Admissions Requirements - FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for admission to Normandale?
You are eligible for admission to Normandale if you have graduated from high school or completed a General Equivalent Diploma (GED). Prospective students who are currently attending high school and anticipate graduating before starting classes at Normandale may also apply for admission.
Does admission to the college qualify for admission to all programs?
Admission to Normandale does not automatically qualify you for all courses and programs. Specialized career programs such as Dental Hygiene, Nursing and others are competitively based and have additional academic and application requirements. High school students interested in the Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) should refer to the PSEO Admissions website for further information about admissions requirements for that program. Normandale Community College welcomes students from all over the world. Prospective International students may apply to Normandale if they are are non-immigrants to the United States or seeking an F-1 student visa.
When should I apply for admission?
You may apply any time prior to the start of each academic term. However, you are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible. Applying early assures the best course availability as courses with high demand fill early. Early application also assures the best service during your transition to college. Students who apply for admission closer to the start of the term will still have good course selection but are less likely to be able to enroll in their first-choice courses. Early application for financial aid also assures you priority consideration for all of the available financial aid programs for which you may be eligible. Separate admissions and financial aid applications are required.
How do I apply for admission?
1. Apply online or download a printable application form. Applications are also available by calling the Office of Admissions at (952) 487-8201. The online application fee must be paid by Visa or MasterCard. Paper applications must include a check or money order payable to Normandale Community College. Applications will not be processed without payment of the application fee.
2. Submit official transcripts (or GED certificate) confirming your high school graduation. If you are currently attending high school and anticipate graduating before your courses at Normandale begin, you must submit an official high school transcript to the Office of Admissions prior to the end of your first term at Normandale. Official transcripts must be prepared and sealed by the issuing institution in an envelope bearing the issuing institution's letterhead.
3. Submit official transcripts from previous colleges attended. Submitting official transcripts of previous college coursework at the time of application may provide waivers from Course Readiness Assessments. Your transcripts should include Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. Official transcripts must be prepared and sealed by the issuing institution in an envelope bearing the issuing institution's letterhead.
4. Submit copies of score reports from any previous ACT, SAT or course placement testing you have completed. Previous score reports as well as your transcripts of previous college-level coursework must be submitted at the time of application. These documents may provide you waivers from Normandale's Course Readiness Assessment requirements as well as give you course transfer credit.
What are the steps for enrollment?
1. Apply and be accepted for admission to Normandale Community College per the directions provided above.
2. Schedule and complete the required Course Readiness Assessment (CRA). When your completed application for admission, application fee and required transcripts have been submitted, the Normandale Office of Admissions will send, within five business days, a letter verifying an admissions decision. If you are accepted for admission, you should immediately arrange to take any required Course Readiness Assessment (CRA) sections in reading, writing and mathematics by making reservations as directed in your acceptance letter.
3. Schedule and attend an Advising and Registration session. When your CRA requirements have been satisfied, you will be notified of upcoming Advising and Registration dates. You should immediately reserve space at the earliest available Advising and Registration session by making reservations as directed in your acceptance letter or at your CRA session.
How can I know, before I apply, if my previous college course work will transfer to Normandale?
Contact the Appointments Desk at (952) 487-8261 and ask to schedule an appointment with our Transfer Coordinator for an unofficial transcript review.
When do classes at Normandale start?
Normandale operates on a semester basis. Students are admitted at the beginning of each semester - Fall Term (late August), Spring Term (mid-January) and Summer Term (early June and early July). Specific start dates for academic terms vary from year to year. Please refer to the Academic Calendar for specific start dates.
What degrees or programs are offered at Normandale?
Normandale offers courses in over 60 different academic programs. Keep in mind, however, that community colleges like Normandale were principally created to provide preparation in specific career areas or a general education intended for transfer to four-year colleges or universities. As a result, general education course credits can transfer to most all majors and minors offered by four-year institutions whether those programs are offered at Normandale or not. Please go to Programs and Degrees for a list of current academic degree programs and transfer curriculum offered at Normandale.
Why do I need to provide documentation on my immunization?
