massachusetts tuition waiver programs for eligible veterans with specified wartime service and eligible members of the National Guard. As each program has a different set of eligibility, filing and compliance rules, students are encouraged to contact the Registrar’s Office for an explanation of program benefits and requirements.
Valor Act Academic Credit Policy
In accordance with the Valor Act, BCC evaluates academic credit earned for military training, experience, or coursework using the same standards as those applied to coursework from regionally accredited colleges and universities. BCC reviews military transcripts (e.g. SMART and AARTS), college transcripts, and CLEP and DANTES Subject Standardized Tests for potential transfer of credit to the student’s intended program of study. Credit for Military experience (DD214) shall also be granted where applicable, as recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE). Every effort will be made to recognize and award academic achievement consistent with the College’s general transfer-in policies.
Follow these steps to apply to BCC.
Complete Admissions Application Online
Admissions Office — Rm. F-114, Telephone: 413-236-1630
- Provide an official high school transcript or GED transcript.
- Once the admissions office receives your complete application package, you will be notified by mail that you are accepted to BCC.
- International Students - read more information
Complete the Financial Aid Application - www.fafsa.gov
Student Financial Services — Rm. F-122, Telephone: 413-236-1644
- Apply October 1 - March 15 each year.
- Computer workstations and staff assistance are available in Student Financial Services.
Complete the Accuplacer*
Testing Center — Rm. K-213, Telephone: 413-236-1655 or 413-236-1656
Call ahead or email testing@berkshirecc.edu to make an appointment to take the Accuplacer. A practice test is available here.
On the day of your test:
- Bring photo ID the day of testing.
- Students may retest one time.
- If you need accommodations for the placement test, do not schedule it until you meet with Disability Resource Center's staff. Optional: Call to inform Disability Resource Center staff of your Accuplacer scores and ask for course/faculty recommendations.
- You will receive your Accuplacter scores via mail, generally, within 2 weeks.
* If you completed college-level courses in English or Mathematics with a C or better, you may not need to take the Accuplacer.
Contact the Disability Resource Center
Disability Resource Center — Rm. A-118, Telephone: 413-236-1660
If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable academic accommodations, you are advised to con- tact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) prior to the start of a course to discuss your accommodation needs and options.
Register for Classes
- Schedule an individual appointment with an academic advisor to select your courses by contacting the Registrar's Office — Telephone: 413-236-2137.
- Meet with an academic advisor in the Academic Advising Center F-117.
New Student Orientation
You will receive a postcard and letter of invitation to attend a student orientation. Students will be able to sign up for orientation day information sessions online. Contact the Student Support Center for more information — Telephone: 413-236-1660.