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Admission Information

Eligibility

Any person who has a high school diploma from an accredited high school or the equivalent certificate (GED), or who is at least 18 years of age and able to benefit from instruction at Brightpoint Community College, may be admitted to the college. High school students and home-schooled students interested in admission at the institution should refer to the subsequent sections addressing the enrollment of these populations. Brightpoint Community College reserves the right to evaluate and document special cases and to refuse admission if the college determines that the applicant is a threat or a potential danger to the college community or if such refusal is considered to be in the best interest of the college.

Ability-to-Benefit Academically

Persons 18 years of age and older who do not have high school diplomas or the equivalents may be admitted if they can benefit from college study as demonstrated by placing at the EDE 10 or higher level on the Virginia Placement English Test and the MDE 10 or higher level on the Virginia Placement Mathematics Test. New students should work with their New Student Navigator and can also email getstarted@brightpoint.edu for assistance.

Application and Admission to the College

New Students

All students planning to take courses at Brightpoint Community College must apply for admission. Whenever possible, individuals are encouraged to apply online. The college does not charge an application fee. Please direct all inquiries concerning applications to the Admissions and Records office at either the Chester Campus or the Midlothian Campus, or e-mail admissionsandrecords@jbrightpoint.edu. Students needing general help on how to get started at Brightpoint should contact the Welcome Center or see their New Student Navigator (where applicable). Inquiries can also be addressed to getstarted@brightpoint.edu.  

Returning Students

Returning students who have not been enrolled in credit courses at the college during the past three years must reapply by resubmitting an application for admission prior to registration. Returning students should reach out to the Welcome Center on either campus or email getstarted@brightpoint.edu. 

Admission to Individual Courses (Non-curricular Students)

Students who do not intend to declare a major at Brightpoint may enroll in courses. Students may enroll in courses when the pre-requisites have been met. Pre-requisites are part of the course information at www.brightpoint.edu/schedule. Not all courses have pre-requisites.

Admission Limits

When enrollment must be limited for any curriculum, first priority will be given to all qualified students who reside within the college’s service region. Such students must meet established program deadlines and requirements. The priority list is as follows:

1. Residents of the cities and counties within the college’s service region;
2. Other Virginia residents; and
3. Out-of-state students.

Special Admission Procedures

Transfer Students

Transfer students should submit an Application for Admission.  If they plan to request transfer credit or if submission of transcripts is required by their program of study, students should have transcripts from all previous institutions attended sent to the Admissions and Records office. Some programs do not require transcript submission. An official evaluation of transfer courses will be completed by the Brightpoint Community College Registrar or Assistant Registrar of Admissions and Records once the student is placed in a curriculum and completes a Transfer Credit Request Form.

In general, Brightpoint does not have age limits on courses.  But there are exceptions, particularly when the course is part of the major field of study. For example, some applied and/or technical programs (i.e. nursing, information technology, etc.) may have specific age limits on courses taken more than five years ago.

If a specific course has an expiration date within a major at Brightpoint, it will be stated in the notes section of the curriculum sheet for that major.

For students intending to transfer, the length of time since a course was taken may be a factor in its acceptance by the intended transfer institution, even if the course was accepted by Brightpoint for its degree requirements.

In general, transfer credits are awarded only if the credits have been earned at an institution which is accredited by one of the six nationally recognized regional accrediting agencies in the United States. Transfer credits may be awarded from non-regionally accredited institutions with the approval of the appropriate academic dean. Students  requesting transfer credits from non-regionally accredited institutions must submit course syllabi and course descriptions for review by the appropriate academic dean. Upon the approval of the dean, transfer credits will be awarded consistent with Brightpoint policies addressing the acceptance of transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions. Brightpoint Community College also normally awards transfer credits for courses completed at accredited foreign institutions. Students transferring from foreign institutions should contact the Admissions and Records office at either campus for additional information. Brightpoint reserves the right to accept or reject credit recommendations that are noted on foreign credential evaluations.

Usually a transfer student who is eligible to re-enroll at the last college of attendance will be eligible for admission to Brightpoint Community College.

• If a transfer student is academically dismissed from a previous college, the student must appeal for admission to Brightpoint Community College’s Academic Status Committee by submitting a letter to the Dean of Students (deanofstudents@brightpoint.edu) at least four weeks prior to the desired semester of admission. 
• If a transfer student is suspended or dismissed for other than academic reasons, the student must be considered for admission by the Threat Assessment Team by submitting a letter to the Dean of Students (deanofstudents@brightpoint.edu) at least four weeks prior to the desired semester of admission.