Immunization documentation is required by Minnesota law M.S. 135A.14. This law requires that students provide a statement that they have received appropriate immunization against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and diphtheria and tetanus (DT). The law was developed as a part of public health efforts to stem infectious diseases and the possible epidemics they could cause. MMR vaccinations must have been administered after 12 months of age and DT vaccinations must have been administered within ten years of the student's first term of enrollment.
What are the current costs of attending Normandale?
For both residents and non-residents of the State of Minnesota, 2009-10 estimated tuition and fees at Normandale are $162.93* per credit for on-campus courses, $179.18* per credit for online courses and $190.29* for the Nursing and Dental Hygiene programs. Normandale courses range from 1 to 5 credits each. Click on reciprocity for information on rates for students from states with reciprocity agreements with the State of Minnesota. *Subject to approval of the Board of Trustees.
What is included in these costs?
Tuition and fees include technology fees, student activity fees, state student association fees and parking fees. Detailed information is available on the Business Office website.
What is NOT included in those costs?
Fees listed above do not include special instructional fees required in some courses (e.g. courses by television or individual music instruction). Special instructional fees are listed in the course schedules published for each academic term. There is additional cost for books and supplies; however, this cost varies based on the number of credits and the types of courses.
How many credits do I need to take each academic term?
You must be registered for a minimum of 12 credits per semester to be considered a full-time student. Most students register for an average of 12-16 credits per semester but you may take as few or as many credits as you like up to a maximum of 19 credits (or, with special permission, more than 19 credits).
Do you offer a special tuition rate for senior citizens?
Yes, Minnesota residents aged 62 or older may register for courses at a reduced tuition rate. Seniors may register beginning the first day of the academic term on a space-available basis. Visit the Records Office each term to be sure you are registered as a senior citizen for tuition purposes.
What options are available for financing my education?
While Normandale is certainly a best value in higher education, it's smart to consider resources that may be available to make your education even less expensive or easier to finance.
Financial Aid is available for persons who are U.S. citizens and immigrants interested in an education at Normandale who meet federal eligibility requirements. Students must complete the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial aid. Financial aid may be in the form of grants (which you don't pay back), loans (which you do pay back with convenient terms) and work-study (which you earn as a wage for an on-campus job that can be scheduled around your classes). Learn more by visiting the Financial Aid and Scholarship website.
Scholarships are like grants and provide gift money that does not have to be repaid. However, scholarship eligibility may include certain criteria such as your past academic record, financial need, or the major or career you intend to pursue. Visit the Financial Aid and Scholarship website to learn more.
A payment plan through Nelnet Business Solutions and the Normandale Business Office lets you spread out payments rather than paying your tuition all at once. There is a small participation fee, but no interest is charged. Click on Payment Plan for more information.
If you are a returning adult student who has not taken a high school or a college course, or earned a G.E.D. in the past seven years, and do not already have a four-year degree, you may be eligible for an Alliss Grant. This grant pays for the tuition portion of your tuition and fees as well as any textbooks required for your first course in college. See Alliss Grant for complete information and the application form.
Scholarships from off-campus sources may offer you additional gift resources depending on your background and goals. Remember to avoid scholarship information sources which charge moneyto match you with funding sources since this is information you can easily find yourself. Visit Fastweb a free service to help you search for scholarship opportunities.
Employee reimbursement for qualified college study is offered by many companies. Some companies even offer the benefit for part-time employees. Be sure to contact your company's Human Resources office to determine if college tuition benefits are available.
Tax benefits for higher education may also be available to you. For example, the Hope Credit may allow you more than $1,500 in tax benefit during each of your first two years of college if you are paying both federal taxes and tuition. To learn more about this and other tax benefits, visit IRS and type "Publication 970" in the search box for the current year edition of Tax benefits for higher education.
What is the Normandale financial aid code used on the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA)?
The Normandale FAFSA financial aid code is 007954.
If I have financial aid at another college will it transfer to Normandale?
Financial aid funds do not transfer from one college to another. You must be awarded aid at the new institution. However, you are usually eligible for comparable amounts of aid if the cost of attendance at each institution is similar. The first step is to have your FAFSA data sent to Normandale. The best way is to do this electronically at FAFSA. Under "FAFSA Follow-up", select "Add or Delete a School Code." Enter the Normandale financial aid code 007954 and then click "Submit".
