Admissions

Open Admissions

Florence-Darlington Technical College operates on an open admissions policy as required by the 1976 Code of Laws of South Carolina, as amended. Florence-Darlington Technical College takes advantage of every effort to minimize geographic, financial, and scholastic barriers to the post-secondary programs and services offered by the technical colleges. FDTC admits all qualified individuals who meet appropriate academic age and verified legal presence requirements.

In order to promote achievement by individuals with varied potential, open admissions is defined as a practice, which (1) admits to the College all citizens who can benefit from available learning opportunities, and (2) places into specific programs of study those students whose potential for success is commensurate with program admission standards.

The definition of open admissions implies a commitment to assess student potential and to provide appropriate placement within each program of study.

In support of this definition, FDTC adheres to the following procedures:

1. Utilizes admissions procedures, which concentrate on career guidance and the assessment of competency in basic skills through the approved college placement tests.
2. Utilizes minimum placement criteria for admission into curriculum courses. The criteria reflect an analysis of the entry-level skills for each curriculum. Those students not eligible for entry into curriculum level courses are referred to Adult Basic Education or other literacy programs as appropriate.
3. Articulation between English 155 and Math 155 and each curriculum program has been established through the minimum competencies set in math, reading, and English on the approved college placement tests and course progression.
4. Minimum academic standards and procedures have been established for academic probation for those students who do not maintain satisfactory progress.
5. Specific entry-level skill have been established for admission into each program. The Admissions Testing Committee, in conjunction with the academic departments, establishes, monitors, and evaluates entrance requirements, testing procedures, and instruments used by FDTC for effective student placement. Specific skill taught in each program are identified by the individual departments, which include identifying reliable techniques for determining student performance.

Admission Requirements

Individuals who possess a high school diploma or GED from an accredited institution recognized by the state of South Carolina will be allowed to enroll at FDTC upon successful completion of the College’s application process and entrance requirements.

Exception to the above: An applicant who is a high school junior or senior must submit, prior to admission, a dual enrollment permission form signed by both appropriate high school personnel and a parent/guardian.

An applicant must submit satisfactory scores on the SAT, the ACT, or the College’s placement test. There is a ten-year limit on the new SAT, a five-year limit on the College’s placement test, and a five-year limit on all other entrance test scores.

Admission Procedures

1. Submit a free online application for admissions at https://apply.fdtc.edu. Applications will remain in active status for one year from the date of application.
2. For those who are planning to apply for financial aid, we recommend that they do so at the time they apply to the College. School code: 003990
3. Submit proof of high school graduation (official high transcript or diploma) or GED (score report or certificate) from an accredited institution recognized by the state of South Carolina. Official transcript(s) are strongly recommended for students who have attended a previous college(s).
4. Submit appropriate entrance test scores (SAT, ACT, or the College’s placement test scores). Some programs may require additional test scores. If a high school graduate earns a high school diploma and a 2.6 GPA from an accredited institution, testing may be waived.
5. Some programs require a placement interview with the department chair.
6. Students will be admitted into their chosen program with a condition that they must meet test scores or take all necessary prerequisite courses associated with the courses in their desired program. Allied Health applicants will be admitted into the Associate in Science program until space is available in their desired program and they meet all prerequisites necessary to begin the clinical portion of their chosen Allied Health field. Students will be admitted into the Allied Health fields by the Allied Health departments.
7. A faculty advisor will be assigned to all accepted students. Students who test into English 155 and Math 155 will be assigned an advisor with expertise to develop a plan to move them through these courses and into their program coursework.

Residency Requirements for Admission

Residents of South Carolina, as defined by state law, are independent persons who have been domiciled in South Carolina for a period of no less than 12 months and who have full-time employment in the state, or the dependent(s) of such persons. Payment of South Carolina property taxes or living with relatives other than parents, except under court decree, is not a factor in determining legal state residency. If there is any question, contact the Registrar at (843) 661-8351 or the Financial Aid Office at (843) 661-8085.

The South Carolina Illegal Immigration Reform Act requires that all students currently attending FDTC provide proof of residency in order to remain in school.

