New Students

Steps to Apply

A new student is someone who has never attended VGCC to obtain college credit.

01 – Complete a Career Assessment

Before selecting a program of study, students are encouraged to complete a career assessment.

Pick one below:

• Career Coach – A quick start assessment to help you discover in-demand majors and careers based on your interests.
• SkillPointe – A short visual quiz to help you identify skills-based careers that best match your personality.

These tools help to identify interests, strengths, and potential career paths, providing valuable insight into academic and professional goals. VGCC Career Services is your guide to moving your career path forward and an available resource.

02 – Apply for Admission

Complete an application for admission . Within the application, you will complete the residency process with the Residency Determination Service (RDS). You will receive a Residency Certification Number (RCN), which you should include in your application.

03 – Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships

Complete your FAFSA at www.studentaid.gov , our school code is 009903. After you are accepted to the school and your financial aid information has been received, you can check your myVGCC account for information about your financial aid status.

We also offer scholarships from generous donors to our VGCC Foundation, as well as from sources outside of the college who want to see our students succeed as well. Find out about our various scholarships!

04 – Submit Your Transcripts

Request official transcripts from all previous schools attended (high school, high school equivalency, and college transcripts).

Official transcripts must be submitted via an electronic transcript service or mailed in a sealed envelope. Students who received their High School Equivalency (HSE), formally GED, with VGCC will request official transcripts through www.diplomasender.com. Please note that DiplomaSender will not work with Internet Explorer.

Official transcripts from accredited colleges and universities may be evaluated for transfer credit. 

Submit official transcripts to [email protected] or mail to:

NOTE: Faxed transcripts are not considered official.

05 – Determine Placement Testing

Vance–Granville prioritizes students’ high school GPA and standardized test scores for placement in college classes. Tests to determine readiness and skill level in English, reading, writing and math are administered to applicants pursuing a degree, diploma and certain certificates who did not graduate from a U.S. high school or who have no other admission criteria for placement. Test results are used to place students at the appropriate class level and to determine if transition instruction is needed.

For more information and to learn about exemptions, please refer to the Student Assessment & Placement Testing section of our College Catalog.

06 – Attend Orientation

After you have received your acceptance letter and have been assigned a student ID number, you are ready to sign up for new student orientation. During your session, you will set up your Vanguard ID and gain access to all of your VGCC tools.

07 – Meet with an Academic Advisor

Meet with an Academic Advisor virtually or at any campus location. Once you have been advised, be sure to register for classes, finalize financial aid or pay tuition, then purchase books and be ready for classes to start. You’re a Vanguard!