What is Course Readiness Assessment?
Normandale's Course Readiness Assessment is the testing process used to determine a student's readiness for specific college courses. Course Readiness Assessment measures reading, writing, and mathematics skills and is used to assist students with the selection of appropriate courses to help assure a student's academic success upon entering Normandale.
Normandale's courses in reading, writing and mathematics require completion of the Course Readiness Assessment. Certain other courses at Normandale may also require completion of the course readiness assessment. Details on course requirements and prerequisites are available in the individual course descriptions contained in the departmental listings of the catalog. Students whose Course Readiness Assessment results are at the Adult Basic Education (ABE) level in either reading or composition will receive a deferred admission to the College.
Does everyone have to take the Course Readiness Assessment?
All new entering students must satisfy the Course Readiness Assessment requirements unless:
- They plan to take 7 credits or less and
- They plan to take courses that have no prerequisites or course readiness requirements in reading, writing or mathematics.
Note: this is a one-time, one semester option. Students may register in future semesters by meeting Course Readiness Assessment and attending Advising and Registration session. - They have received a Course Readiness Assessment waiver by submitting other assessment results (for further information see the section on Waivers);
- They have taken relevant coursework at another college or university (for futher information see the question on transfer students and Course Readiness Assessments.
For students whose first language is not English Lack of English skills will not be a barrier to admission or participation. The Course Readiness Assessment will ensure more acccurate placement in appropriate course levels and help to determine whether strengthening English language skills is necessary to maximize the student's academic success. Normandale offers an excellent program throught the Department of English called English for Academic Purposes (EAP) to help students prepare for the many English language demands of their future academic career. The Course Readiness Assessment will place you in the correct level of our program -the level where you will be most successful. The EAP courses are offered fall and spring semesters.
Can I be waived from taking the Course Readiness Assessment?
Students may be waived from participating in Course Readiness Assessments by submitting copies of score reports to the Office of Admissions from any previous ACT, SAT or course placement testing completed within the last three years, inclusive of the current calendar year (math scores are valid for only two years) or official transcripts of previous college-level coursework including Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and International Baccalaureate (IB).
Are transfer students required to take the Course Readiness Assessment?
Transfer students who have taken college-level coursework at a regionally accredited college or university may have already satisfied some or all of the assessment requirements. However, they must submit official college transcripts of their college-level coursework for evaluation to obtain a Course Readiness Assessment waiver.
When do I take the Course Readiness Assessment?
Course Readiness Assessments are offered on a walk-in basis throughout most of the semester and by reservation on some Saturdays. Additional information is provided in your acceptance letter or by calling the Office of Admissions at (952)487-8201.
How can I prepare for the Course Readiness Assessment?
Several resources are available to assist students in preparing for the Normandale Course Readiness Assessment:
- Visit the College Board website. Click on "Sample Questions" on the left side of the page.
- On the internet go to Google.com, type in "Accuplacer practice" in the search box. Several good sites from this search include: Study Guide Zone and Test Prep Preview.
- Math and reading review packets are available in the Normandale Bookstore for $1.50 per packet.
- Math skill practice evaluations are available through the Normandale College website at Mathematics Practice Test. Select the appropriate test.
- Other helpful websites for mathematics review are: Algebra Basics and Yahoo Math Homework help and Math.com.
Can I retake the Course Readiness Assessment?
If you are dissatisfied with any of your scores, you may wish to consult a counselor before taking the Course Readiness Assessment a second time You can retake each section of the assessment (reading, writing and mathematics) once in every 12 month period. If you are still dissatisfied with your assessment scores you may appeal your course placement by completing an appeal form.
How do I register for classes?
Participation in an online orientation and on-campus Advising and Registration session is required of all incoming students who plan to take more than one class. These activities prepare you for a successful start to your Normandale education. The Advising and Registration program provides an opportunity for you to become better acquainted with the Normandale campus, its policies, activities, student life, academic support programs and counseling services. During the Advising and Registration program, you will meet with counselors to plan your educational program and then register for classes. These sessions are held prior to the beginning of fall and spring semesters. You must be accepted for admission and should have satisfied all Course Readiness Assessment requirements before you attend an Advising and Registration session. Special sessions are offered for transfer students, students for whom English is a second language and PSEO students.