Placement Tests

1. Next-Generation Accuplacer is used for entry into all programs.
   1. Next-Generation Accuplacer consists of the following portions:
      • 20 Math questions
      • 20 Reading questions
      • 25 Writing
   2. Students are required to meet the appropriate placement criteria in Reading, Writing, and Math in order to be accepted into their respective curricula. See specific programs for additional requirements.
   3. Transfer or Readmit students who have successfully completed ENG 101  with a grade of ‘C’ or better at an accredited U.S. college will be exempt from the reading and writing placement test. Appropriate testing may be required prior to taking math courses.
   4. Students who do not meet the appropriate placement test scores to enter their curriculum will be placed in ENG 155  or MAT 155 . Additional placement testing may be required in some cases.
   5. Students may progress by completion of approved reading, English, and math courses with a grade of “C” or better for all majors.
2. Students who require special assistance or accommodations for testing should contact the Student Disabilities Coordinator at (843) 661-8124. Appropriate documentation must be submitted prior to testing.

Applicants meeting the following criteria may be exempted from placement:

1. An applicant with an associate, undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited U.S. college or university. An official transcript is required to award class placement. Additional testing may be required if transfer courses are not equivalent to FDTC courses.
2. Transfer or readmit students who have successfully completed ENG 101 . In addition, appropriate testing may be required prior to taking math courses.

FDTC Placement Scores for Math, Reading, and Writing

*MAT 107  is recommended as the prerequisite for MAT 120  

Expiration Dates:
Next Generation = 5 years ACT = 5 years NSAT = 10 years

High School Graduates: 2.6 GPA and above
High school graduates who are Life Scholarship eligible will be placed into MAT 155 /MAT 101 /MAT 107 /MAT 170  and ENG 155 /ENG 101 /ENG 160  unless their placement test scores place them into higher level courses or If Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry = B Average then placement courses would include MAT 110 , MAT 120 , MAT 170 , or MAT 175  depending on program requirements.

High School Graduates: Less than 2.6 GPA
High School Graduates with GPA less than 2.6 will be placed into ENG 155 /MAT 155 . Test optional if student wants to place in higher level courses.

*NEW-GED College Ready:
GED recipients who score between 165-174 on the GED will be placed in ENG 155  and MAT 155 /MAT 101 /MAT 170 /MAT 170 .
GED recipients who score ≥ 175 on the GED will be placed in ENG 101 /ENG 160 .

Dual Enrollment:

• High school students taking technical courses via dual enrollment must have an overall high school GPA of 2.5 to be awarded waiver scores for ENG 155 .
• High school students taking general education courses via dual enrollment must have an overall high school GPA of 3.0 to be awarded waiver scores for ENG 101 . Math will be reviewed with a High School Transcript reflecting an Unweighted GPA ≥ 2.6 or Weighted GPA ≥ 3.2 if Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry = B Average then MM2. (MM2 courses include MAT 110 , MAT 120 , MAT 170 , or MAT 175  depending on program requirements).

FDTC Testing Center Hours of Operation:

Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Next-Generation Accuplacer Entrance Exam Walk-in Hours:

Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

*Hours are subject to change during semester changes and holiday breaks.
** Testing must be completed by closing time.

Readmit Applicants

If you are a returning student and have not attended FDTC for one year, you must submit a new application and be readmitted under the current curriculum requirements.

Students in a program that is normally out during summer term will not go through the readmit process for fall semester.

Readmission Procedures

1. Submit an online application.
2. Readmission applicants must have satisfactory scores on either the SAT, the ACT, or the College’s placement test for entrance into their desired program.
3. Testing may be waived if 30 semester hours, including (transferable) English and math courses, have been completed with a grade of “C” or better.

Home Schooled Applicants

Individuals who possess a high school diploma approved by the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS) or any legal alternate organization that provides a means of accountability and issues credible documentation of high school coursework recognized by the state of South Carolina will be allowed to enroll at FDTC upon successful completion of the College’s entrance requirements.

Applicants must have satisfactory scores on either the SAT, the ACT, or the College’s placement test for entrance into their desired program.

Applicants who have been home schooled and possess a credible high school diploma issued by the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools, or any organization as described above, are eligible for financial assistance.

