Admissions

Steps to Enrollment

TC Central

Location: 105 Ruby Hicks Hall
E-mail: tccentral@tctc.edu

Office of Recruitment, Admissions, Orientation

Location: 180 Ruby Hicks Hall
E-mail: infocent@tctc.edu
Telephone: 864-646-1550

General Admission Requirements

Applicants to certificate, diploma, or degree programs must meet the following requirements for admission to the College.

Complete an application for admission.

Submit a non-refundable application fee.  Exceptions to payment of the application fee requirement are as follows:

• Returning students who apply within three years of the last term of post-secondary enrollment at Tri-County
• Readmitted students who reapply within one year of the most recent term of post- secondary admission to Tri-County
• Service area high school seniors who apply during college application events sponsored by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education or by the College
• Students applying to enroll in targeted academic programs such as Dual Enrollment, Bridge Programs, I-BEST, Technical Skills for Success-related programs, and 1+1 Consortium Agreements
• I-BEST students transitioning to Tri-County as first-time post-secondary students within one year of I-BEST program completion
• TSS students transitioning to Tri-County as degree-seeking within one year of successfully completing coursework in initial TSS-related program(s)
• Current Tri-County Technical College employees
• Veterans

The application fee requirement will be evaluated and determined as students apply to the College. The fee amount is subject to change but will be published on the public website and communicated through correspondence from the Admissions Office. Additional exceptions to the above list must be approved by the Director of Recruitment, Admissions, and Orientation, or designee.

Provide satisfactory placement test scores or transcripts showing math and English college coursework.

• Placement scores are valid for three years. To satisfy admission requirements, scores in writing, reading, and math must be valid on the first day of the admitted term. 
• Students not eligible for admission, as a result of earning below the minimum reading score as defined by the College’s Placement Criteria Chart, may be referred to Adult Basic Education or other literacy programs as appropriate.
• Transcripts indicating proof of college credit level English and math courses (not developmental or transitional courses) will be considered only with grades of “C” or higher.
• Students enrolling in Bridge to Clemson, Dual Enrollment, I-BEST, or TSS-related programs may be admitted without taking the placement assessment.

Submit a final, official high school transcript from an accredited or approved institution or an approved official high school equivalency score report prior to admission.

• Graduating high school seniors will be admitted pending receipt of final, official high school transcript. A priority deadline for receiving transcripts is established for each term and published on the website. Students who have not submitted final, official transcripts by the tuition payment deadline as published on the enrollment calendar each term will have their schedules cancelled, and a hold will be placed on their registration until the transcript has been received.
• If a student indicates on the admissions application that no high school diploma or approved equivalency was received, the student will be admitted only into a certificate program.
• Official, college transcripts showing completion of a college associate’s or higher degree from an accredited college or university may be submitted in lieu of an official high school transcript.

Submit final, official college transcripts for all previously attended colleges or universities.

• Transcripts for all prior college coursework must be received and evaluated for all institution types, regardless of dates of attendance or level of success at the previous institution.

Open Admissions

Tri-County Technical College operates as an open admissions college as required by the 1976 Code of Laws of South Carolina, as amended. As such, Tri-County Technical College makes every effort to minimize geographic, financial, and scholastic barriers to the post-secondary programs and services offered by the College. A high school diploma or high school equivalent credential (e.g. GED), though desirable, is not a prerequisite for admission to the College, but is required for admission to diploma and degree programs.

In order to promote achievement by individuals with varied potential, open admissions is defined as a practice which (1) admits to the College all citizens who can benefit from available learning opportunities, and (2) places into specific programs of study those students whose potential for success is commensurate with program admission standards.

Minimum Age for Admission

Applicants to the College must be seventeen years of age to be admitted. Applicants younger than seventeen years of age who do not have a high school diploma or approved equivalency and who are not seeking Dual Enrollment are required to meet with the Director of Recruitment, Admissions, and Orientation, or designee, for an assessment interview to determine readiness for admission. Regardless of age, all students must meet program-specific admissions criteria and requirements.

Exceptions

Exceptions to the standard admissions requirements may be granted by the Director of Recruitment, Admissions, and Orientation, or designee.

