ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Students
Please carefully review the information below to determine the appropriate application process for your particular situation.
- If you are an F1 candidate, please follow the application instructions for International Students.
- If you have or will be graduated from a U.S. high school and are a first time college student, please follow the application instructions for Freshmen Students.
- If you graduated from a U.S. high school and have attended a U.S. college, please follow the application instructions for Transfer Students. Please note: There may be exceptions depending upon types of transfer credits.
- The ESOL application process described below applies to you if you attended a school outside of the U.S. that is equivalent to a U.S. high school and have not already attended a U.S. college or university.
- If you cannot provide official documents (e.g., diploma and transcript) to verify your graduation from a non-U.S. high school or college or if you didn't graduate, there are extra steps you will need to take as explained below.
How to Apply
If English is not your first language you may need to demonstrate English proficiency. Some applicants need to take the tests prior to applying to the College.
- Take Tests
You must first take the Levels of English Proficiency (LOEP) test before applying to the College as per the following steps:
- Submit biographical data to Student Central or the Office of International Student Services to have a college file created for you. This can be accomplished in three ways:
- Fill out the attached Intake form and mail/email it to Student Central or bring it to campus when you come for testing.
- Come to campus and fill out the form with a counselor. Schedule your test for later if you need time for review.
- Come to campus and complete both the form and the testing during the same visit. You must arrive on campus before 11am in this case.
- Take the Levels of English Proficiency (LOEP) test. Learn more about the LOEP test.
- If you did not finish high school or can't provide any official documents to verify your graduation from a non-U.S. equivalent to high school and/or college, you will also need to take a math test. The two tests must be taken on the same day. Learn more about the math test.
- Test Results: The test results will be mailed to you a couple of weeks after the testing. If you passed the test(s), follow the steps below to complete the application process and then go for an advisement session. Be sure to bring your test results to the advisement session. If you did not pass the test(s), contact the Office of International Student Services to discuss taking a test again.
- Submit an application
All incoming students must apply for admission by completing the Onondaga admission application (no fee required) by filling out the online application or downloading the print form (.pdf) to fill out.
Application Mailing Address:
Admissions Office
Onondaga Community College
4585 West Seneca Tpke
Syracuse, NY 13215
Application Requirements
So that the College can expedite your admission process, please promptly initiate the documents listed below. Arrange to have these items sent directly to the Admissions Office at Onondaga Community College.
Along with submitting your completed application, the following documents are required:
Diploma + transcripts: original documents are required, along with an official English translation. Note: Generally, a diploma or a transcript is required however; some majors may require both documents. If you cannot supply both, contact StudentCentral@sunyocc.edu and they can tell you if your intended major is one of those exceptions.
If you did not finish high school or can't provide any official documents to verify your graduation from a non-U.S. equivalent to high school and/or college, you must submit a recommendation letter on official stationery. Letters of recommendation must be from a person responsible in the community. i.e. a high school principal or counselor, family physician, a social worker, an employer, or a member of the clergy. The letter should indicate that the person is capable of doing college level work.
Application Process
Whichever way you choose to apply, we will evaluate your application when all required forms have been received from you and/or SUNY.
As soon as our evaluation is complete, you will receive an admission decision via standard mail. If you have any questions about the status of your application, please contact the Admissions Office at (315) 498-2201 or email OCCadmissions@sunyocc.edu.
Application Deadlines
We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that you'll get the courses you want. Generally, we will need all your application materials by the Friday before the first day of classes. You can start most programs during any semester. Some programs, however, have limited enrollment or fill up early. If you have concerns or questions about the program you're interested in, call our Admissions Office and an advisor will help you.
Support Programs for New Students
Are you eligible for the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) or Collegiate Science and Technology Program (CSTEP)?
Contact
Office of International Student Services
Gordon Student Center Room G130 campus map
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Telephone: 315 498-7216
e-mail: StudentCentral@sunyocc.edu
Admissions Office
Onondaga Community College
Gordon Student Center campus map
Hours: check hours
Telephone: 315 498-2201
e-mail: StudentCentral@sunyocc.edu
