Admissions

State Authorization

Various state regulations require legal authorization for postsecondary institutions to offer distance education classes/programs, internships and clinical placements, to students who live outside the institution’s home state. As a consequence AACC may not offer online classes/programs, internships or clinical placements in some states.

AACC has determined that to operate in some states is not in the best interest of the college. If you are not a resident of Maryland, please visit http://www.aacc.edu/stateauthorization for information on the states in which AACC is authorized, exempt, not subject to governance, or in compliance, and has chosen to operate. You will also find informational statements as required by some state agencies.

General Admission Procedures

Degree- and Certificate-seeking Students (must be age 16 or older)

1. Submit an application to the Admissions and Enrollment Development office as early as possible and before the term when admission is desired.
2. Forward any ACT, SAT, AP and CLEP scores as well as the following official documentation to the Records and Registration office:
   1. High school graduates: submit an official copy of a secondary school transcript.
   2. General Educational Development Diploma (GED) students: request the appropriate state department of education to mail a copy of the test results.
   3. Students who have attended other colleges: submit an official transcript from each college attended.
3. Assessment and Placement
   All students who wish to pursue a degree or certificate must be assessed for proficiency in English, reading and mathematics prior to their first registration. Please visit the Placement Testing for New Students website for further information.
   
   Take an assessment test through the college’s testing office, or forward ACT, SAT, AP or CLEP test results or official transcripts to the Records and Registration office, or bring them to the Admissions and Enrollment Development office before registering for classes.
    
   1. Assessment and placement for English and reading proficiency shall be determined by appropriate scores, as established by the college, on any of the following assessment devices: American College Test (ACT); Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT); Anne Arundel Community College assessment tests; Advanced Placement Examination (AP); College-Level Examination Program (CLEP); or by satisfactory completion of appropriate college-level English at other regionally accredited colleges and universities.
      
      Test results are used to place students in appropriate courses, not for determining eligibility for admission to the college. Tests are waived for students who can establish eligibility through prior education, other test results or relevant life experience. Based on the results of the English and reading assessment, students will be assigned a status of either “regular” or “developmental” (see Student Status). Students with regular status are eligible to enter ENG 111 , Composition and Introduction to Literature 1 or ENG 121 , Composition and Literature if qualified. Students with developmental status will be required to successfully complete appropriate equivalent developmental English and reading classes before entering any credit-level English courses. Certificate-seeking students with developmental status must complete all required developmental courses. Students can take the English/reading sections of the AACC placement test two times.
      
      Students who do not speak English or whose second language is English, may be given the ACCUPLACER LOEP exam. Based on the student’s background, ACCUPLACER will automatically determine if the LOEP exam is required. After completing the LOEP exam a student may be required to write an essay to complete the LOEP placement. Please visit the ESL website or call 777-2901 for further information. Students taking the college English as a Second Language Assessment test will be permitted to register for credit courses as stated in the ESL assessment category. (Students who take the ESL assessment test and score into ENG 115  are assigned regular status. However, scores on their assessment test qualify a student only to take the ENG 115 -ENG 116  sequence of English courses, not the ENG 111 -ENG 112  sequence.)
       
   2. Assessment and placement for mathematics
      All degree-seeking students must be assessed for proficiency in mathematics prior to their first registration.
      
      All certificate-seeking students whose program includes a mathematics prerequisite must also be assessed for proficiency in mathematics prior to their first registration.
      
      Based on the mathematics assessment, students may be required to complete appropriate equivalent developmental mathematics courses to prepare students to enter credit-level mathematics courses. To facilitate the timely completion of the academic program, students are encouraged to complete any equivalent developmental math courses as early as possible.

Nondegree-seeking Students (must be age 16 or older)

This designation is assigned to students who wish to take credit courses without pursuing a degree or certificate.

