Admissions

The Admissions Process
Step by step

Step 1:
Complete a JWCC Admissions Information Form.

You can:

You are encouraged to complete this step as far in advance of the term in which you wish to enroll as possible.

Step 2:
Have Official records of any prior high school or college-level education sent to the JWCC Office of Admissions.

These records may include any one or a combination of the following:

High School transcript - Contact the high school from which you graduated or will graduate.
- HS Transcript Request Form
Home school transcript - The home school administrator must provide a notarized copy of the course work completed, preferably in transcript format.
GED exam scores - Contact the Regional Superintendent of Schools from your school district.
College transcripts - Have an official copy of your academic transcripts sent directly to the Records Office at John Wood from each college you have attended.
- Transcript Request Form
Military service or training - Provide a copy of your DD-214 - Copy 4 (separation document), AARTS/ACE transcript, or Community College of the Air Force Transcript.

Step 3:
ALL first-time college students are required to attend a student orientation session to learn general information about the College.

Sessions are scheduled regularly and last about 90 minutes. Call the Office of Admissions at (217)641-4338, 641-4314, or 641-4339 for an appointment.

New Students who have not successfully completed college-level math and English courses are required to take the COMPASS skill assessment during the orientation session. COMPASS is an un-timed, computer-based assessment of reading, writing and math skills. JWCC pays for the first assessment for all new students. Students who need orientation and assessment should expect to spend three to four hours for the combined session.

Students who completed the ACT test within three years of their enrollment who score at particular levels on the ACT test are exempt from COMPASS testing but not student orientation. Students with an ACT English sub-score of 20 or higher are exempt from the COMPASS writing test; students with an ACT Math sub-score of 23 or higher are exempt from the COMPASS math test. Students who wish to re-test on COMPASS in an effort to raise their scores should make individual appointments through Admissions and are usually assessed a $15 fee.

Step 4:
Meet with a JWCC Counselor/Advisor

You will be able to review your assessment results, discuss your program of study, and register for your classes. Appointments may be made by calling (217)641-4329.

Students interested in admission to either transfer or career/technical programs must demonstrate the ability and interest in succeeding in such programs. Students whose educational backgrounds need strengthening will be encouraged to take courses to prepare them for admission to the programs of their choice.