Admissions Information

Click on any of the following links for information:

• Admissions Procedures
• MMR Immunization Regulations
• International Students
• Academic Standards for Clinical Education
• Full Opportunity Program
• Credit Evaluation
• Requirements and/or Recommendations - Academic Preparation for Admissions
• Mathematics Equivalencies For Use In Admissions Decisions

Students for most majors are selected as they apply, complete the admissions process, and are found suitably qualified for a particular program. Matriculation or Admissions into the following Health Science programs at Broome Community College will be based on a competitive admissions process: Dental Hygiene, Health Information Technology, Medical Assistant, Medical Laboratory Technology, Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Radiologic Technology. More details are listed below on the Competitive Admissions process.

The following items are required by the Admissions Office before a decision can be made on a student’s application.

1. Completed Application for Admission.
2. Official high school transcripts and those college transcripts required by the College. Applicants must arrange to have transcripts mailed from the high school/college attended directly to the BCC Admissions Office.
3. If applicable, General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
4. If applicable, for non-high school graduates or GED a passing grade on the Ability to Benefit Test.

Here are a few items to note concerning the application process:

• Students who wish to matriculate (required for Federal Financial Aid Grants) full or part-time in any curriculum must apply through the Admissions Office.
• American College Testing (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) score reports are not required, but if either or both are available, they should be forwarded to the Admissions Office.
• The postmark date of an application and the date an application folder is complete are important parts of the admissions process and help the College implement its first-come, first-served equal opportunity policy.
• Most programs require that prerequisite courses be successfully completed by June 30 of the summer preceding fall enrollment.

Applicants should recognize that it is their responsibility to complete the necessary forms for admission and to see that all required transcripts and/or other information are received and recognized by the Admissions Office. Completing the application process is the first step toward matriculation, which also includes being accepted into a curriculum and enrolling in coursework.

Acceptance into Broome Community College applies only to the particular semester designated in the acceptance letter. Students who do not attend BCC in the semester for which they were accepted and who wish to enroll in a future semester must reapply. Records are kept on file for one year. The reapplication process usually involves completing another application, unless additional college coursework has been completed.

International students and BCC Study Abroad Programs have separate admissions criteria.

For more information and answers to questions contact:

Admissions Office
Broome Community College
P.O. Box 1017, Binghamton, N.Y. 13902
Phone: 607 778-5001
Fax: 607-778-5442
E-mail: admissions@sunybroome.edu

The Admissions Office administers placement tests in reading, writing, and mathematics to entering students.

The information gained from these tests is used along with other records to help place students in appropriate courses. Every effort is made to place students in courses in which they can succeed. In some cases, students will be required to enroll in non-credit developmental courses.

Early Admissions

Early Admissions is a program for high achieving high school students who can benefit from taking college courses, full or part-time, before graduating from high school. While high school seniors are usually enrolled in this program, qualified juniors may also be eligible.

Anyone interested in part-time Early Admissions should contact the BCC Admissions Office at 607 778-5001 or his/her high school counselor for the special application form. Full-time applicants should use the regular Application for Admission.

Applicants Without A High School Diploma

Students who lack a high school or a general equivalency diploma (GED) may apply for admission if their high school class has already graduated or they are at least 19 years of age. These students must take and meet the institution’s standards on an Ability to Benefit test approved by the Department of Education.

Applicants who are admitted through this method may apply to New York State for an equivalency diploma after completion of 24 hours of college credits in these subject areas:

• Six (6) credits in English language arts including writing, speaking and reading (literature)
• Three (3) credits in mathematics
• Three (3) credits in natural science
• Three (3) credits in social science
• Three (3) credits in humanities
• Six (6) credits or the equivalent in any other courses within the registered degree or certificate program

Students admitted under the provisions of an Ability to Benefit must earn 24 credits shown above prior to receiving a certificate or degree from the College.

Health Science Competitive Admissions

Entry into the following Health Science programs at Broome Community College will be based on a competitive admissions process: Dental Hygiene, Health Information Technology, Medical Assistant, Medical Laboratory Technology, Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Radiologic Technology.

The Competitive Admissions process compares the academic strength of applicants to the academic preparation required for a specific Health Science program.

An Admissions Committee assesses each applicant’s academic background in either high school or college level math and science courses required for the Health Science program to which they have applied. Offers of admission are made based on an applicant’s academic strength compared to other applicants and number of seats available in a particular program. Meeting the minimum math and science course background does not necessarily guarantee admission. Additional consideration will be given to Broome County residents.

For entry into the Fall semester, the Admissions Office will begin making offers of admission to the most qualified candidates in late January. The Admissions Committee will continue to evaluate applicants through the close of applications, March 1. Applications for admission will still be considered after March 1 should seats still be available in a particular Health Science program.

Students lacking the necessary academic preparation for their chosen program make take preparatory courses at BCC to strengthen their academic background and then reapply for a future semester. Advisement is available to assist students in selecting appropriate preparatory coursework.

Applicants With An IEP Diploma

The New York State Education Department has ruled that an IEP diploma is different from a high school diploma in that it is not an indication of successful completion of high school study. Therefore, students who hold an IEP diploma may apply for admission to BCC and will be evaluated on the same criteria used for students who lack a high school diploma or GED.

