Welcome to NOVA! Do you want to get your associate's degree or take courses that you can transfer to a four-year college or university? Do you to take courses for advancing your career? Whatever your educational goals, we can help you achieve them.

Follow the step-by-step checklist below to get started.

1: Apply for Admission

Submit an application for admission: Online | Download Application

• View Admissions Information
• If you believe you qualify for in-state tuition rates, complete the in-state tuition section of the application form before enrolling and paying tuition

2: Apply for Financial Aid

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at least four weeks prior to the tuition payment deadline. Use the online tutorial to help you complete the form.

• Learn more about financial assistance
• To pay in installments, you must enroll in the FACTS Tuition Payment Plan prior to your tuition due date

3: Get a Copy of the NOVA Catalog

The NOVA Catalog describes the courses, college policies and degree and certificate programs offered at NOVA.

• Get a free print copy at any Student Services Center or the Extended Learning Institute

4: Take Placement Tests

Most new students should take the English and math placement tests.

• Tests are given at each campus testing center
• Photo ID and Student ID (found on your NovaCard) are required
• Allow approximately two hours for each test

5: See a Counselor

You are encouraged to speak with a counselor before enrolling for classes. A counselor can help you select a major, identify the classes you need to take, get financial aid, evaluate potential careers and more.

• Walk-in advising is available at any Student Services Center.
• Counselors also provide new student orientation programs;
  contact your campus Counseling Center for more information.
• Students with disabilities can meet with a counselor for disability services.

6: Enroll for Classes

Enroll online with NOVAConnect or call 703.323.3770 or 703.330.3770 (Prince William County). First-time students are encouraged to enroll in SDV 100 or another student development course during their first semester.

• Learn more about enrollment

7: Pay Your Tuition

Pay online by credit card through NOVAConnect or call 703.323.3770 or 703.330.3770 (Prince William County). When you enroll for classes, you must pay by the payment deadline. Unpaid classes may be dropped from your schedule.

• Learn more about paying for college
• View additional payment methods

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

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 24 hours after you enroll for classes. It also serves as your library card and can be used for copying and on campus and a variety of discounts.

12:  Activate Your Email Account

Activate your free 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

13: Explore

Learn more about the services and activities at Northern Virginia Community College:

• Career Services
• Libraries
• New Student FAQs
• Off-Campus Housing
• Student Life