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Whether you are planning to attend Southwestern for two years, then transfer to a four-year college or complete a degree at Southwestern and begin working in the field of your choice . . .

Southwestern is
a great place to start!

Admission Policy for Credit Programs

Southwestern Community College maintains an "open door" policy for admission of students. That means that all students applying for admission will be accepted if they demonstrate an ability to benefit from instruction offered at the College.

Admission to the College does not, however, ensure admission to all specific programs offered. The College reserves the right to assist the placement of students in the selection of a program of study based on information gathered through assessment, examination of previous educational achievement and pre-enrollment advising.
 

• All degree (two year) programs require high school graduation or equivalent. High school graduation or the equivalent is highly recommended for admission to the other diploma programs.
• Admission to specific programs is granted as soon as all admissions procedures for those programs have been completed (application steps are listed below).
• Applicants are accepted up to the day classes start if space is available, but since space limits do exist, a late application may not provide immediate admission to the desired program.
• The College reserves the right to evaluate requests for admission and to deny admission to applicants when deemed to be in the best interests of the student and the college.
• The College shall have the right to either establish admission requirements that are higher than this basic policy or to waive the basic admission requirements for students who will be taking courses not leading to a college diploma or degree.

Admission materials should be submitted to:

Admissions Office
Southwestern Community College
1501 W. Townline Street
Creston, IA  50801

If you have questions please call (800) 247-4023 or (641) 782-7081, ext. 421 or e-mail admissions@swcciowa.edu

Application Steps

1.Application Form -

Submit a completed appplication form for admission to the Admissions Office.

2. High School Transcripts -

Submit a copy of your high school transcripts or GED certification to the Admissions Office.

3. College Transcripts - 

If you have attended other colleges or universitites you must submit an official transcript from each college or university attended. A transcript is official only when it arrives in the mail directly from the registrar's office of the previous insititution. This is required even though you do not wish to have your previous course work evaluated or transferred to Southwestern.

4. Entrance Tests -

All students enrolling full-time at Southwestern Community College in arts and sciences, career option, or vocational-technical programs are required to take a COMPASS Assessment Test prior to registration. In addition, any student enrolling for their seventh credit hour or any student enrolling for a math or English class must take the test. All high school students attending college classes will be required to meet admissions criteria, including requirements for admission assessment testing.

In lieu of the COMPASS exam, Southwestern will accept the following from arts and sciences students:

A documented score of 19 on the ACT or an equivalent SAT score.

Documented scores on the COMPASS exam taken within the past three years at Southwestern or elsewhere.

Successful college work within the past three years consisting of a minimum of 12 credit hours with a C grade or better in each class, including 3 credit hours with a C grade or better in each class, including 3 credits in English and 3 credits in math.

It is the responsibility of each student to see that necessary documentation is on file with the Admissions Office prior to registration. 

The primary purpose of this assessment is to help enhance student success at Southwestern by identifying areas of strengths as well as weaknesses. The assessment results will also enable the college to improve academic advising and course placement. Areas measured by the COMPASS include reading skills, numerical skills, and language usage skills.

5. Other - 

Completion of any other program or course prerequisites for the specific program for which applications has been made.