Types of Students

Dual Enrollment

Applicants who will take college courses while also enrolled in high school courses may be admitted as dual enrollment students. Dual enrollment applicants are admitted into the appropriate certificate program (University Studies or an approved career pathway certificate) once the application for admission is submitted and the permission form is obtained with appropriate signatures from the parent or guardian and the high school principal. Home schooled students must provide permission from the parent or guardian and from the school district or an authorized educational agency with jurisdiction over the home school. No application fee is required. High school students who are not juniors or seniors must receive permission to enroll from the Director of High School Engagement and Outreach, or designee.

Transient

Applicants enrolled at another college desiring to transfer one or more Tri-County courses to their home college may be admitted as transient students. Applicants must submit an application for admission, application fee, and the Transient Coursework Approval form prior to registration. Satisfaction of course prerequisites must be verified by submitting official/unofficial transcripts.

Non-Degree

Applicants not seeking admission into a degree, diploma, or certificate program may be admitted as non-degree students. Applicants must complete an application for admission, submit the application fee (or be identified as an allowable exception detailed in General Admissions Requirements), and take the College’s placement test. Submission of high school transcript or high school equivalency transcript is not required. Additional exceptions may be granted on a case by case basis by the Director of Recruitment, Admissions, and Orientation, or designee. All course prerequisites must be satisfied.

International

International applicants are non-citizens or non-permanent residents of the United States who hold visas that are eligible for post-secondary studies or who have documented and verified lawful presence in the country. Tri-County does not issue Form I-20s for F-1 Student visas. The College does allow international students who hold valid F-1 Student visas issued from other institutions to apply as transient students. Eligible international applicants must meet all admission requirements including submitting official transcripts to a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member to have their transcripts evaluated. Students must maintain visa status and immigration documents in the manner required by the Department of Homeland Security. Any international student who does not maintain the appropriate status will be withdrawn from the College.

Exceptions

Exceptions to the standard admissions requirements may be granted by the Director of Recruitment, Admissions, and Orientation, or designee.

Other Learning Experiences

Bridge Programs

Dual Enrollment and Career Pathways for Success

Tri-County’s dual enrollment and career pathways programs provide opportunities for qualified high school juniors and seniors, with permission from their parents or guardians and high school officials, to take Tri-County courses. Opportunities include university transfer courses as well as technical courses offered through career pathways that seamlessly connect secondary and post-secondary curricula in a specialized career field. Students must submit the online Dual Enrollment Application for Admission and a Dual Enrollment Permission Form with the appropriate signatures in order to be admitted to the College. For additional information, contact 864-646-1505 or 864-646-1501.

I-BEST

I-BEST (Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training) is a nationally recognized workforce development program that has been adapted by Tri-County for residents of Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens Counties. The tuition-free program has been created through partnerships between the College, School Districts, Adult Education Centers, and employers throughout the tri-county area. It features individualized educational and career planning, industry recognized certifications, job placement assistance and much more. Additional details can be found in the Academic & Career Foundations section of this Catalog.

Placement Testing

The purpose of placement testing is to make sure students have the necessary skills in reading, writing, and math to be successful in achieving their educational goals. Even though the placement test is a computer-based test, very little computer skills are necessary to complete the test. The placement test is not a pass/fail test.

Students who are unsure if they need to take the placement test should contact Admissions to determine if placement testing is required.

• SAT, ACT, or other standardized test scores cannot be substituted for the placement test.
• The placement test is given at all campuses.
• Placement scores are valid for three years. To satisfy admission requirements, scores in writing, reading, and math must be valid on the first day of the admitted term.
• Students not eligible for admission, as a result of earning below the minimum reading score as defined by the College’s Placement Criteria Chart, may be referred to Adult Basic Education or other literacy programs as appropriate.
• Transcripts indicating proof of college credit level English and Math courses (not developmental or transitional courses) will be considered only with grades of “C” or higher.
• Students enrolling in Bridge to Clemson, Dual Enrollment, I-BEST, or TSS-related programs may be admitted without taking the placement assessment.
• A picture ID is required for placement testing. Acceptable forms of identification include a state-issued picture ID (a driver’s license, for example), a military ID, or a valid school ID (high school or college).
• To access practice test questions and download study materials visit www.tctc.edu/placement.
• There is no charge for initial placement testing. If a retest is needed or requested during a three-year period, one may be taken at a cost of $10. An academic advisor or the Assessment Center can help determine if retesting is needed. Other fees are applicable to complete placement testing for another institution or to have prior test scores sent to another institution.
• Alternative placement testing with accommodations is available as approved by the College’s Accessibility Resource Center located in the Student Success Center on the Pendleton Campus. Contact ARC at 864-646-1564.

