Admissions

www.southwest.tn.edu/admissions

(901) 333-5924

Admission to Southwest is open to all people who can benefit from a post-secondary education. Southwest students represent a variety of ages and cultures, adding to the richness of a Southwest education. Southwest accepts applications throughout the year.

Students may attend day, evening, or weekend classes offered on Southwest's two main campuses, four centers and many sites located in Shelby and Fayette counties. Students may enroll full-time or part-time when admitted to one of the following categories.

Degree-seeking: This student is seeking an associate degree, which requires at least 60 credits.
Certificate-seeking: This student is seeking a certificate, which requires up to 30 credits.
Non-Degree: This is a student who does not wish to apply for a degree. A non-degree student is not eligible to receive federal financial aid. A non-degree student who wishes to change to degree-seeking status must meet all admission requirements.
Transfer: This student has attended another college or university and plans to transfer credits to and graduate from Southwest (see Transfer and Transient students on page 32).
Transient: This student attends another institution and plans to enroll at Southwest for one or more semesters and then return to the home institution.

Requirements for Prospective Students

Submit a completed admissions application with a $10 one-time, non-refundable application fee (not required for readmitted students) via the WEB at: http://www.southwest.tn.edu/ApplyOnline.htm or mail to:

Southwest Tennessee Community College
Admissions and Records Office
P.O. Box 780
Memphis, TN 38101-0780
Arrange for documents verifying your previous education to be sent directly to the Admissions and Records Office.
- High school graduates who have never attended college – official high school transcripts verifying graduation
- The transcript of graduates of Tennessee public high schools since 1983 must include a notation indicating that the student passed the required Proficiency Examination
- Individuals who have passed the General Educational Development (GED) test – an official report of scores
- Individuals who have attended a college or university elsewhere – an official high school transcript verifying graduation and an official transcript from each institution
Submit proof of immunization with two doses of Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccines (only needed if born after 1956 and a full-time student). Tennessee high school graduates 1999 to present need not submit MMR as it is on the official high school transcript. Acceptable documents are:
- The Certificate of Immunization form completed and signed by your doctor
- A copy of an official immunization card or documents from your local Public Health Department
- A copy of the Military form DD214
- Official documentation from a prior college or university
- A Positive result from the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) Titer test
- If you graduated from a Tennessee public or private high school between 1979 and 1998, you must provide ONE MMR immunization given after your graduation date
Applicants are required by Tennessee law to sign the Hepatitis B waiver.

Degree-seeking Test Score Requirements

Potential students under the age of 21 must submit official ACT–National test scores or pay to take the ACT–Residual Test before enrolling (cannot be used for Lottery Scholarship certification). Placement decisions will be based on valid scores less than three years old.
Potential students over the age of 21 are required to take the COMPASS/ASSET test in reading, writing and math.

Academic Placement

New students under 21 years of age are placed into courses according to valid ACT sub scores in English, Mathematics, and Reading. Students who are 21 years or older or have no transfer credits in English, Reading and/or Mathematics are required to take the COMPASS/ASSET test which is administered at the Testing Center. If valid ACT sub scores are available, they may be used for placement.

Challenging Placement

If a student wants to challenge his or her initial placement in mathematics, reading, and writing a retest is available. The challenge of placement must be done before enrolling in the first developmental studies course in the subject area. Contact the Testing Center for an appointment for the appropriate challenge test. A $20 fee is charged for challenging the test.

Orientation

Southwest affords new students an opportunity to participate in an orientation which provides an introduction to the College experience including academic advising, college support services, transfer, job opportunities, and student life.

Student Academic Success Seminar (ACAD 1100)

This course is designed to assist students in making the transition to college during the freshman year. Students are introduced to college functions and resources. Additionally, the student acquires survival skills for college. Topics include career preparation, academic expectations, time management, test anxiety, and life outside the classroom, as well as personal values and relationships. This course is required for all first-time, full-time, degree-seeking students.

Readmitted Students

A student who has not been enrolled at Southwest for one (1) semester (excluding summer) must submit an application for readmission. Degree-seeking students must have all credentials on file prior to being readmitted. Each readmitted degree-seeking applicant must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended during the period of non-enrollment at Southwest.