Transfer Virginia and Credits2Careers Portals

Students can use the Transfer Virginia Portal (https://www.transfervirginia.org/) to see how courses transferred to Brightpoint from other institutions may apply to their selected major.  The Credits2Careers Portal (https://www.credits2careers.org/) offers information on how credit for prior learning such as AP or IB scores, industry certifications, or military experience could lead to college credit.    

Admission of Suspended and Dismissed Students

Students who have been academically suspended from Brightpoint Community College may re-enroll after serving a one-semester suspension. Students who have been academically suspended from any other institution of higher education may enroll after submitting their transcript or a copy of their letter of suspension to the Advising Center. Academically dismissed students from Brightpoint or any other institution are not normally admitted to the institution. Academically dismissed students may petition the Academic Status Committee by submitting their request for exception to this policy to the Dean of Students (deanofstudents@brightpoint.edu). All petitions must be submitted in writing at least four weeks prior to the first day of classes for the semester in which admission is sought. Students dismissed or suspended for disciplinary or non-academic reasons may petition the Threat Assessment Team for an exception to this policy by submitting their requests to the Dean of Students (deanofstudents@brightpoint.edu). All petitions must be submitted in writing at least four weeks prior to the first day of classes for the semester in which admission is sought.

Dual Enrollment of High School Students

Dual enrollment courses allow a student to simultaneously earn college and high school credit while present on their high school campus. The courses are taught at the college level by high school instructors who meet the college’s academic requirements and are offered according to the school district’s calendar and schedule. 

Dual enrollment is primarily for high school juniors and seniors who meet the college admissions criteria. Because admitting high school sophomores is considered exceptional, the college-ready status of each prospective sophomore student will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Formal approval from the college is required for admitting sophomores. All individuals admitted as dual enrollment students must demonstrate readiness for college by meeting entrance standards as set by the Virginia Community College System. School counseling staff identify prospective students and manage the selection and admissions process. Course options vary at each school. Generally, textbooks are provided without cost to students and course fees are charged to the school district at the end of each semester. Parents may be expected to reimburse the school district for course fees prior to or after the start of the school year.

Ten school districts in Brightpoint Community College’s service region have offered dual enrollment courses and they include Amelia, Charles City, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie, Hopewell, Petersburg, Prince George, Surry and Sussex. Dual enrollment courses provide an excellent opportunity for high school students to get a head start on college. For additional information about dual enrollment, contact the Dual Enrollment Coordinator at dualenrollment@brightpoint.edu.

Enrollment of Students under the Age of 18 - Concurrent Enrollment

Individuals 18 years of age and younger who have not completed high school may seek to enroll in classes at Brightpoint Community College. They must demonstrate readiness for college by meeting entrance standards as set by the Virginia Community College System. These standards are met by attaining specified minimum scores on PSAT, SAT, or ACT tests or high school transcripts with GPAs at or above those listed in the Math and English Course Placement section of the catalog at the bottom of thhis page.  Students must also provide the institution with letters of permission to enroll from their principals or designees, as well as letters from their parents or guardians.  These permission letters must be uploaded to the Concurrent Enrollment Form. 

Concurrent enrollment is primarily for high school juniors and seniors. Because admitting freshmen and sophomores is considered exceptional, the college-ready status of each prospective freshman and sophomore student will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Formal approval is required for admitting freshmen and sophomores. All individuals admitted as concurrent enrollment students must demonstrate readiness for college by achieving satisfactory scores on college placement tests or by meeting other entrance standards as set by the college.

Home-schooled Students

Home-schooled students may enroll at Brightpoint Community College. These students must satisfy the admission requirements expected of all students by meeting standards set by the Virginia Community College System. These standards are met by attaining specified minimum scores on PSAT, SAT, or ACT tests or high school transcripts with GPAs at or above those listed in the Math and English Course Placement section of the catalog at the bottom of this page. Students must provide the institution with documentation indicating authorization from the responsible jurisdiction permitting the student to engage in home schooling. The parents of home-schooled students also must provide the institution with written permission to enroll their children.  These permission letters must be uploaded to the Concurrent Enrollment Form. 

Enrollment is primarily for home-schooled students studying at the high school junior or senior levels. Because admitting freshmen and sophomores is considered exceptional, the college-ready status of each prospective freshman and sophomore student will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Formal approval is required for admitting freshmen and sophomores. All individuals admitted must demonstrate readiness for college by achieving satisfactory scores on college placement tests or by meeting other entrance standards as set by the college.  