For more information about placement testing, call 864-646-1300 or visit www.tctc.edu/placement.

Placement Testing Hours

Pendleton Campus
Monday - Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
(Must arrive by 4 p.m.)

Friday from 8 a.m. to 1:50 p.m.
(Must arrive by noon)

Anderson Campus
Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
(Must arrive by noon)

Easley Campus
Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
(Must arrive by 4 p.m.)

Oconee Campus
By appointment only by calling (864) 613-1900

eTC Portal

Every student is assigned an account for eTC, the College’s web-based portal for news, academic resources, course registration, final grades, financial aid account information, and other online services. The portal is accessible by clicking on the eTC logo on the College website or going directly to etc.tctc.edu. Accounts are assigned to students upon admittance to the College. Initial login information is included in acceptance packets. Once the account has been assigned, it will stay active for as long as the student is actively registered or enrolled in a course. If students have questions or are having trouble accessing their account, they should contact the Service Desk at 864-646-1779. For account questions students should reference the Tri-County Technical College Acceptable Use policy that can be found on the College’s website. eTC also provides access to College e-mail which is Tri-County’s official and primary means of communication with students.

Student Identification Cards

Tri-County Technical College student identification cards are mandatory and are required to access the following services: checking out books in the library, using the computer labs, accessing specific buildings and using financial aid in the Campus Store. Student IDs are valid for one academic year and are available to all students. 

Student IDs are available in the Atrium area on the 1^st floor of Ruby Hicks on the Pendleton Campus.  Students attending the Anderson, Easley or the Oconee Campus may obtain an ID at the Campus Police Office at these locations.

Parking Decals

• Parking decals are mandatory for students and employees who drive to any TCTC campus.
• To obtain a parking decal, students must pay the $30 parking fee either online, at the Business Office (cash or check only), or in the Campus Store located in the Student Success Center on the Pendleton Campus. Debit or credit cards, cash, and financial aid are accepted. The Campus Police Office cannot accept money for parking decals.
• The $30 parking fee is good for two decals in an academic year. Summer-only decals are available for $15.
• At the Pendleton Campus, students can pick up decals in the Campus Store or at the Business Office.  Students attending community campus locations can obtain decals from the Campus Police Office at their respective locations.
• Students obtaining a parking decal should present a paid receipt or an e-mail stating an online payment for the decal has been received, along with a copy of the vehicle registration; the make, model, year, color and license plate of the vehicle; and the state in which the vehicle is registered.
• Vehicles that do not have a permanent license plate can park on campus in a student parking space until the permanent license plate has arrived.  Students must obtain the decal as soon as the permanent license plate has been placed on the vehicle.
• The parking decal is to be displayed according to the directions provided by the Campus Police Office.
• Parking decals expire at the end of the Summer term.
• Students with physical disabilities (permanent or temporary) that restrict physical activity may park in handicap or faculty/staff spaces with the appropriate state-issued handicap placard or license plate.
• Students needing temporary special parking must make arrangements through the Student Development Office located in the Student Success Center. A physician’s statement that verifies special parking is needed is required.

Orientation

The College requires orientation sessions for all new, transfer, and returning students prior to the start of each semester. Orientation introduces students to the College experience, informs them about resources and services they will use as Tri-County students, and facilitates their transition into their chosen academic programs.  Orientation registration instructions are provided to students in their admission materials. The orientation sessions are held on a variety of dates at all campuses, and are offered in individual and group formats. As part of orientation, students meet with advisors for course planning and course registration. For more information, contact the Office of Recruitment, Admissions, and Orientation at 864-646-1550 or orientation@tctc.edu.

In addition to the general College orientation, some departments offer orientation or information sessions specific to their programs. Students will be notified as applicable.