Southwest maintains records (e.g. transcripts from other institutions, applications, immunization records, etc.) for five years after graduation or last date of attendance. Students applying for readmission after a five year separation from the College must submit all admissions documents required for their field of study.

Programs for High School Students

www.southwest.tn.edu/partnerships/tn-lottery-dual.htm

(901) 333-4046

High school students may "jump start" their college education and even complete a college degree while simultaneously earning a high school diploma. In addition to saving time, students also save money on tuition.

Dual Enrollment

9th or 10th Graders

Academically talented/gifted students in 9th or 10th grade with the approval of the high school principal/counselor may enroll in college courses and receive regular college credit.

Admission Requirements:

Official high school transcript
At least a GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale
Official ACT scores of 22
Permission of the principal or counselor
Parent approval
Hepatitis form

11th or 12th Graders

High school students who are in 11th or 12th grade may enroll in one or more college courses for which the student will be awarded college credit. If a student wishes to receive both high school and college credit, the high school principle/counselor must be contacted for approval.

Admission Requirements:

Official high school transcript
Official ACT scores for placement in courses
Permission of the principal or counselor
Parent approval
Hepatitis form

Early Admission First-Time Freshman

12th graders who are seeking a degree from Southwest may enroll in college courses and receive regular college credit.

Admission Requirements:

Official high school transcript
At least a GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale
Official ACT scores of 22
High School principal must document courses from Southwest that will substitute for the student's high school graduation requirements
Parent approval
Hepatitis form

11th and 12th graders with an ACT score of 19 or above and a GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 may qualify for the Tennessee Dual Enrollment Lottery Scholarship.

Senior Citizens or Students with Disabilities

A Tennessee resident 60 years of age or older or a permanently disabled Tennessee resident may audit courses without paying any maintenance fees. However, the student will be assessed a $10 application fee and a $10 campus access fee. Registration for auditing courses occurs during late registration.

A Tennessee resident 65 years of age or older, or a permanently disabled resident may take classes for credit at a reduced charge of fifty percent (50%) per credit hour up to a maximum of $75, plus a $10 application fee and a $10 campus access fee. Students who wish to take advantage of the reduced rates can begin to register four (4) weeks before the first day of the semester.

International Students

www.southwest.tn.edu/international

(901) 333-4804

Southwest welcomes international students and values their contribution to enhancing the cultural diversity of the College. Southwest is authorized to issue the Form I-20 and students are admitted before the beginning of each semester, year-round. Most international students transfer to four-year colleges after completing their studies at Southwest. Potential students must:

Submit a completed admission application with a $30 one-time, non-refundable application fee.
Submit required certified translations of foreign high school and college transcripts. Transcripts from USA high schools and colleges must also be submitted if applicable. Applicants under age 21 must submit ACT test scores (SAT also accepted).
Submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if the applicant's native language is not English. A TOEFL score of 500 pencil-based test or 173 computer-based test is required. If the applicant has completed courses for regular academic credit at another USA institution, it may be used in place of TOEFL.
Provide a financial statement which is evidence of financial capability to pay registration fees, non-resident fees, living and other expenses.
Submit proof of immunization with two doses of Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccines and the Certification of Freedom from Tuberculosis.
Submit proof of Accident and Sickness insurance with provisions for hospitalization, basic injury and sickness treatment, medically supervised repatriation, return of mortal remains and emergency evacuation.
Students who cannot provide proof of insurance must pay for insurance coverage when they register. Premiums cannot be refunded once they are paid.

Residency

Residency, for the purpose of fee payment, is considered to be the permanent domicile of an applicant. Information provided on the admissions application will be used to determine the initial residency classification of a student. Such items as graduation from a Tennessee high school, parent's legal state of residence, military service discharge records, and reasons for being in Tennessee will be reviewed. Any student who is classified as a non-resident, but who claims to be a resident, may request a review of documented evidence to prove his/her claim by submitting an Application for Residency Classification form which is available in the Admissions and Records Office.

