First Time In College Students

Step 1 - Apply for Admission

Fill out the application for admission online, send it to us by mail, or bring it to the Office of Admissions at Vol State in the Administration Building, Room A108 along with the $10 nonrefundable application fee. Degree-seeking students will also need to provide:

• An official high school transcript or proof you have passed the GED exam
• Proof of 2 Measles, Mumps, & Rubella vaccinations after your first birthday for all students born after 1957 unless you graduated from a Tennessee high school in 1999 or later
• Proof of registration with Selective Service for all male students born after 1960 who are U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents

Step 2 - Schedule Testing

All degree-seeking students who are under 21 years of age when they apply are required to provide ACT scores. If your ACT scores are more than three (3) years old or if your English, Math, and/or Composite score is below 19, you will need to schedule an appointment to take the ACT Compass placement test at Vol State. The test is given almost on a daily basis. Please call the Testing Office at 615-230-3484 to schedule a time.

See our Testing FAQ for additional information on the web.

Step 3 - Attend Orientation & See an Advisor

Our orientation program is provided for new students who submit their application for admission before the sessions begin. (Check our Important Dates section for more information on when Orientation is held each semester.) Orientation is a program that helps students become more familiar and comfortable at VSCC. Orientation also provides an opportunity for new students to complete their placement test, see an advisor, and register all in one day.

Volunteer State Community College strongly encourages all students see their advisor before registering for classes. Once you have applied for admission, if you missed Orientation, you can call the Advising Center and we will tell you how to contact your advisor. The Advising Center assigns each student an advisor by major or if you have not decided on a major, you may speak to an advisor in our Advising Center in W-105 or call 615-230-3237.

Step 4 - Get Registered

Once you've tested and seen your advisor, you are eligible to register for classes. You can register through the PRIDE phone registration system or through PRIDE Online. Please see How to Register or give us a call at 615-230-3688 for further information. Remember, we're here to help.