An individual who has completed home schooling and certifies that he or she has the equivalent of a high school diploma may apply and enroll at the institution in the same manner as a high school graduate or recipient of a GED.  

International Students

Brightpoint Community College welcomes students from around the world and offers comprehensive admission assistance, immigration advising and support services to all non-citizens and English as a second language (ESL) applicants.  

All visa holders seeking admission must present their original I-94 and any other required documentation to the Admissions and Records office prior to the beginning of the semester in which they wish to enroll. Copies cannot be accepted. 

Information for international students seeking an F-1 Visa can be found on the International Students page on the college website or by emailing IntlStudentServices@brightpoint.edu.

Senior Citizens - Citizens 60 Years of Age or Older

Senior citizens are encouraged to take advantage of free tuition provided for by the Senior Citizens Higher Education Act of 1974. Senior citizens, who are Virginia residents and who had a taxable individual income not exceeding $23,850 for Virginia income tax purposes for the year preceding enrollment, may register for credit courses on a tuition-free basis. All senior citizens, regardless of income, may audit credit courses and take some non-credit courses free of charge. Senior citizens waiving tuition can enroll on the first day of their selected class only if there is space available. Those who wish to reserve space in any credit or noncredit class can register and pay as regular students. However, senior citizens will not be allowed to pay for a course to secure a space with the intention of dropping and re-enrolling using the tuition waiver. Students who are auditing courses and who wish to drop or withdraw before the deadlines must appear in person or e-mail admissionsandrecords@brightpoint.edu to make the request. Students cannot drop or withdraw from audited courses online. Additional information about special enrollment opportunities for senior citizens may be obtained from the Admissions and Records office.

Out-of-State Compliance Policy

The college has entered into a regional reciprocity agreement through NC-SARA to accept out-of-state students (except for students residing in California) in our online programs and courses. Students may contact the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) at 804-225-2600 or communications@schev.edu for information related to state agency contacts for complaint resolution. General disclosure information about external certification or licensure requirements outside the state of Virginia may be found on the NC-SARA page of the college website. 

Admissions Policy Related to Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry 

Section 23-2:2:1 of the Code of Virginia requires that the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) send enrollment information to the Virginia State Police concerning applicants to institutions of higher education. This information is transmitted electronically and compared against the Virginia Criminal Information Network and National Crime Information Center Convicted Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry.

If the college receives notification, the following procedures apply:

1. The college’s Threat Assessment Team (TAT) shall be notified and consider the applicant or student’s enrollment for a determination of whether they are is a threat to the campus community or danger to themselves, other students, faculty or staff (i.e., campus community). The Dean of Students reserves the right to suspend the individual or withhold the application on an interim basis while TAT considers the case.
2. Before a recommendation is made by the TAT to the Dean of Students, the TAT will notify the applicant or student in writing that they will be afforded an opportunity to appear in person before TAT or present relevant information in writing regarding their sex offender or crimes against minors status for consideration of whether they are a threat or danger to the campus community. Upon receipt of such notice, the applicant or student shall have five business days to contact the Dean of Students Office and arrange a meeting to appear before TAT or provide a written response. At a minimum, the applicant or student shall provide the following information:
   1. Disclosure of the nature of the offense for which they have been convicted;
   2. Justification for consideration of admissions/reinstatement;

If the applicant or student does not respond within the requested timeframe, the Dean of Students Office shall inform them that the TAT meeting will proceed.

3. The TAT shall make a determination of whether a threat or danger exists and recommend to the Dean of Students whether to deny admission or revoke enrollment.
4. The Dean of Students Office shall notify the applicant or student in writing of the TAT’s recommendation and afford them with an opportunity to respond in writing within five (5) business days.
5. The Dean of Students Office shall forward the TAT recommendation and any response(s) received from the applicant or student to the vice president of learning and student success (or designee) who may consult with TAT and shall issue a final decision in writing regarding admission or enrollment.
6. The college will provide the campus community through its catalog or web site information on how to access the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry consistent with state and federal law.

Orientation

New Student Orientation

Brightpoint’s New Student Orientation program is designed to give new students and their family members a comprehensive introduction to life at the college. Campus and Zoom orientation sessions are held throughout the summer and prior to the spring semester. New Student Orientation is mandatory for students entering Brightpoint.  An online orientation is available year-round for those students who cannot make it to campus. To register for your campus, Zoom, or online orientation go to the New Student Orientation page on the college webside at https://www.brightpoint.edu/admissions/get-started/orientation/.  

