A New Student’s Guide to Getting Started at NOVA

Registration for New Students

All first-time-to-college students must take the following steps:

STEP 1: APPLY FOR ADMISSION ONLINE
Submit an Application for Admission by applying online. You can also print an application online and email to admissions@nvcc.edu. Online applications can be processed within 24 to 48 hours.

STEP 2: COMPLETE THE DIRECT ENROLLMENT SURVEY
Most U.S. high school graduates and GED recipients are no longer required to take the Virginia Placement Test (VPT)*. NOVA uses direct enrollment and self-informed placement process to help students decide which college-level Math and English courses to start with.

* High school/home school students will continue to use the VPT for placement for dual enrollment courses.
* Military students using TA benefits and students using VA benefits must take the VPT.

STEP 3: APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID
If you plan to apply for student financial aid, see financial aid for instructions.

STEP 4: COMPLETE NEW2NOVA
New2NOVA is our online, interactive orientation program available to all incoming students. The program provides new students with an introduction to NOVA including information about academic programs, policies, procedures, student services and other valuable resources available to you as a NOVA student.

STEP 5: ENROLL IN REQUIRED SDV 100 OR 101
All first-time-to-college students (ages 17–24) must enroll in a one-credit Student Development course (SDV 100 or SDV 101). College Success Skills (SDV 100) helps students make a successful transition to college. The course provides students with academic tools for success and teaches selfmanagement and self-responsibility skills that relate to being a successful student. Students will also learn about NOVA policies, procedures and resources, giving them the tools they need to navigate the College successfully. Students in healthcare, teacher education, information technology, business and horticulture programs may substitute SDV 101 Orientation (which is targeted to a specific discipline) for the SDV course.

STEP 6: ENROLL IN DEVELOPMENTAL COURSES DURING YOUR FIRST SEMESTER, IF REQUIRED
Developmental courses prepare students to succeed in college transfer and career/technical programs. These English (ENF) and mathematics (MTT) courses are designed to develop the basic skills and understanding needed for success in other courses. ENF courses are offered in various formats. MTT courses use individualized technology-based instruction. If you have any questions, check with a counselor or academic advisor.

STEP 7: PAY YOUR TUITION
You will NOT be billed for tuition. If you enroll in classes by December 14, payment for all classes is due December 15 by 5:00 p.m. Beginning December 15, the payment deadline for any classes in which you enroll is 5:00 p.m. the next business day. Business days are Monday through Friday. Your enrollment in unpaid classes is not guaranteed. After the deadline, you will be financially responsible for any classes you have not dropped. Check your enrollment information online.

Regardless of your attendance, you are financially responsible for all classes for which you register unless you drop the class by the deadline. If you decide not to take a class, you must drop it through NOVAConnect by the stated deadline; otherwise, you will be charged for that class and may receive a failing grade.

To pay your tuition in installments, enroll in NOVA’s Tuition Payment Plan before your due date, or by 5:00 p.m. the day after you register.

STEP 8: ACTIVATE YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT
You must establish a NOVA email account and check it frequently. Our faculty and staff will only contact you via your NOVA email account about class assignments, course announcements and updates on your financial aid status.

STEP 9: BUY YOUR PARKING PERMIT
NOVA has discounted flex parking options! Learn about hangtags, discounted hourly and daily choices and our mobile payment application calling 703–323–3123. Students are not required to display a permit while parked in a “B” lot after 3:45 p.m. on weekdays or any time on weekends.