1. Submit an official application form to the Admissions and Enrollment Development office as early as possible.
2. High school transcripts, ACT, SAT scores or transcripts from other colleges are not needed. However, unless additional documentation is provided, nondegree-seeking students are not eligible for credit English, mathematics, Principles of Accounting 1, Principles of Economics or any course that has a stated prerequisite. Applicants not certain of their eligibility for specific courses should consult an admissions adviser or the Counseling, Advising and Retention Services. Unofficial transcripts may be used for prerequisite or corequisite verification.
3. Transfer to Home College or University - Students currently enrolled elsewhere who wish to earn credits at Anne Arundel Community College for transfer to that college or university are encouraged to obtain advance approval from the appropriate academic office of the college or university they now attend. Written approval from the home college or university does not indicate eligibility for AACC course prerequisites. Students must submit a transcript of previous course work to the Admissions and Enrollment Development office or Counseling, Advising and Retention Services to satisfy any prerequisite and corequisite requirements.
4. Students may change their goal to degree- or certificate-seeking by submitting a change form and the documentation described under Degree- and Certificate-seeking Students to the Records and Registration office.

There are special admissions procedures for alternate education programs for some students who are eligible and do not meet the criteria outlined above.

Admission Status

Upon admission, students are assigned a placement status. This status may change based on academic performance:

1. Regular (18 maximum credit hours)

Students assigned regular status may register for up to 18 equivalent credit hours during sessions of 13 to 15 weeks duration. Regular students enrolled in abbreviated sessions (fewer than 13 weeks) may register for no more than nine equivalent credit hours that meet at any one time.

Regular status is assigned to students who meet ENG 111 , Composition and Introduction to Literature 1, eligibility by one of the following:

For regular status consideration, students must submit test scores from either the SAT, ACT or Anne Arundel Community College assessment tests; or transcripts of previously completed college course work to the Admissions and Enrollment Development office.

2. Developmental (13 maximum credit hours)

Students assigned developmental status may register for up to 13 equivalent credit hours during sessions of 13 to 15 weeks duration. Developmental students enrolled in abbreviated sessions (fewer than 13 weeks) may register for no more than seven equivalent credit hours that meet at any one time.

Developmental status is assigned to students whose SAT, ACT or Anne Arundel Community College assessment test scores indicate a need to complete specific equivalent English and reading developmental courses before registering for credit English or other courses that have an English or reading prerequisite. Students with developmental status may not exceed a total enrollment of 13 hours of credit and equivalent course work during sessions of 13 to 15 weeks duration.

The college notifies developmental students of the courses they are required to take. Degree and certificate-seeking students with developmental status should begin developmental requirements in their first term. Developmental courses in English and reading must be in progress by the time 12 AACC hours (credit or equivalent) have been attempted. Developmental requirements must be completed within the first 30 AACC hours (credit or equivalent) attempted. An extension of one term may be granted by an academic adviser.

Enrollment in credit courses is limited by the developmental requirements and other course prerequisites. For information regarding course prerequisites, look in the Courses of Instruction section of this catalog or consult an academic adviser.

3. English as a Second Language (ESL) (13 maximum credit hours)

Students assigned ESL status may register for up to 13 equivalent credit hours during sessions of 13 to 15 weeks duration. ESL students enrolled in abbreviated sessions (fewer than 13 weeks) may register for no more than seven equivalent credit hours that meet at any one time. Students wishing to pursue a more intensive language program must be approved by the coordinator of English as a Second Language.

Any student interested in taking an ESL course is required to take the English as a Second Language Assessment test prior to registration. ESL status is assigned to students whose native language is not English and whose academic record or Anne Arundel Community College assessment test scores indicate they must complete certain noncredit ESL courses before registering for any credit courses. The college advises these students which ESL courses they are required to take. All ESL students should consult an ESL adviser before registering for any courses.

Students who score into beginning ESL may not register for credit courses. Students who score into intermediate or high-intermediate ESL may register for credit courses only with written permission of an ESL adviser. ESL and credit course work may not exceed a total of 13 credit hours during the spring or fall sessions or seven credits during the summer sessions.