Do you have accommodations for students with disabilities?
Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available with advance notice. Call the Office for Students with Disabilities at (952) 487-7037 or (952) 487-7032 (TTY). You may also e-mail debbie.tillman@normandale.edu to make arrangements for an appointment.
What is the Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) Program?
The Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) Program is designed to offer Minnesota high school juniors and seniors with demonstrated academic achievement the opportunity to take college level courses while attending high school. The PSEO program allows high school students to earn college credits and, with the high school's permission, to use those credits toward the completion of high school graduation requirements. The cost for all course tuition, fees and required textbooks are covered under the PSEO program. However, textbooks paid for through PSEO become the property of Normandale Community College upon completion of the course due to policies established in law by the State of Minnesota. It also covers consumable supplies that are required specifically for a class, such as art supplies, film, etc. The program does not cover general school supplies such as notebooks, pens, pencils, etc., or non-consumable supplies such as calculators, instrument rental, uniforms, etc. PSEO students are not eligible for courses with supplemental fees of $85 or more. The PSEO program does not cover any costs for development courses (classes numbered under 1000). The application deadlines for the PSEO programs are July 1 for fall semester December 1 for spring semester. See the PSEO program page for application instructions and forms.
What are the admission requirements for the PSEO program?
Admission requirements for participation in the PSEO program at Normandale Community College are:
High school seniors must rank in the top one-half or score at or above the 50th percentile on a nationally standardized norm-referenced test such as ACT, SAT, PSAT, PLAN or ITED. Eligible applicants must satisfy all three sections (reading, writing and mathematics) of Normandale's Course Readiness Assessments and must indicate a college level placement in reading.
High School juniors must rank in the top one-third or or score at or above the 68th percentile on a nationally standardized norm-referenced test such as ACT, SAT, PSAT, PLAN or ITED. Eligible applicants must satisfy all three sections (reading, writing and mathematics) of Normandale's Course Readiness Assessments and must indicate a college level placement in reading.
Applicants must satisfy all three sections (reading, writing and mathematics) of the Course Readiness Assessment to determine course eligibility. The results of the Normandale Course Readiness Assessments are the determining factor for a student's eligibility to enroll in college-level courses paid for by the PSEO program.
What is PLAN (Prior Learning Assessment at Normandale)?
Work and life experience can count toward a college degree. You may earn college credit for skills and knowledge acquired on the job. These credits may apply toward a degree at Normandale or a four-year degree. Call Dennis Peterson, 952-487-8262, for more information and a schedule of PLAN information sessions.
What is MnCAP?
The Minnesota Cooperative Admissions Program (MnCAP) is a cooperative arrangement between the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and MnSCU. The program facilitates the transfer of students from Minnesota's public two-year campuses to the University of Minnesota's College of Liberal Arts (CLA), College of Agricultural, Food & Environmental Sciences (COAFES), College of Biological Sciences (CBS), College of Human Ecology (CHE) [not including design or retail majors], College of Natural Resources (CNR) and the Institute of Technology (IT). Download the MnCap brochure.
Does housing exist on the Normandale campus?
Although there are no accommodations on campus, a wide variety of housing opportunities and price ranges are available in the area surrounding Normandale. Normandale provides a partial listing of rental housing in the area. The list is updated monthly.
When can I visit Normandale Community College?
There are scheduled events and many other opportunities to visit Normandale Community College. Find out more about Normandale Community College. Visit Us for details about weekly information sessions and Open House events. Appointments with Admissions Representatives are available on a daily basis by appointment by calling (952) 487-8261 or toll free at (866) 880-8740. Group tours are also available on an appointment basis.
Where is Normandale Community College located?
Normandale Community College is conveniently located at 9700 France Avenue South and 98th Street in Bloomington. From I-494, take the France Avenue exit and go south 1.5 miles to 98th Street. From I-35W, take the 98th Street exit and go west 1.5 miles.