Home-Schooled Applicants

Home-schooled students will be eligible for admission to BCC if they can provide either 1) a letter from the superintendent of the school district in which the student resides, attesting to the student’s completion of a program of home instruction meeting the requirements of Section 100.10 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, or 2) a passing score on the general comprehensive examination for the state high school equivalency diploma (GED) (and the diploma itself when available), or 3) students may be admitted under the provisions of Applicants Without a High School Diploma and the “ability to benefit.”

Readmission

Matriculated students who have withdrawn from the College, have not been in attendance for one semester or longer, or have graduated from BCC, must apply for readmission to return as a matriculated student. They do not need to resubmit high school records unless they have not attended BCC for six or more years.

Admission of Ex-Offenders

Applicants to BCC who have been convicted of a felony must participate in an admissions review process. Additional information will be requested per SUNY Ex-Offender Policy. Failure to disclose a felony conviction on the Application for Admissions may result in expulsion from the College. For more information, contact the Admissions Office.

It is the intent of the administration of Broome Community College to comply and enforce the provisions of Public Health Law Article 21, Title IV, Section 2165-Immunization.

All students registering for 6 or more credits and attending New York State colleges and universities are required to show proof of immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella, prior to attending classes. Individuals born before January 1, 1957, are exempt from this requirement.

Proof of immunity to measles means two doses of measles vaccine on or after one’s first birthday and at least 30 days apart, physician documented history of disease, or serological evidence of immunity. Proof of rubella immunity means one dose of rubella vaccine on or after the first birthday, or serologic evidence of immunity. Proof of mumps immunity means one dose of mumps vaccine on or after one’s first birthday, a physician documented history of disease, or serologic evidence of immunity.

NOTE: If you have graduated from a high school in the United States after June 1980, your diploma or high school transcript is acceptable proof of having had one measles vaccination. YOU STILL MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF THE measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination within the past year of application to the College.

Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccination Response Form

New York State Public Health Law #2167 requires that all college and university students enrolled for at least six semester hours be informed of information regarding meningococcal meningitis disease, including the risks of NOT receiving the vaccine. Vaccination is optional. Student MUST return response form prior to being enrolled for classes to the Office of Student Health Services, Science Building, Room 102.

General Information

Broome Community College welcomes students from other countries. The College is authorized by the U.S. Justice Department to issue the necessary Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F- 1 Student Status (Form I-20) to international students planning to enter the U.S. and attend BCC on an F-1 Student Visa.

For additional information and for the necessary forms to apply to Broome Community College as an international student, contact the Admissions Office, 607 778-5001; FAX 607 778-5442; e-mail: admissions@sunybroome.edu

International Admission Requirements

International student applicants should submit the following to the Admissions Office:

1. Application for Admission and the International Applicant Information form. Both forms can be obtained by contacting the Admissions Office.
2. Official or certified copies of all secondary and post-secondary academic records ( transcripts). Records should include the grades/marks of all subjects completed and the results of any external examinations. Records should also indicate any diplomas, degrees or certificates earned. If records are not in English, a certified, literal translation should be sent with the official document.
3. English Language Proficiency &em; Any international student applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate an acceptable English language proficiency to be considered for admission.
   This requirement can be met by (1) submitting a minimum TOEFL score of 97 (400 paper-based) OR (2) submitting official academic records which show the successful completion of at least four years of English language study at the secondary school level or higher.
   Unless specifically waived, a placement test is given to all international students upon application to the College to determine the appropriate English course level to enroll. The placement test also determines the appropriate mathematics course level to enroll. Students who score at a lower or intermediate English proficiency level need to enroll in full time, intensive English-As-A-Second Language (ESL) study and continue ESL coursework each semester until an appropriate proficiency is met. Students who score or progress to an advanced English proficiency level may take regular academic courses in their program of study along with continued ESL study.
   Students who submit a TOEFL score of 197 (527 paper-based) or better can begin the regular academic curriculum in their program of study if they have the appropriate academic background. The College’s placement test used in conjunction with the TOEFL score will help determine appropriate course placement.
4. Financial Documentation (Required for F-1 Student Visa Applicants) International student applicants planning to attend Broome Community College on an F-1 Student Status must demonstrate that they have the financial means to cover their educational and living expenses while attending the College. A Declaration of Financial Support Form (Affidavit of Support) should be completed and returned with the appropriate financial documentation requested on the form. Upon acceptance to the College, a Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant F-1 Student Status (Form I-20) will be sent to the applicant. An I-20 is a required document for an F-1 Student Visa to enter the United States and attend Broome Community College.
   F-1 Transfer Students in the United States: An international student currently attending a college or university in the United States on an F-1 student status and seeking to transfer to Broome Community College will need to obtain a new I-20 issued by BCC and fulfill transfer eligibility requirements. After admission to Broome Community College, the international student’s International Student Advisor will need to be complete a Transfer Eligibility Form. This form will sent to the student upon acceptance to BCC.
   Applicants on an F-2, B (visitor) or other non-immigrant statuses should contact the Admissions Office for any additional admission requirements.
5. Proof of health insurance is required of all international students prior to course registration. Certification of coverage will be required at the time of registration by an appropriate college official. Any student not having proof of insurance will be required to purchase the college sponsored plan, which is available through the College’s Student Health Services Office. Married students are expected to provide coverage for their dependents.