Students who score into advanced or capstone ESL may register for a combination of ESL and credit courses not to exceed a total of 13 credit hours during fall or spring sessions. The student’s status will change from ESL to regular after completing the capstone ESL courses.

Students who take the English as a Second Language placement test and score into ENG 115  are assigned regular status. However, scores on this placement test qualify a student only to take the ENG 115 -ENG 116  sequence of English courses, not the ENG 111 -ENG 112  sequence.

4. Probationary (14 maximum credit hours)

Students assigned probationary (or probation) status may register for up to 14 equivalent credit hours during sessions of 13 to 15 weeks duration. Probationary students enrolled in abbreviated sessions (fewer than 13 weeks) may register for no more than seven equivalent credit hours that meet at any one time.

Students with probationary status have been dismissed from or were not in good academic standing at another college or university. Students who complete 12 credit hours with a grade point average of 2.0 or better will be classified as regular status.

5. Nondegree (11 maximum credit hours)

Students assigned nondegree status may register for up to 11 equivalent credit hours during sessions of 13 to 15 weeks duration. Nondegree students enrolled in abbreviated sessions (fewer than 13 weeks) may register for no more than seven equivalent credit hours that meet at any one time.

This status is assigned to students who wish to take courses for personal enrichment without pursuing a degree or certificate. Nondegree students who wish to take courses in English, mathematics or any course with an English or mathematics prerequisite must be assessed prior to registration. Nondegree students whose native language is not English are required to take the college ESL assessment test and will be permitted to register for credit courses as stated in the ESL student status category (see above). (Students who take the ESL assessment test and score into ENG 115  are assigned regular status. However, scores on their placement test qualify a student only to take the ENG 115 -ENG 116  sequence of English courses, not the ENG 111 -ENG 112  sequence.) 

Nondegree status will be reviewed after achieving 18 credits to determine the student’s goals.

Nondegree students are not eligible for federally funded financial aid.

Early College Access Programs: Selective Admission Programs for Secondary School-Age Students

Individuals may benefit from a college experience prior to completing high school graduation requirements. Five distinct programs are available to accommodate these individuals: Concurrent Enrollment, Dual Credit, Early College Access, Early Admission and Gifted and Talented.

Although applications to the college are accepted on an ongoing basis, students should begin the application process early to ensure appropriate documents, testing and course selection are completed. Students should complete the application process at least 30 days prior to the start of classes each term. See the Admissions Procedures that follow for information on how to apply for any Early College Access program.

Concurrent Enrollment - Concurrent Enrollment allows qualified students (age 16 or older) to enroll in a limited number of courses at the college while completing high school graduation requirements.

Dual Credit - Dual Credit is a program jointly sponsored by Anne Arundel Community College and the Anne Arundel County Public High Schools. This program allows students to take a college course and earn both college and high school credit. With permission from an Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) and approval of a parent or guardian of a current Anne Arundel County Public High School student, who is 16 years of age by the first day of Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) classes, may enroll in dual-credit courses offered by AACC from the list of courses approved by AACPS. To qualify for equated high school credit, at the time of registration a student must submit to AACC a dual-credit permission form that specifies both the course for which enrollment is requested and identifies the equated high school credit. Upon successful course completion the student will earn college credit and AACPS will be provided an official grade report.

Early College Access - Early College Access is a program jointly sponsored by Anne Arundel Community College and the Anne Arundel County Public High Schools. This program allows students 16 years of age or older to begin exploring college-level courses and programs while they are still in high school. Early College Access participants may qualify to receive a discount for up to 50 percent of their tuition costs. Please refer to Tuition Waivers and Reductions  section of this catalog. Eligible students may take regular college classes that will complement their high school schedules. Visit the Early College Access Program website for more information.

