Admission to Courses Credible to an Associate Degree

To be eligible for admission to courses creditable toward an associate degree, a first-time Lawson State student must meet one of the following criteria:

• Applicants who hold a diploma issued at a regionally and/or state accredited high school are eligible for admission.

• Applicants who hold a certificate or any other award issued in lieu of a diploma are ineligible for admission.

• Applicants who have attended a non-accredited high school may be admitted upon presentation of a transcript indicating successful completion of courses of study on the secondary level.  In addition, the courses must be based on the minimum of Carnegie units required by the state’s educational agency at the time of award.  These students must have achieved a minimum score of 16 on the ACT test or equivalent score on the SAT or passage of the Alabama High School Graduation Exam (AHSGE).

• Applicants who cannot comply with either condition above may submit a Certificate of High School Equivalency.

• (GED Certificate) issued by Alabama or other state departments of education.

• All first-time students must take the English, Reading, and Mathematics Placement Test (COMPASS).  Contact the Office of  Student Development Services for information on placement.

• Schedule the Compass assessment by calling 205-929-6385 (Birmingham Campus) or 205-929-3418 (Bessemer Campus).

• Lawson State may establish additional admission requirements to specific courses or occupational degree programs when student enrollment must be limited or to assure ability to benefit.

Unconditional Admission of First Time Students

For unconditional admission, applicants must have completed the college placement exam and have on file the following documents:

• A completed application for admission (Paper or electronic, online version).

• Completion of a college placement program assessment (Compass Placement Assessment).

• A Selective Service Verification Form (if appropriate)

• An official transcript from a regionally and/or state accredited high school and/or college or an official GED certificate. "Official" means mailed directly to our office by records officials.

• Must have completed any required high school prerequisites (for example:  a student may not take English Composition until all required high school English courses have been completed) or an official GED certificate.

For admission to courses not creditable toward an associate degree, applicants must have on file documented ability to benefit if he or she plans to receive financial assistant. (See section regarding non high school graduates.)

Conditional Admission of First Time College Students

Applicants who do not have on file an official transcript from the high school or college(s) attended or an official GED Certificate, but who have completed a college placement exam, may be granted conditional admission.  Applicants will not be allowed to enroll for a second semester unless the requirements for admissions are satisfied.  If requirements are unsatisfactory, grade reports will not be issued.