Valencia Community College Application Advice

What should I know about applying to Valencia Community College? I'm curious if they have specific requirements or if the application process is similar to other community colleges.

Applying to Valencia Community College works much like it does for most community colleges. The first step will be to create an Atlas account, which serves as your online student portal, through the Valencia website. Once that's done, you can begin filling out the online application there.

Valencia doesn't have any competitive admissions criteria, so as long as you've earned a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent, you're essentially guaranteed admission. However, it's important to remember that just getting into the college isn't the only important aspect of applications. You'll also need to think about your academic goals and pathways, how you'll cover tuition costs (through financial aid or out-of-pocket), and getting transcripts evaluated if you're transferring from another institution.

After you apply, you can expect to provide proof of Florida residency if applicable (this impacts your tuition as resident students pay less), complete an online orientation, get assessed for course placement (either via high school transcripts, standardized test scores, or Valencia’s placement assessments), and then meet with an advisor to discuss your academic path, and then finally you'll register for courses.

Remember to take note of the deadlines Valencia has in place for each term as you go through the process. The college operates on a rolling admissions policy, but there are still important dates to keep in mind.

In terms of requirements, Valencia does not require the SAT or ACT for admission, which sets it apart from some four-year institutions. But if you've taken these exams, your scores can be used for course placement.

The process should be relatively straightforward, but if you run into any issues, Valencia's Admissions and Records Office would be a helpful resource to reach out to.