April is Community College Month, and Eastern Shore Community College is sharing some features that will not only provide helpful information on what is currently offered, but exciting updates on what is coming in the near future.  These will be available here, on our Facebook page, and in our local papers.  With registration for Summer and Fall 2017 classes in full swing, we start by emphasizing the four basic steps to begin your educational journey at ESCC:  Admissions application, placement test, applying for financial aid, and enrolling in classes, along with some important details below that accompany those steps.
Both Summer and Fall 2017 schedules are available online at www.es.vccs.edu through our “Quick Links” on the main page, and of course through Student Services.   As students register, please also be aware of the financial aid (FAFSA) deadlines.  The 2016-17 FAFSA guarantee deadline for the summer 2017 semester: May 1, 2017. The 2017-18 FAFSA guarantee deadline for the fall 2017 semester: July 15, 2017. If you need assistance completing the 2016-17 or 2017-18 FAFSA, help is available on Mondays and Tuesdays from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Wednesdays and Thursdays 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.  No appointments are necessary. Walk-ins are welcome.

Students may consider Degree Programs such as Associate of Arts and Sciences (Business Administration, General Studies Liberal Arts, and Science), Associate of Applied Science (Early Childhood Education, Electronics Technology, Electronics Technology w/Computer Technology, Management, Management with Information Technology, and Nursing), Certificate Programs (Electronics Technology, Industrial Technology, Medical Assisting, Practical Nursing, and Welding), and Career Studies Certificate (Early Childhood Development, Electricity, HVAC,  LTCA, Medical Administrative Office Specialist, Medical Coding and Billing,  Small Business Management, and Welding).

Returning on the Fall 2017 schedule will be the successful program “Take 13”. This initiative takes into consideration the difficult schedules and demands of working students and parents, and offers a Saturday schedule of classes that can take the place of weekday classes and still help the student achieve their desired educational goals.  Eastern Shore Community College also is able to offer guaranteed admission agreements with over 25 of Virginia’s colleges and universities. Students who graduate with a qualified associate’s degree and minimum grade point average quite often utilize this program to move on to Virginia Tech, UVA, ODU, Longwood, and other popular institutions around the state.

Another important reminder is not to procrastinate, not only from the standpoint of financial aid deadlines, but also in class availability.  Many classes fill up quickly, so students will want to get ahead of the curve and register for the classes they need in their respective courses of study, once again stressing not just for Summer classes, but for the Fall as well!  The ESCC website at es.vccs.edu provides a convenient way to get started with the admissions application and enrollment process, but students don’t have to “go it alone”.  There is an extremely accommodating and capable team in Student Services who will welcome your visit and guide you through the process every step of the way, with applications, placement tests, the financial aid process, and enrollment.

Take advantage of everything your local community college can offer, not the least of which is HUGE savings.  Graduating from high school and looking for a practical and effective way to plot your course, or are you looking to advance in your industry with a degree?  Get started today, we can help at ESCC!