Independent Dual Enrollment

Join us for an informative webinar designed for students, families and school partners interested in Independent Dual Enrollment at NOVA. This session will explain how high school students can take college courses prior to graduation and what to expect throughout the process. Topics covered include steps to submit your completed request for courses, a suggested timeline and tips for success in college courses.

Recorded May 6, 2026

Recording Link

Passcode: !9^4gz.w

Join us for a webinar designed to help you choose courses that meet the requirements of the Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS). We’ll review what the UCGS is, why it matters for transfer planning, and how to select the right courses to stay on track. This session is ideal for students who want to make informed decisions about their course requests.

Thursday, October 29, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Register Here

Before you enroll in a NOVA course, talk with your parent or guardian and your high school counselor about your goals and responsibilities.

Use the NOVA Catalog and Schedule of Classes to research and select potential courses. You can also search for classes in your NOVA account; however, as a high school student, you are not permitted to self-enroll.

All high school students are program-placed in the Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS). To plan a degree or certificate pathway at NOVA, students should review the College Catalog. Students may also work with an Independent Dual Enrollment Coordinator to add an additional academic plan to their account and track their progress by completing eForm 125-345.

Check NOVA’s tuition and fees to calculate the cost per credit. Don’t forget to consider additional expenses such as travel, parking and course materials.

Before deciding, reflect on the following:

• How will the course(s) fit into my current high school schedule?
• Am I ready for the rigor of college-level coursework?
• Do I have the time and discipline to manage both high school and college responsibilities?
• What course format best supports my learning style?

Taking time to reflect on these questions can help set you up for a successful dual enrollment experience.

The application process is free and must be completed online.

If you have not already applied to NOVA, you will need to complete the NOVA application. If you have applied, skip to Step 3.

Complete your college application here

After submission, you will receive a 7-digit student ID number (EMPLID), username and temporary password to set up your myNOVA account.

A Social Security number is not required to be on file; however, failure to provide one may limit or delay access to services where the number is required by federal or state law (e.g., tax reporting or receiving financial aid after high school graduation).

All high school students must demonstrate college readiness as outlined by the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) under Dual Enrollment Admission and Placement Criteria for enrollment.

• Prepare to submit a current high school or homeschool transcript with cumulative GPA. Additional test scores (PSAT, SAT, ACT or VPT) and other placement measures (AP score report) may be submitted with your request to show readiness.
• Review Dual Enrollment Admission and Placement Criteria to ensure you meet the qualifications and have supporting documents for your request.

Certain courses (for example, English, math and science) require prerequisites or specific placement testing. Students must meet all placement requirements for each course requested. Review course-specific requirements in the Course Content Summaries.

There are two separate forms below: one for students attending a public or private high school and one for homeschooled students. Please review the steps below and complete and return the form that best matches your current high school status.

Students attending public or private school

Returning

1. Meet with the high school counselor to discuss course selection.
2. Download and complete Form 125-207 for the new semester.
3. Update course requests as needed.
4. Provide a current high school transcript (unofficial) for placement.
5. Submit the form, transcript and any test scores in one email to dualenrollment@nvcc.edu.
6. Students will receive a confirmation email that includes payment responsibilities and next steps to prepare for the start of classes. If a course is full or prerequisites are not met, the student will be notified via email.

New

1. Apply to NOVA to receive a NOVA Student ID.
2. Meet with the high school counselor to discuss course selection.
3. Download Form 125-207 (Independent Dual Enrollment Form for High School Students).
4. Complete all sections of the form, including student information, course request(s), parent/guardian signature, and counselor signature.
5. Gather eligibility documentation (high school transcript and qualifying test scores, if applicable).
6. Submit the form, transcript, and any additional test scores in one email to dualenrollment@nvcc.edu.
7. Students will receive a confirmation email that includes payment responsibilities and next steps to prepare for the start of classes. If a course is full or pre-requisites are not met, the student will be notified via email.