Eligibility for In-state Fee Rate

Employed in Tennessee

Non-residents who are employed full-time in Tennessee and enrolled part-time may pay the in-state rate. The non-resident must provide documentation from the employer that verifies full-time employment and complete the Non-Resident Tuition Waiver form. Non-residents who wish to enroll full time must pay out-of-state tuition.

Border States

Residents of Crittenden or Mississippi counties in Arkansas or DeSoto or Marshall Counties in Mississippi may enroll full- or part-time and may be considered for a Non-Resident Tuition Waiver. A limited number of fee waiver slots are available each term and forms are accepted on the first day of registration through the last day of late registration. The waiver form is available in the Admissions and Records Office and should be completed each term (refer to the Academic Calendar).

High School Core Requirements (A89)

High school graduates from spring 1989 and thereafter must complete core requirements in high school as required by the Tennessee Board of Regents. Students seeking admission to an Associate of Arts Degree (A.A.) or an Associate of Science Degree (A.S.) may complete those high school core requirements while pursuing a degree at Southwest. College courses taken to complete the core requirements may be counted toward an A.A. or A.S. degree. Students may take the following elective courses to complete the core requirements.

These high school subjects and units are required for all A.A. and A.S. Degree students.

Required Subjects:

**Algebra**
Subject	Description	Units
Algebra I, II	Requirements met by mandatory COMPASS/ASSET assessment and placement	2

**English**
Subject	Description	Units
English	Requirements met by mandatory COMPASS/ASSET assessment and placement	4

**Foreign Language**
Subject	Description	Units
FREN 1010 and FREN 1020	Elementary French I, Elementary French II	2
or:
SPAN 1010 and SPAN 1020	Elementary Spanish I, Elementary Spanish II

**Mathematics**
Subject	Description	Units
MATH 0980 (offered during fall semester only)	Geometry I - Intro to Geometry	1

**Natural/Physical Sciences I** (Select one)
Subject	Description	Units
CHEM 1010	Introduction to Chemistry I	1
BIOL 1010	Introduction to Biology I
PHYS 1010	Introduction to Physics
PHYS 1030	Introduction to Astronomy
GEOG 1010	Physical Geography I
NSCI 1030	Natural Sciences
PHYS 2010	General Physics I
PSCI 1010	Physical Science I

**Natural/Physical Sciences II** (Select one)
Subject	Description	Units
BIOL 1020	Introduction to Biology II	1
CHEM 1020	Introduction to Chemistry II
GEOG 1020	Physical Geography II
PHYS 2020	General Physics II
PSCI 1020	Physical Science II

**Social Studies** (Select one)
Subject	Description	Units
ECON 2010	Principles of Macroeconomics	1
HIST 1110	Survey of World Civilization I
POLI 2010	American National Government
PSYC 1010	General Psychology I
SOCI 1010	Introduction to Sociology

**U.S. History 1** (Select one)
Subject	Description	Units
HIST 2010	Survey of United States History I	1
HIST 2020	Survey of United States History II	1

**Visual Arts** (Select one)
Subject	Description	Units
ART 1550	Drawing I	1
ART 1910	Painting I
THEA 1510	Basic Acting
or Select two:
MUS 1600	Class Piano
MUS 1700	Class Voice
MUS 1800	Class Guitar
PHED 1270	Modern Dance
PHED 1730	Modern Jazz Dance

Exceptions to High School Core Requirements (A89)

Applicants with college credit earned prior to fall 1989
Applicants with 60 or more transferable semester hours

Criteria for Admission to Specialized or Limited-Enrollment Programs

Being admitted to Southwest does not guarantee admission to specialized or limited-enrollment programs. The College has specific admission policies and procedures for admission of students to these programs: Dietetic Technician, Medical Laboratory Technician, Laboratory Phlebotomy Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Physical Therapist Assistant, Paramedic, Radiologic Technology, Biotechnology, and Nursing.

Limitations are based upon selective criteria appropriate to each program and apply equally to all prospective students. However, preference for admission, when all else is equal, is given to residents of the state of Tennessee (see the catalog section of each program for specific admission requirements).