SDV 100 - College Success Skills Course

All degree-seeking and some certificate students are required to complete SDV 100 (or SDV 101 or SDV 108) - College Success Skills, a one-credit orientation course designed to provide entering students with important information about the college, its policies and services. The course consists of two major parts: 1) an overview of college programs, services, policies and procedures, and 2) personal development seminars. Because of the importance of the information presented, students are strongly encouraged to complete an SDV course during their first semester of attendance and preferably within the first 15 credits. Note: SDV 100 is different from New Student Orientation which is mandatory for all students.  

Getting Started at Brightpoint Community College

New Student Navigators

New Student Navigators are available at both campuses and virtually to assist new students with the enrollment and registration process at Brightpoint Community College. New students will be assigned a New Student Navigator shortly after being admitted to the college. New students can also receive assistance from the Welcome Center on each campus. Students may email getstarted@brightpoint.edu for assistance.

Chester Welcome Center - Moyar Hall, M101

Midlothian Welcome Center - Trailblazer Hall, T115  

Declaring a Major

To receive financial aid and to graduate from Brightpoint Community College, you must be enrolled in a major at the college. If you know what you want to major in, simply select your chosen major when you apply online for admission.  Your New Student Navigator will assist if you need assistance choosing your major. If you decide to change your major, contact the Advising Center on either campus or by visiting the  to discuss your future plans and Brightpoint majors.  

Chester Advising Center - Moyar Hall, M107  
Midlothian Advising Center - Trailblazer Hall, T115  
Visit the Declare a Major page on the college website at https://brightpoint.edu/academics/declaring-a-major/.  

Students applying for Funeral Services or Emergency Medical Services must provide the college with official copies of transcripts from high school and all colleges and universities previously attended.  

Students must provide the college with official copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended only if any of the following are applicable:  

1. The student has been suspended or dismissed from another college or university; and/or 

2. The student is requesting a transcript review for transfer credits from a college outside the VCCS.  

Math and English Course Placement

At Brightpoint, our goal is to enroll students in courses that maximize their opportunity for success. The majority of students will place into English and math courses through a simple survey. 

New students will complete the Direct Enrollment Survey upon applying to the college and work with their New Student Navigator to determine their placement in math and English courses. After applying to the college, students will receive an email with a link to complete a brief placement survey. Students should check their email, complete this brief survey as soon as possible, and discuss their results with their New Student Navigator to determine placement. 

Current students who have not yet enrolled in math or English should schedule an appointment with the Advising Center to determine their placement in math and English courses.

Students who are transferring to Brightpoint and have completed eligible college coursework in math and/or English at another institution will work with their New Student Navigator to determine placement into subsequent math and/or English courses.

English Placement

After completing the college application and the direct enrollment survey, students will receive one of the following placements:

• Direct enrollment into ENG111

• Direct enrollment into ENG111 with the co-requisite support course EDE 11

• Enrollment in EDE 10

Math Placement

The gateway college-level mathematics course required in a student’s program of study varies depending upon the program chosen. After completing the college application and the direct enrollment survey, students will receive one of the following placements:

• Direct enrollment into the appropriate college-level mathematics (MTH) course

• Direct enrollment into the appropriate college-level mathematics (MTH) course with the corresponding co-requisite support mathematics (MDE) course

• Enrollment in the appropriate foundational mathematics (MDE) course

Note: Previously completed foundational, support, and/or developmental courses will be valid for five (5) years after the term taken. 

English Course Placement

*High school GPA (HSGPA) is valid for five (5) years after the date of high school graduation.

**Minimum placement requirements noted above apply to students who completed high school 5 or less years ago. High school GPA (HSGPA) is valid for five (5) years after the date of high school graduation. Students who completed high school 6 or more years ago will be placed through informed self-placement.

SAT/ACT/GED Scores for English Placement*

*SAT, ACT and GED Test scores are valid for five (5) years after the date of the test.

Note that EDE credits do not count toward graduation. 

Mathematics Course Placement

**Minimum placement requirements noted above apply to student who completed high school five or less years ago. High school GPA (HSGPA) is valid for five (5) years after the date of high school graduation. Students who completed high school 6 or more years ago may be placed through informed self-placement. 

*Minimum placement requirements noted above apply to student who completed high school five or less years ago. High school GPA (HSGPA) is valid for five (5) years after the date of high school graduation. Students who completed high school 6 or more years ago may be placed through informed self-placement. 

Note that MDE credits do not count toward graduation.