Early Admission - High school students with a 3.0 grade point average at the end of their junior year may apply for early admission to Anne Arundel Community College with permission from their high school. Requirements for high school graduation may be completed at the college during the summer term following the junior year or may be fulfilled by successfully completing the first year of college. Students seeking early admission should follow the procedures listed in this section and consult with their high school counselors to ensure their planned college program will satisfy the requirements for a high school diploma.

Gifted and Talented Program - The college Gifted and Talented program is the only program in which students under age 16 may be eligible to take college credit courses. This program is for students who have been identified as having exceptional academic or fine arts talent. Students under 16 years of age who have completed seventh grade or the equivalent may be allowed to take college-level classes in academic or fine arts subjects not available at their schools through the college’s Gifted and Talented program. Students admitted to the Gifted and Talented program shall not be allowed to enroll in physical education courses and/or HEA 100 .

Admissions Procedures - Students interested in Early College Access programs are required to meet with an adviser and submit the following to the Admissions and Enrollment Development office:

• an application for admission;
• an official high school transcript or grade report;
• SAT, ACT or Anne Arundel Community College assessment test scores (note: required for any college course); and
• a completed Early College Access Application form.

This form gives permission by signature for release time and lists courses from the college catalog approved by the parent(s), school official (high school guidance counselor or principal or in the case of home school, the director of the sponsoring home school program) and the college. This form is available at high school guidance offices and the college Admissions and Enrollment Development office.

Recommendations for the Gifted and Talented program are screened by representatives of the Admissions and Enrollment Development office and related academic department(s). Then an interview with the nominee will be arranged. If a student is nominated for courses in fine arts (art, music and theater), the student may be asked to audition or to present a portfolio of work. The final decision to admit a student is made by the Gifted and Talented Team.

For information and copies of the policies and procedures, call the Admissions and Enrollment Development office at 410-777-2246.

Noncredit Gifted and Talented Courses

The college and the Anne Arundel County Board of Education co-sponsor noncredit gifted and talented courses, EXPLORE and Middle School Scholars, specifically designed for students, grades K-8. For information visit www.aacc.edu/kic/gifted.

International Students/Non-U.S. Citizens

Anne Arundel Community College is committed to responding to the educational needs of its community, including those whose native language is not English. These students include United States citizens, permanent immigrants to the United States and citizens of other countries temporarily visiting, working or studying in Anne Arundel County. Students with undocumented citizenship status who have graduated from a high school in the United States or who have earned a General Educational Development Diploma (GED) in the United States may be admitted to Anne Arundel Community College. These students may be eligible for a special tuition rate in accordance with the Maryland DREAM Act. Please see Tuition, Fees and Payments  section of this catalog.

In all cases, the college requires students whose native language is not English to be tested for English language ability using the English as a Second Language (ESL) Assessment test. Scores on the college’s English as Second Language Assessment test are used to determine if classes are needed to improve English language skills for a successful college experience.

For students whose ability in English is not yet sufficient to succeed in college credit courses, the college provides comprehensive preparatory course work in English as a Second Language (ESL) through Continuing Education. For ESL course descriptions see the Credit Courses of Instruction  section of this catalog.

Permanent Resident Status - A student with an Alien Registration Receipt Card has been given permanent residence in the United States as an immigrant, refugee or alien and may enroll at any college location for full- or part-time study. Tuition costs are determined by location of residence. Verification of permanent residence status is required at the time of application. Any student without appropriate identification as a permanent resident is required to pay out-of-state rates.

To apply as a student with permanent residence status, submit:

• an application for admission signed by the student;
• SAT or ACT scores if available (the college’s assessment tests may be required for enrollment in certain courses);
• transcripts from secondary and postsecondary schools attended (translated into English); and
• proof of permanent resident status: temporary evidence or actual Alien Registration Receipt Card (I-551 or I-151).

Admission of International Students With a Student Visa (F-1) - Nonimmigrant international students who apply to Anne Arundel Community College must meet special admission requirements.

