Getting into a university is not an easy one for most people. The stress results from competition from other students in grades, especially. People who go through high school struggling to keep their course scores up often wonder if they But not every college admission process is competitive. some type of college also offers open admissions.
There is a non-competitive entrance policy called open admission policy, and we will be guiding you through the acceptance process.
What type Of college offers open admissions?
Open admission is inclusive to only public Junior Colleges and Community Colleges. It is different from the acceptance policies of most research higher institutions in the United States, which require a standardized test score and other academic and personality criteria. Colleges with open admission take nearly every student applying for entry into the institution.
There are traditional admission processes that most schools use as a high GPA, an essay, a transcript and the rest, but these colleges do not stress those requirements. The colleges are also often referred to as Open Enrollment Colleges. Open admission colleges admit students who have finished high school or have a GED. Some of these colleges also take students who have not even graduated from high school.
Open admission will suit you if you are a working-class citizen who wants to simplify the application process and had a low grade in your previous school experience. It is also suitable for you if you feel you are not competing with anybody for a slot, or maybe you apply in college before going for a more competitive one.
You will need to complete a form when registering so the school can keep your details. The Admission process can be both online or physical. You may also be required to pay a small application fee and possibly be interviewed by the college’s admission representatives.
To give you a brief history of this kind of admission, it began in the 1960s and 1970s to reduce discrimination in college admission and catalyze the education of the underprivileged. The first application for Open Admission in the U.S was at the City University of New York(CUNY).
Open Admission Policies were only applied to two-year community colleges in later years because these institutions were well equipped to take remedial education.
Today, over one thousand colleges in the U.S offer open admission. The colleges include public, private independent, private liberal arts and religious colleges. Examples of these colleges include Holmes Community College, Mt. San Antonio College, and Fullerton College, to name just a few.
At the end of study at an open college, you would have gotten a certificate, a two-year degree, or a four-year degree from the institution.
Advantages of applying to an open admission
Before applying for an open admission, knowing what you are opting for is expedient. It is just like getting a product for the first time; you will need to understand how that item can affect your life positively. Here are some of the advantages of an open admission:
- You will have an opportunity to improve your GPA. If you struggled through high school, you would likely find it difficult to cope in a more competitive university. If you are in a college that accepts everyone regardless of their score in high school, you will have another opportunity to work on your grades. Your new GPA may eventually help you secure a place in a four-year institution.
- You will spend less time applying for admission. Unlike the traditional admission process, where you will have to write essays and get reference letters, you do not need these processes, reducing application time. All you may need is to fill out an online application form and submit an official transcript from your school if you are a high school graduate.
- It is relatively cheap when compared to the other form of admission. So if you are on a budget or do not have much money, low education costs may be the best way to earn a college degree.
- You will come in contact with a more diversified student body. In Colleges with open admission, you find students of different ages, wealth, races, academic experiences, and other life forms.
How To Select A College With Open Admission Policy?
There are some special type of college which offers open admissions policies, but these institutions are not in the same category. It will benefit you to apply to a good school that will meet your academic goal. Before selecting an institution for open admission, here are but a few things to consider:
- College Accreditation
Applying to study in an open admission college does not mean you should go to anything that offers open admission. You have to check if the college in question has regional accreditation. Regional accreditation shows that the institution meets all acceptable standards.
- Success of Student
you should check if a higher percentage of graduates from the college you are applying to can get relevant Jobs after their time in school. You should also check the overall grades of students in the school to know if the college is doing a perfect job.
- Student Resource
If you find it hard to go through your high school, you will need to know if the institute you are applying to has extra tutoring or other programs that can help you improve your academics.
- Transfer policies
You may be looking to go further in education after your two-year program. It will be helpful to know which college has an agreement with the university you want to apply to before deciding where to go for your open admission.
Requirements For Open Admission
While you do not need much when enrolling on a college with open admission policy, there are a few things you will be required to do to gain entrance. Some standard entrance requirements are:
- Application form with your personal information.
- You will need to pay a small application fee.
- You will have to go for an interview with the college’s admission counsellor.
- You will have to present a transcript from the high school you attended will be needed.
Conclusion
If you did not have excellent grades in high school, you would appreciate that your poor grades would not keep you out of school. Attending a college that takes in anyone regardless of high school grade gives you a second chance to start again.
Frequent questions asked
- Do community colleges accept everyone?
Most every community college with open admission policy accepts anyone with a high school diploma or a GED certificate.
- Which type of college offers open admission?
Schools that offer open admission are mostly community colleges, but some universities also provide open access.
- Is it possible to apply for an open admission without a transcript?
You can apply to a college for open admission without a transcript.