Transfer Applicants

1. FDTC admits transfer students regardless of standing or status at the previous institution. Students are admitted to our institution based on the entrance requirements for our specific programs.
2. Testing may be waived if 30 semester hours, including transferable English and math courses, have been completed with a grade of “C” or better from an accredited U.S. college.
3. Transfer students with an associate or higher degree will be exempt from submitting a high school transcript unless it is necessary to provide proof of prerequisite courses or graduation for some majors.
4. Transfer credit will be awarded by the Registrar after acceptance and prior to the end of the first semester of enrollment.
5. At least 25% of the total semester hours of a student’s curriculum must be earned at FDTC for a degree or diploma.
6. A grade of “C” or better is required to receive transfer credit.

A transfer student is a student pursuing a degree at Florence-Darlington Technical College who has earned credits at another institution and wishes to apply these credits toward a Florence-Darlington Technical College certificate, diploma, or degree. In addition to submitting all other application materials, a student desiring to receive transfer credit must have an official transcript sent to Florence-Darlington Technical College by each institution that originally granted the credits. For degree completion, at least twenty-five percent (25%) of semester credit hours of curriculum course requirements must be completed at Florence-Darlington Technical College. Exceptions are allowable and may include the following:

• Transfer credit from foreign institutions not accredited by an institutional post-secondary accrediting commission. The student must provide an evaluation by World Education Services (WES) at www.wes.org and other accrediting agencies.

Military Service Credit

Florence-Darlington Technical College may also grant credit where applicable for Military Service Schools in accordance with the recommendations of the American Council of Education.

College Transfer Credit

You may receive transfer credit for courses successfully completed at institutionally accredited colleges and universities. In awarding transfer credit, FDTC considers equivalency of course content, quality, level, hours and program relevance. The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers’ “Transfer Credit Practices of Educational Institutions” serves as a guide for acceptance of transfer credit.

For FDTC to consider your transfer credits, you must have official transcripts of previous college work sent to FDTC’s Admissions office, and you may be asked to provide additional documentation. FDTC awards transfer credit only when the grade is “C” or higher. Transfer credit will not be included in the calculation of your GPA at FDTC.

Advanced Placement

You will receive college credit for a score of 3, 4, or 5 on selected Advanced Placement examinations.

International Baccalaureate

You may receive college credit for scores of 4 or greater on selected International Baccalaureate higher-level exams.

CLEP

You may receive credit for selected College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams if your scores meet FDTC minimum score requirements. Contact Registrar Services for a listing of accepted CLEP examination scores. Official score reports must be on file in the Registrar’s Office prior to credit being awarded.

Registration

After meeting admission requirements and being accepted to the College, you will be eligible to register for the semester in which you plan to enroll. You must meet with your academic advisor to register. Your enrollment is not official until you complete all the steps of registration, including paying fees, attending classes, and/or participating in online classes.

Transient Applicants

Transient applicants are those who are already enrolled in another institution and wish to take courses to transfer back to the parent institution. Testing will not be required if written permission is provided from the parent institution. If a transient student does not submit a transient form, the student will be required to submit satisfactory scores on either the SAT, the ACT, or the College’s placement test for entrance into their desired course(s).

It is the transient student’s responsibility to verify that the courses taken at FDTC transfer back to the parent institution.

Undeclared Applicants

A student may also enter the College as an undeclared student. An undeclared student is one who wishes to take courses for self-improvement and does not intend on entering a curriculum program. Undeclared students are not eligible for financial aid. An undeclared student may take up to fifteen (15) credit hours. Students with undeclared status must meet course prerequisites and placement test scores for entrance into their desired course(s).

Florence-Darlington Technical College Welcomes Veterans

Florence-Darlington Technical College does not specifically recruit active military or veteran members. They are provided the same admissions and recruitment information as all prospective students. Incentives of any kind are not provided for recruiting students per South Carolina policies and regulations. We thank you for your devoted service and commitment to our country. Welcome!

Service Members

In accordance with paragraph 3.j.(3) of the DOD MOU, the Office of Admissions at Florence-Darlington

Technical College does not engage and bans all forms (i.e., phone calling, emailing, texting, or in-person) of high-pressure recruitment tactics to secure the enrollment of Service members.

Military Service Obligations

Florence-Darlington Technical College is committed to supporting Service members and reservists. Students who are temporarily unable to attend classes or must suspend their studies due to military service obligations will be granted readmission to their academic program upon their return. To qualify for readmission under this policy, students must provide official documentation of military orders as verification of their service requirements.