The college admits students from abroad into its ESL area of study and associate degree programs. Requirements for admission of F-1 students into either ESL sequence or associate degree programs are the same except that a higher level of English proficiency is required for admission into an associate degree program.

Students who score into intermediate or high intermediate ESL may register for credit courses only with written permission of an ESL adviser. Students who complete the ESL sequence may request a change of status to an associate degree program.

Students who apply to come to the United States for the purpose of studying at Anne Arundel Community College may be issued an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility form by the college after submitting the following documents:

• an application for admission signed by the student;
• official or certified copy of transcripts and diploma or certificate from secondary and postsecondary schools attended (translated into English);
• to obtain transfer credit for education completed at non-U.S. postsecondary institutions, all academic records must be converted into their U.S. educational equivalents by a recognized credentialing agency. The following organizations specialize in international credential evaluation: American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO); Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE); and World Education Service (WES).
• evidence of proficiency in English based on one of the following: (1) an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score no more than two years old; or (2) documentation of satisfactory completion of an intensive curriculum of English instruction such as the college’s course sequence; and
• official bank statements or bank letter and a completed Statement of Financial Resources signed by the student and sponsor or family (if applicable) guaranteeing that the student has financial support for one year. The form must also indicate how the student will be supported for the remaining years in the program.

The TOEFL score determines the student’s initial level of English proficiency. Students with a satisfactory score (TOEFL - Paper Test score minimum of 435 or TOEFL - Computerized Test score minimum of 123 or TOEFL - Internet Based Test score minimum of 41) may be admitted to the ESL course sequence. Students with a satisfactory score (TOEFL - Paper Test score minimum of 550 or TOEFL - Computerized Test score minimum of 213 or TOEFL - Internet Based Test score minimum of 79) may be admitted to an associate degree or certificate program. The Admissions and Enrollment Development office verifies that applicants have met all of the requirements before admitting students for a program. After arriving at the college, students must do the following before registering for courses:

• complete an interview, attended by the student’s local sponsor (if applicable), with an adviser; and
• take the college’s ESL or English, reading and mathematics assessment tests as required.

Final placement into courses is determined by performance on the college’s assessment tests.

Application for a Student Visa - The college issues an I-20 Certificate of Eligibility form to students who qualify for admission. Students present this form with other documentation to a U.S. Consular Office in the country where they are applying for a student (F-1) visa. Final decision on admission into the United States and permitted length of stay is made by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

F-1 Transfer Students - Students with an F-1 visa seeking to transfer to Anne Arundel Community College from another U.S. institution must submit the following documents and meet the following criteria:

• a copy of the I-20 from the previous institution;
• a letter from the institution previously attended indicating that the student is in good standing and is “in-status” as an international student;
• an application for admission signed by the student;
• official or certified copies of transcripts and school diploma or certificate from secondary and postsecondary schools attended (translated into English);
• evidence of proficiency in English based on one of the following: (1) an official TOEFL score report no more than two years old; or (2) documentation of satisfactory completion of an intensive curriculum of English instruction such as the college’s ESL course sequence; or (3) eligibility determined by the college’s English assessment test;
• official bank statements or bank letter and a completed Statement of Financial Resources signed by the student and sponsor or family (if applicable) guaranteeing that the student has financial support for one year (the form must also indicate how the student will be supported for the remaining years in the program); and
• an interview, attended by the student’s local sponsor (if applicable), with an admissions adviser.

Students With Other Types of Visas - Prospective students with a temporary visa status such as J or B (visitors, business, exchange, etc.) should contact the Admissions and Enrollment Development office to have their applications approved before registering for classes. Nonimmigrant students other than F-1 international student visa holders may take as many credit courses as their college admission status permits, as long as the term begins and ends within the duration of stay indicated on the I-94 in their passport. They are subject to the out-of-state tuition rates. Refunds will not be issued after the term’s scheduled drop dates.

Application Deadlines - To meet federal requirements and allow adequate processing of applications for international students with F-1 visas, students must submit appropriate documents by the following dates:

• June 1 for fall (August) enrollment
• Nov. 1 for spring (January) enrollment.

