Hagerstown Community College            in collaboration with           Washington County Public Schools           Washington County Private Schools           Washington County Home Schools

Who is eligible?

ESSENCE II is designed for high academic achievers who are currently in high school or home school, are 16 years of age or older and are out-of-county or out-of-state residents. Through the program, students have the opportunity to earn up to 12 credits of college-level coursework at a 25 percent reduction in the regular tuition rate that they would be charged based on residency. Unless particular arrangements have been made with the local school, students will be responsible for paying the college fees and cost of books.

Dual Enrollment

Students enrolled in ESSENCE II may take classes at the HCC campus, at selected HCC offcampus community sites and/or enroll in a dual-credit class at their high school, if classes are offered there. The dual-credit classes are those that award both a high school transcript grade and a college transcript grade. The ESSENCE II program tuition discount applies to all eligible high school students, whether or not they are dual enrolled.

Students who want both high school and college credits should:

• Contact your high school counselor to find out which classes are available as dualenrollment classes at your school
   
• Have the permission of your high school counselor or principal
   
• Meet all the registration requirements listed in the "Getting Started" section below
   

Getting Started

Getting started in college classes at HCC is easy!

For public and private school students, see your high school counselor. They have the information you need to decide if you want to come to HCC for classes, take dual-enrolled classes at your high school, or both!

For home school students, please make an appointment with the Office of Admissions and Registration by calling 301-790-2800 ext. 238.

To register for classes at HCC under ESSENCE II, you'll need to:

1. Be able to document your readiness for college level courses.
   
2. Be 16 or older.
   
3. Have the support of your parent or guardian.
   
4. Fill out an application for admission available on-line or in our registration area.
   
5. Fill out an HCC ESSENCE Program (Early Entry) Application Form.
   
6. Take academic skills assessment tests.
   
7. Forward transcripts to the Office of Admissions and Registration.
   
8. Schedule an appointment to register for classes by calling 301-790-2800 ext. 238.
   
9. Register early - some classes fill quickly!

For more information:
Contact the Office of Admissions and Registration by calling
301-790-2800 ext. 238 or email at admissions@hagerstowncc.edu