Homeschool Students

Returning

1. Download and complete Form 125-208 for the new semester.
2. Update course requests as needed.
3. Provide a current homeschool transcript for placement. Homeschool students must provide a copy of a homeschool agreement approved by the school district (notice of intent), a letter from the local school board, or a copy of the letter filed by the parent/legal guardian declaring homeschool for religious exemption.
4. Email the form to the NOVA Dual Enrollment Office at dualenrollment@nvcc.edu.
5. Students will receive a confirmation email that includes payment responsibilities and next steps to prepare for the start of classes. If a course is full or pre-requisites are not met, the student will be notified via email.

New

1. Apply to NOVA to receive a NOVA student ID.
2. Download Form 125-208 (Independent Dual Enrollment Form for Homeschooled Students).
3. Complete all sections of the form, including student information, course request(s), and parent/guardian signature.
4. Gather eligibility documentation (high school transcript and qualifying test scores such as PSAT, SAT or ACT). Homeschool students must provide a copy of a homeschool agreement approved by the school district (notice of intent), a letter from the local school board, or a copy of the letter filed by the parent/legal guardian declaring homeschool for religious exemption.
5. Submit the form and documents to dualenrollment@nvcc.edu.
6. Students will receive a confirmation email that includes payment responsibilities and next steps to prepare for the start of classes. If a course is full or prerequisites are not met, the student will be notified via email.

• The Dual Enrollment (WA9) hold indicates that a student has not yet graduated from high school and will remain in place until graduation. This hold prevents students from self-enrolling in courses.
• Students may drop or withdraw from Independent Dual Enrollment courses by the published deadlines, access and participate in their courses through Canvas, use their student email once enrolled, and utilize available support services.
• The Office of Dual Enrollment will review submitted documents and enroll students in the courses listed on their Dual Enrollment Recommendation Form. To change a course, an updated Recommendation Form must be submitted. Only courses listed on the form will be processed for enrollment.
• Once enrolled, students will receive a confirmation email that includes payment responsibilities and next steps to prepare for the start of classes.
• To verify enrollment, log in to myNOVA and navigate to:
  myNOVA → SIS → Class Enrollment → View My Classes/Schedule.

Tuition and Fees Payment

Students are responsible for tuition and fees for their courses. Learn about making your tuition payment, payment plans and payment deadlines for Independent Dual Enrollment classes.

Financial Aid

According to federal guidelines, high school students are not eligible for federal financial aid. However, poor academic performance in NOVA courses taken during high school may affect eligibility for financial aid in the future.

Students may apply for financial aid once they have graduated from high school.

Textbooks and Course Materials

Search for required textbooks and course materials at nvcc.bncollege.com. Students are automatically enrolled in NOVA All Access ($22.50 per credit hour). Review details about NOVA All Access to make an informed decision.

Accommodations and Accessibility Services

Students with Individualized Education Plans (IEP) or 504 plans must apply for a Memorandum of Accommodations (MOA) through the college. Approved accommodations must be on record for the course and grade to be applied.

NOVACard

Once enrolled, students may visit the nearest campus to obtain a NOVACard. NOVACard is not required; however, a valid photo ID is required for proctored exams and assessments.  
 
Students may present any valid government-issued photo ID. A NOVACard is also accepted as an alternative form of identification for proctored exams and assessments.

Canvas Access and Classroom Location

Courses open in Canvas on or a few days before the official start date.

1. Check your schedule for course start dates and class locations in the Student Information System through myNOVA.
2. On your course start date, log in to myNOVA and select the Canvas tile.
3. Review Canvas student tutorials before starting your course.
4. Check your @email.vccs.edu Gmail account for updates from your instructor and NOVA.

Enrollment Deadlines (Drop/Withdraw)

Even though the Office of Dual Enrollment enrolls students in their courses, students are responsible for completing any necessary drop or withdrawal actions.

We’re thrilled to welcome you to the upcoming semester at Northern Virginia Community College!

To ensure you hit the ground running, we've partnered with StudentLingo to offer the Dual Enrollment Virtual Orientation. 

Here’s how you can get started:

1. Register Your Account to access the required Dual Enrollment Virtual Orientation
2. Select “Dual Enrollment Orientation” when logged in
3. Complete the Orientation at your own pace, but we encourage you to complete this before the end of your first week.