For international transfer students, the process must begin 30 days before the start of classes for the session requested.

Students who want to obtain an associate degree also should refer to Transfer Students information in this college catalog for information about credit requirements and course evaluation processes.

Students with Undocumented Citizenship Status - Students with undocumented citizenship status must meet the following enrollment criteria:

• must have graduated from a high school (public or private) or must have earned the equivalent General Educational Development Diploma (GED) in the United States.
• if wishing to participate in high school concurrent enrollment programs must be attending a high school (public or private) in the United States.
• must submit a statement with the Community College affirming that he or she has filed an application to establish appropriate immigration status or will file an application as soon as they are eligible to do so.
• must submit an Enrollment Request Form including a signed statement affirming that the student has met all of the requirements outlined above. Information obtained in this process is strictly confidential and will not be disclosed unless required by law.

Students with undocumented citizenship status are subject to the out-of-state tuition rates and are not eligible for federal or state financial aid.

Additional Information - Nonimmigrant students are subject to out-of-state tuition rates. Students with an F-1 visa must enroll for a full-time course of study, which is a minimum of 12 credits/billable hours each term. Courses in the college’s ESL core program may be included as all or part of the 12 hours.

Questions pertaining to the most current regulations regarding the admission of international students should be directed to the Admissions and Enrollment Development office in the Student Services Center, 410-777-2246.

Award of Credit for Previous Learning

Learning occurs in a variety of settings and formats. Anne Arundel Community College reviews credit for previous learning from traditional college coursework and from nontraditional sources such as military experience and standardized examinations. The college adheres to the transfer credit mandates of the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

Transfer Credit Criteria

Students must complete all admission procedures before AACC will evaluate requests to transfer credits from other institutions. Students should submit official transcripts from all previous institutions attended. Official transcripts must be received by AACC in a sealed envelope within one year of the date the transcript was printed to be considered for transfer credit. All transcripts should be sent to the Records and Registration office, which reviews courses on an individual basis. All transfer credit award determinations are made by the Records and Registration office in conjunction with the academic departments. Some academic departments may limit the courses that can be accepted for transfer credit at AACC based on professional accreditation or licensure requirements. Transfer credit will not be awarded if credit has already been earned at AACC. Credit may be awarded if one of the following criteria is met:

1. The institution is accredited by a commission on higher education approved by the United States Department of Education. To verify accreditation, AACC uses the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) Database of Institutions and Programs Accredited by Recognized United States Accrediting Organizations.
   1. AACC recognizes the following regional accreditation associations:
      - Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
      - North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
      - New England Association of Colleges and Schools
      - Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges
      - Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
      - Western Association of Schools and Colleges
   2. The institution is legally authorized to grant standard college degrees and is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education. The college may award transfer credit based upon course equivalencies, expected learning outcomes and applicability to the college’s curricula, standards, and course offerings. Applicants seeking transfer of credit should contact the Records and Registration office at time of application to the college if they are unsure as to which documents are necessary.
   3. Credit may not be accepted from schools that are candidates for regional accreditation and not fully accredited, or for coursework completed while an institution was not accredited by a commission on higher education approved by the United States Department of Education.
2. AACC has an approved articulation agreement with a high school, business or industry. Articulation agreements specify award of credit for meeting certain criteria and presenting certain documents.
3. The American Council on Education (ACE) or National College Credit Recommendation Service (CCRS) has reviewed the training or military occupation and recommended award of college credit. AACC uses ACE and National CCRS recommendations as credit award guidelines. See the section that follows on Transfer Credit from Nontraditional Sources for more information.
4. Coursework completed at a postsecondary institution outside of the U.S., which is not regionally accredited by one of the aforementioned associations, must be evaluated by a professional transcript evaluation service before AACC will review courses for transfer credit. AACC requires the course-by-course evaluation for transfer credit review and accepts evaluations only from these approved evaluation services:
   World Education Services (WES)
   American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO)
   Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
5. If the student’s cumulative grade point average from a previous institution is less than a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, AACC will review only courses with a grade of C or better for transfer credit. Exception: If a student has less than a 2.0 GPA from a regionally accredited Maryland public institution and then transfers to AACC, AACC will accept credits for general education courses in which the student earned a grade of D.