International Students

Florence-Darlington Technical College welcomes the enrollment of international students who wish to pursue post-secondary study in the United States. The Admissions team is dedicated and willing to provide assistance to international applicants in the processing of the required documents necessary to secure a student F-1 Visa. Assistance is also available if international students are seeking to change their visa status and/or transfer to another college.

Under federal law of the United States, FDTC is authorized to enroll non-immigrant international students on F-1 and M-1 student visas. Admission is subject to the requirements stated below and approval by the Dean of Enrollment Management. An international student interested in applying should contact the Admissions Office for application materials. An application and all supporting documents must be received in the Office of Admissions at least three months prior to the day of registration for the term of entry.

All transcripts (submitted in English translation if the original is in another language), test scores, and other credentials become the property of the College and will not be returned or transferred to another institution. All F-1 and M-1 visa students are subject to out-of-country tuition as set by the County Commission. Current tuition rates may be obtained from the Office of Admissions. In addition to the College’s general admission requirements, international students must fulfill certain other requirements.

Requirements:

1. Complete the Admissions application online at www.fdtc.edu.
2. An applicant must have English language ability adequate to enable the student to profit from instruction at the College level. A student is not admitted solely for special training in English. Adequacy of English proficiency is determined by a minimum score of 500 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), administered worldwide by the Educational Testing Service, P.O. Box 6155, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6155; if the test is not available in the applicant’s area, results of a standardized test administered at a U.S. consulate or other authorized test center may be substituted.
3. An applicant must offer evidence of academic achievement equivalent to an American high school education with a B (above average) record in secondary school subjects and meet the minimum SAT and/or TOEFL score required for the program of his/her choice. It is the student’s responsibility to submit all transcripts translated into English if the originals are in another language. The SAT and/or TOEFL should be taken prior to coming to the United States.
4. All applicants must present an affidavit of support for him/herself and for all members of his/her family who will accompany him/her to Florence during the period of attendance at the College. Estimated costs include: the out-of-country tuition fee; living expenses; textbooks and supplies; transportation to, from, and in the United States; and miscellaneous expenses. An applicant should anticipate tuition and living cost increases in subsequent years.
5. At the opening of a semester, an applicant must be at least 18 years of age. An exception to this is a graduate of an accredited United States high school.
6. All international students who are accepted must take the College’s placement tests. Placement into the appropriate level of courses will be determined by the tests. International students must arrange to be on campus approximately one week prior to registration for the proposed term of entry. Failure to complete placement tests may result in denial of acceptance into programs.

Limitations and Exceptions

1. An international student accepted by another college in the United States must attend that institution for at least one year before applying for transfer to FDTC. Transfer students from other colleges must have at least a “C” average and approval for transfer from the institution of attendance.
2. A foreign national in the United States as a visitor or tourist will be considered for admission in F-1 or M-1 visa status upon completion of the application for change of status. If admitted, he/she cannot enroll until he/she provides proof of approval of status change from visitor status to F-1 or M-1 by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Employment

An international student must attend the College full-time for at least a year before a request for employment is allowed. You must document urgency of financial need with extenuating circumstances. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services grant approval of authorization to work.

International Student Housing

International students must make arrangements for their own housing within the FDTC area. The College does not provide living accommodations.

Maximum Period of Enrollment

An international student is expected to complete a program in the most expeditious manner possible, generally within two years. Three years of post-secondary enrollment is the maximum permitted.

Regulations for International Students

International students should become familiar with the regulations of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and assume responsibility for complying with test regulations as well as college regulations on student conduct and enrollment. A student whose enrollment drops below full-time is subject to removal from the College. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services will be notified in such cases.

Types of Visas

Students with visas other than F-1 and M-1 status may be eligible for admission subject to approval of the Vice President of Student Services. If admitted, such students will be subject to out-of-country tuition.

International Student Services

The Admissions Office is responsible for all immigration related matters, as well as programming for the international community. In addition, advisors are available to counsel and direct students in a wide variety of personal and academic areas. We promote multi-cultural awareness through a wide variety of activities. Students are encouraged to visit the Admissions Office on a regular basis and get to know the staff. We would like all international students to feel comfortable about discussing their problems with the advisors in a confidential and positive atmosphere.

Teacher Recertification Renewal

Teacher Recertification Renewal credit is offered at FDTC. It is recommended that courses be approved by the State Department of Education prior to enrollment. Teachers must submit an online application for admission and submit a copy of their current teacher’s certificate.