Other General Information:

The International Student Counseling Office, located in the Student Services Building, Room 210, provides counseling to international students throughout their enrollment at the College. This office conducts an international student orientation prior to the beginning of classes to help international students understand their immigration responsibilities as well as plan their academic curriculum and become accustomed to the American educational system. This office also assists international students in finding housing off-campus. The International Student Counselor is available to counsel and assist international students with academic, career and personal concerns.

International students who are seeking transfer credit to BCC, earned from an educational institution outside the United States, are required to submit an official evaluation of their educational documents (transcripts) from an approved foreign credential evaluation agency. Information on approved agencies is available from the Admissions Office.

Through special arrangement, the College can accommodate sponsored groups of 10 or more students who do not meet the English language proficiency requirements described above.

Academic Standards for Clinical Education in the Health Sciences programs require dismissal of students who fail to meet established academic objectives for the physical safety, psychological safety, and confidentiality of patients.

Students interested in Health Science curricula are advised to see the appropriate department chairperson upon admission to the program. Annual physical examination, including Mantoux and other testing, is required in most curricula.

OSHA standards

Although not required by either Broome Community College or the State University of New York, students enrolled in health science programs, where clinical experience or on-campus Dental Clinic is a curriculum requirement, should note that compliance with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standards is mandated.

The OSHA standards on Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens require employees to either be vaccinated for hepatitis or to sign the appropriate form declining the vaccination. The standards do not mention students. Nonetheless, many affiliate health agencies are requiring students to comply with the regulations, and hepatitis vaccinations are strongly recommended by most Health Science curricula.

Broome Community College has a Full Opportunity Program, which is designed to give every individual a chance to fulfill his/her own personal goals and potential.

All Broome County applicants who have graduated from high school within the prior year, or applicants who have been released from active duty with the Armed Forces of the United States within the prior year, are given priority for admission until March 1 and are guaranteed admission to the College, but not necessarily assured of space in the programs of their choice. To be admitted to any program of study, all applicants must meet the academic requirements of that program. Students without the required academic background for a particular curriculum will be accepted into a program or selection of courses for which they qualify. Some students may require more than two years to complete a program of study.

Broome Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era in the recruitment or education of students; the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff; or the operation of any of its programs or activities. Where relevant, state and federal laws apply.

Transfer and Articulated Credit

College level course credits earned at regionally accredited* post-secondary institutions can be transferred to Broome Community College. Credits earned at non-regionally accredited institutions with which Broome Community College has a current articulation agreement may also be transferred to BCC.

*Regional Accrediting Bodies:  Middle States, New England, North Central, Northwest, Southern, and Western.

Transfer credit is subject to the approval of the Department Chairperson or Dean’s designee and with the following provisions:

Broome Community College must receive official transcripts of all college-level work completed at other regionally accredited colleges before formal transfer credit will be awarded.

Grades earned at other institutions will not be entered into the cumulative grade-point average (GPA) at Broome Community College.

Grades of “C” or higher are transferable if coursework is relevant to the student’s program of study at Broome Community College. “C-” and “D” grades may be transferable with the approval of the Department Chairperson or Dean’s designee.

Credits earned at foreign post-secondary institutions may also be transferred, subject to review and approval of the Department Chairperson or Dean’s designee from the division in which the student matriculates. Students applying for foreign credit transfer must submit an official evaluation of foreign educational credentials from an accredited evaluation agency.

Advanced Placement Examination (AP)

The College will recognize for credit the AP examinations of the College Entrance Examination Board. A score of three or above is generally acceptable for credit, but each academic department establishes its policy. Laboratory courses may require additional lab work for full credit for a college course. Credit awarded will be handled as a transfer credit.

College Proficiency Exams (CP)

The CP exams of the University of the State of New York will be recognized for credit upon approval by the appropriate department. Credit awarded will be handled as transfer credit.

Requirements and/or Recommendations - Academic Preparation for Admissions

NOTE: See “Mathematics Equivalencies for Use in Admissions Decisions”

ALL GRADES ARE FINAL CLASS AVERAGES, NOT REGENTS EXAM GRADES

¹BCC has a developmental program that enables students lacking the proper academic preparation for professional level courses to enroll in appropriate credit or non-credit courses that will qualify them. They can take these courses at BCC or elsewhere preceding their admission. Applicants who elect to take these courses during the spring and fall semesters would need more than two years to complete the curriculum.

²If prerequisite courses are taken at BCC, a grade of 2.0 or better is required.

³AM is Applied Math and AS is Applied Science as defined by Tech Prep. PT is Principles of Technology. ABC is Applied Biology & Chemistry.

⁴Equivalent course substitutions may be determined by the department chair/dean.

⁵Students not completing the recommended high school courses may take longer than 2 years to complete the degree requirements.

For each column below, it is assumed the student successfully completed the requirement listed.