Transfer Credit from Other Institutions

In review of transfer credit from other institutions, the college considers the institution where the course was taken, the date completed, course description, and grade in deciding whether credit will transfer to AACC and if the course will be designated as a specific AACC course equivalency or elective. In some cases, AACC will need to review the syllabus or additional documentation. Upon request, students must supply this information from the sending institution. AACC will convert courses taken at institutions operating on the quarter system to semester hours if the credit transfers. Quarter hours are multiplied by 2/3 to equal semester credit hours.

Current AACC students who wish to take a course at another institution and transfer the credit back to AACC must file a Permission to Study at Another Institution form with the Records and Registration office to ensure the coursework will transfer back and meet AACC requirements.

Transfer Credit from Nontraditional Sources

The college may give credit for demonstrated proficiency in areas related to college level courses. Sources used to determine such proficiency are College-Level Examination Program (CLEP); Advanced Placement Examination (AP); International Baccalaureate (IB); Program Pathways Articulation; DANTES Standardized Subject Test (DSST) ; Office of Education Credit and Credentials of the American Council on Education (ACE); and National College Credit Recommendation Service (CCRS). In assigning credits of this nature, the recommendations of the American Council on Education (ACE) or National College Credit Recommendation Service (CCRS) will be used as guidelines. Applicants who seek credit from nontraditional sources should contact the Records and Registration office at the time of application to the college if they are unsure as to which documents are necessary. A maximum of 30 credit hours may be earned in this nontraditional manner.

Each institution sets its own policy on acceptance of nontraditional credit. When planning their choice of classes, students need to consult with their proposed transfer institution.

Military - Students wishing to earn credit for their military experience may be able to accelerate their goal completion through prior learning assessment. The first step is to submit official transcripts. Students who are active duty military may present an original DD-295, an official Army/American Council on Education Registry Transcript Service transcript (AARTS), an official Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript, an official Sailor/Marine American Council on Education Registry (SMART) transcript, or an official Coast Guard Institute (CGI) transcript. Students who are no longer active duty military or who have been discharged from the military may present their original DD-214. Students may use the portfolio development process to demonstrate learning that applies to their educational goal that is not listed on their military transcripts (see the section that follows on Portfolio Assessment).

Program Pathways - Program Pathways is an initiative between Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) and Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) to support successful transition of students from high school to college and careers. Plans of study have been created to visually demonstrate how high school programs can move into college degree and certificate programs.

High school students have the opportunity to earn AACC credit for successfully completing specific high school pathways in areas including business, engineering, information technologies and health. To view plans of study and details on receiving college credit, visit the Program Pathways website. Students enrolled in Program Pathways should arrange to meet with an academic or department adviser prior to attending AACC. Questions or requests for additional information should be directed to the Program Pathways Office at 410-777-2891 or visit the website.

Proficiency Assessment Credit - An Anne Arundel County Public School student who is admitted to Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) can be awarded AACC course credit for course(s) for which they have demonstrated competency through a Proficiency Assessment developed by AACC faculty and evaluated according to AACC department standards. A Proficiency Assessment grade of C or higher, assigned by AACC faculty, is recorded on the student’s AACC transcript. A student who has received college credit through proficiency may request and receive an official transcript of these grades regardless of having completed coursework at AACC. In accordance with the college’s Academic Regulations, only credit courses taken at Anne Arundel Community College will be calculated as part of the student’s grade point average and therefore will not include the Proficiency Assessment grades or any quality points as a result of Proficiency Assessment credit. For information on proficiency credit opportunities, visit the Proficiency Assessment website.

