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Home > Academics > Additional Learning Opportunities > Dual Enrollment

Step-by-Step Dual Enrollment Checklist

The step-by-step dual enrollment checklist below is for individual and home schooled students. If you are a high school junior or senior, or the home school equivalent, and you are at least 16 years of age, you may be able to take NOVA courses under certain conditions.

1: Apply for Admission

Submit an application for admission: Online | Download Application.

  • Dual enrollment students cannot declare a major.

2: Take Placement Tests

New students must take the English placement test and place into English 111/9 or higher (or provide documentation showing a score of 550 or higher on the Critical Reading section of the SAT), and meet all course prerequisites. Some students may be required to take the math placement test.

  • Tests are given at each campus testing center.
  • Photo ID and NOVA Student ID are required.
  • Allow approximately two hours for each test.

3: Review the NOVA Catalog and Schedule of Classes

  • The NOVA Catalog describes the courses, college policies and degree and certificate programs offered at NOVA.
  • The Schedule of Classes lists the classes, times and locations for credit courses.

4: Download the Dual Enrollment Recommendation Form

Students must complete a new form each semester.

  • High school students must submit a completed and signed Dual Enrollment Recommendation: Individual High School Student Form (NVCC 125-207) giving written permission from their high school counselor, principal and parent/guardian.
  • Home schooled students must submit a completed and signed Dual Enrollment Recommendation: Home Schooled Students Form (NVCC 125-208) giving written permission from their parent/guardian and approved request for exemption from compulsory school attendance (if applicable).

5: See a Counselor

Meet with a counselor to review your placement test results, and discuss your goals and other factors affecting your ability to benefit from dual enrollment. Bring the completed dual enrollment form and a copy of your high school transcript or home school equivalent. The counselor will sign the form and forward it to the dean for final approval. You may be asked to meet with the dean of students prior to final approval of the dual enrollment request.

6: Register for Classes

  • Dual enrollment students are restricted to part-time enrollment (fewer than 12 credits per semester).
  • Dual enrollment students must register for classes in person at the Student Services Center/Advising & Counseling Center. Bring your Dual Enrollment Recommendation Form and tuition payment to the appropriate campus. (Find your campus.) 

7: Pay Your Tuition

When you register for classes, you must pay by the payment deadline. Unpaid classes may be dropped from your schedule.        

  • Pay with cash or check at any campus business office. 
  • Pay online by credit card through NOVAConnect or call 703.323.3770 or 703.330.3770 (Prince William County).

8: Check Your Enrollment Schedule

Print a copy of your enrollment schedule from NOVAConnect or call 703.323.3770 or 703.330.3770 (Prince William County) to check your classes and payment status.

  • Verify that you are enrolled in the correct courses.
  • Print a copy of your enrollment schedule every time you make a change.

9: Buy Your Books

Print your schedule of classes and take it to your campus bookstore, or buy your books online.

10: Buy a Parking Permit

Parking permits are required on all NOVA campuses. You can buy your parking permit online through Parking Services using your credit card 24 hours after you enroll for classes. You can also pay for a permit by cash or check at any of the campus Parking Services offices.

  • Parking permits are required for all semesters/sessions of enrollment.
  • Permits are required for all vehicles parked in all lots (except parking meters and hourly pay lots).
    • Student permits are valid only in "B" lots.
  • To use the parking garages at the Annandale and Medical Education campuses, you must have a NOVACard ID and a parking permit.
    • Hourly pay parking is available in the garages for those without a current permit and ID card.

11: Get Your NOVACard Student Identification

Get your free NOVACard 72 hours after you pay for classes. It also serves as your library card and can be used for copying on campus and a variety of discounts.

12:  Activate Your Email Account

Activate your free student email account.

  • To protect your privacy, instructors may only use a student's official NOVA email address.
  • You will receive updates on course changes and other pertinent information through your NOVA email account.

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