Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do you offer ESL classes?

Yes. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College does offer courses for those interested in studying English as a Second Language. For more information, contact the Adult Education office at (229) 333-2125 (Valdosta), (912) 389-0053 (Douglas), or (229) 468-3010 (Fitzgerald).

What are the requirements for Admission?

The requirements for admission vary by the type of admission being sought. For more information, visit the main admission page and click on your admission type.

What type of scholarship or financial aid is available?

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College offers a variety of financial aid programs that include grants and scholarships that are non-repayable. We do not participate in any federal or state loan programs. For more information, visit the Financial Aid section of our website.

How can I get a copy of my transcript?

An official copy of your Wiregrass Georgia Technical College transcript may be obtained from the Registrar's Office at no charge.  After the first transcript request, additional copies will be available for a fee of $5.00 each. A transcript request form must be submitted in order to obtain an official transcript. Students requiring an unofficial transcript may obtain one by accessing their BannerWeb account.

I have changed my mind about the program I initially selected. How do I change it?

Program changes must be requested in person at the Admissions Office, where students will need to complete the appropriate paperwork. Students should be aware that some program changes will affect their financial aid eligibility and/or may involve additional requirements. Current students will be required to get the signature of their existing and future program advisors to complete the change.

I was accepted for last semester, but I could not start then. What do I have to do to come this semester?

Students desiring to update their admission for another semester will need to complete the appropriate paperwork at the Admissions office. A new application fee is not required.

How much does a program cost?

The cost of a program varies depending on the number of credit hours taken each semester. For specific information about tuition and fees, please visit the Tuition & Fees section of our website.

How do I get started?

The first step is to submit a completed application to the Admissions office at the campus you will be attending and pay a $15 non-refundable application fee. Next, complete the COMPASS placement test or submit satisfactory SAT, ACT, or ASSET scores if taken within the past 60 months; or provide an official transcripts showing satisfactory completion of appropriate English and math courses with a "C" or better, this may be used in lieu of completing the placement test. Then submit an official copy of a high school transcript or GED transcript; Applicants who have completed (C or better) a minimum of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours at the degree level may submit official college transcripts in lieu of high school diploma or GED. All transcripts must be received in a sealed envelope. Special Education diplomas or Certificate of Attendance are not recognized for admission purposes. Students from secondary schools outside the United States must have transcripts translated and evaluated by an approved outside organization.

How can I check the status of my application?

To check the status of your application, you may call or visit the Office of Admissions at your selected campus location and speak with an Admissions Counselor.

Do you have to have your high school diploma/GED to attend Wiregrass Georgia Technical College?

In order to be successful in any program, students must have a high school diploma or GED certificate. Students who are still in high school or are finalizing their GED testing may attend classes under certain circumstances. For more information, please contact the Office of Admission.

What is the COMPASS Test?

COMPASS is a computerized adaptive test that measures skills and comprehension levels in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics to determine readiness for college-level courses in these areas. Scores that reach a certain level of competence will allow the student to move immediately into "program ready" status. Scores below that status mean the student will need to complete Learning Support classes in the weak areas before moving on to the required coursework.

Writing Test
The student is given an essay and asked to look for errors in grammar, punctuation, usage, and style.

Reading Test
The student is given several passages to read, and then to answer questions about the passage.

Mathematics Test
The student solves problems which measure numerical, pre-algebra, and algebra skills. Some of the areas included are:

  • basic operations with integers, fractions, and decimals
  • exponents
  • ratios and proportions
  • percentages
  • topics in elementary algebra, intermediate algebra and coordinate geometry

How do I schedule to take the COMPASS Placement Test?

  • Turn in the application for admission.
  • Pay the $15.00 one-time application fee.
  • Contact the Student Success Center on the campus you plan to attend for placement testing information. In most cases, no appointment is necessary.

What do I need to bring to testing?

  • Your $15 application fee receipt
  • Official photo identification such as a driver’s license or state ID (passport or military ID also accepted).
  • You may bring your own calculator or use the one we provide (graphing calculators are not allowed).

How long does the test take?

The average testing time is about 2 hours. The sections are untimed, so the actual time used varies based on reading speed and academic skills.

Am I allowed to take the test more than once?

Students who score below “program ready” status are allowed to retake each section once after short term-remediation which is available through Student Support. A $5 fee is required for each section in which the student re-tests.

I am not familiar with computers. Is there a written test available?

The computer version is not difficult for first-time users and the proctor will be happy to help with the data entry. The rest of the test is mostly point-and-click with the mouse. If a student feels, however, that this mode will affect the outcome of the test, it is possible to request the written ASSET test that is produced by the same ACT Corporation. It should be noted that this is a timed test.

How do I prepare for the COMPASS test?

There are practice tests available on line at the following links:

Another written source can be found in ACT preparation manuals, available at many large bookstores and libraries. Since ACT is the publisher of the COMPASS and ASSET tests, the practice tests in these manuals are very similar to the placement test. This is especially true of the reading and writing tests. Along with the answer key, most give a brief explanation of the answer that is helpful as a learning tool. NOTE: The math tests in these manuals may be too advanced to be very helpful.

This computer on-line site allows you to access a wide variety of free practice tests. You may select "Compass," and you may expand your options by using "ACT" for reading and writing and "GED" for math. The Military ASVAB might be helpful. Be careful not to access tutorials for pay. Free tests are clearly marked. http://www.testprepreview.com/modules/

On-line study and practice tests are also available at the following sites:

Is there anything else I need to know about testing?

Arrive rested and well fed so that you can do your best. Remember that it isn’t a terrible thing to take a learning support class. The majority of our students take one or more and find that they help them to become more confident and successful students!

Email:  admissions@wiregrass.edu

 

Valdosta Campus
(229) 333-2105

Ben Hill-Irwin Campus
(229) 468-2253

Coffee County Campus
(229) 468-2220

Cook County Workforce Development Center
(229) 549-7368