Advanced Placement (AP) - These exams are usually taken in high school, concluding a specially designed advanced placement course. Students must have official Advanced Placement score reports sent to Records and Registration office. Student grade reports are not accepted for credit, but may be used for placement or waiver of course prerequisites at time of registration. To request an official AP score report be sent to AACC, see the AP score website.

Because each college sets its own policy on required AP scores and credits awarded, students planning to transfer need to consult with their transfer institution. AACC will award credit based on the AP exams and minimum scores listed.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) - The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a nationally recognized credit by exam program. The exams allow students to earn college credit for knowledge gained through experience or independent learning. Students interested in learning more about CLEP should visit the AACC Testing website or contact the Testing office at 410-777-2375. Upon receipt of an official CLEP score report, the Records and Registration office will review the exam results for award of credit. It is the student’s responsibility to have official CLEP score reports sent to AACC. To request an official CLEP score report, write to:

CLEP Transcript Service
P.O. Box 6600
Princeton, NJ 08541-6600
or call 800-257-9558
or visit the CLEP score website

Each college sets its own policy on required scores and credits awarded. When planning their choice of classes, students need to consult with their proposed transfer institution. AACC will award credit for the CLEP exams listed below provided the passing score, also noted below, has been met.

International Baccalaureate - AACC will award credit for International Baccalaureate (IB) subject examinations with scores of 5, 6, or 7. To receive credit for IB exams, students must have official results sent to the Records and Registration office. Credit earned through IB subject area examinations may be used to satisfy general education requirements, course equivalencies, prerequisite requirements or elective credit. Students may be awarded up to 30 credits toward the associate degree.

Because each college sets its own policy on required scores and credits awarded, students planning to transfer need to consult with their proposed transfer institution.

To request an official candidate score report be sent to AACC, visit the International Baccalaureate website.

Credit by Departmental Examination - In the subjects which college-level examinations (CLEP) are not available, department chairs may arrange to give examinations to qualified applicants. A maximum of 15 credits may be earned through combination of credit by departmental examination and portfolio assessment. Applicants must:

1. Complete an application for admission.
2. Obtain a form for Request for Credit by Departmental Exam from the department chair.
3. Have the completed form approved by the appropriate department chair.
4. Take the completed and approved form to the Cashier’s office and pay application and exam fees.
5. Return the form to the department chair and arrange a time to take the exam.

Credit by exam is graded on a pass/fail basis. Courses for which passing grades are earned will be listed on the student’s academic record as transfer of credit. The student’s grade point average (see Academic Regulations) will not be affected. Students who fail may not repeat credit by exam, but may take the course.

Portfolio Assessment - This evaluation method requires students to complete a portfolio that demonstrates their experience and knowledge. It is useful for earning credit for knowledge acquired outside of the traditional classroom. AACC recognizes Learning Counts to provide a standardized, nationally available credit by portfolio process and credit recommendations. Upon meeting eligibility requirements (see below) to proceed with the portfolio assessment process, students register for an online “Do It Yourself” course called Developing Your Portfolio for College Credit (www.learningcounts.org). This self-paced course includes identifying college-level learning experiences, relating the learning to course objectives for the targeted college courses and demonstrating their college-level learning through direct evidence. Upon receipt of portfolios completed by students, Learning Counts certified practitioners will evaluate the portfolio and make a recommendation to award credit. AACC awards college credit for portfolios completed through Learning Counts based on credit recommendations from the National College Credit Recommendation Service. Portfolio credits do not affect a student’s grade point average. A maximum of 15 credits may be earned through combination of credit by departmental examination and portfolio assessment. The following are the eligibility requirements for participation in the portfolio assessment program:

1. Students are enrolled in a degree or certificate program at AACC
2. Students have ENG 111  eligibility
3. No CLEP examination is available for the targeted course

To determine eligibility and for a description of policies, procedures, and fees, call 410-777-2430 or visit the Prior Learning website.