• Step One - Residency

  Before you can officially apply, you need to complete the North Carolina Residency Determination Service (RDS) online interview/application. This ensures your eligibility for many opportunities like in-state tuition rates.

  Be sure to record your Residency Certification Number (RCN). You will need it for the Isothermal Application in Step 2.

  What is Residency Determination? 
  Complete your residency validation

  Find resources for students and parents in both English and Spanish for all citizenship and non-citizenship types.

• Step Two - Application

  Submit an application to the Admissions Office through CFNC. After completing your application, you will immediately receive an email with details for your next steps. Make sure you have all green checkmarks on your application prior to submitting. If you don't receive your confirmation email, or need help completing your application, please email admissions@isothermal.edu or call 828-395-4193.

  Apply Now
• Step Three - Transcripts
  • Send official transcripts to admissions@isothermal.edu or Admissions Office, Isothermal Community College, PO Box 804, Spindale, NC 28160.
  • You may be able to request an official high school transcript through the CFNC website. If not, contact your high school.
  • Order your GED transcripts through Diploma Sender and send to admissions@isothermal.edu
  • Order Adult High School transcripts through the issuing institution. For Isothermal Adult High School transcripts, contact Barbara Callahan at bcallahan@isothermal.edu. or 828-395-1631.
  • Verify when your transcript is received at Isothermal on your Patriot Port under My Documents.
  • Official college transcripts are required if you wish to receive transfer credit.
• Step Four - Financial Aid

  Great news, we have money available if you qualify!

  Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in allowing the majority of our Rutherford and Polk county students to attend tuition free with the substantial supporting endowment of the Lee Powers Promise Scholarship.

  We encourage all citizens and permanent residents to apply.

  For assistance completing the FAFSA, please contact the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@isothermal.edu or 828-395-4198.

• Step Five - Placement Test

  More great news!

  Unless you graduated from a foreign high school, chances are you will not have to take the placement exam.

  The placement test (or parts of it) can be waived with the following:

  • High School transcript less than 10 years old will place you in appropriate classes. Students with high school transcripts more than 10 years old can opt-out of the placement exam and take transition courses OR take the placement exam.
  • Previous ASSET, Compass, or Accuplacer scores no more than 10 years old.
  • ACT Scores (English = 18+, Math = 22+, Reading = 21+) (no more than 10 years old).
  • SAT Scores from March 2016 and future: (Evidence-based Reading and Writing = 480+, Math = 530+) (no more than 10 years old).
  • Previous English and math college courses (must be evaluated by ICC) with an official college transcript
  • If you would like to be evaluated for a waiver, please have official copies of your high school transcript and/or previous testing or courses sent directly from the issuing institution to admissions@isothermal.edu or (in a sealed envelope from issuing institutions) to the Admissions Office, Isothermal Community College, PO Box 804, Spindale, NC 28160.
  • Our academic advisors are happy to talk to you about your options. If needed, schedule your placement test once all the relevant documents mentioned above are received at Isothermal Community College.

  Placement Testing 

• Step Six - Registering for Class(es)

  You can register for classes after the above criteria are met. Access your Academic Advisor’s name under your AVISO account.

  Make an appointment with your academic advisor to register for classes as soon as possible. Please contact the administrative assistant of your division to find out when the next registration period is for new students.

  • Business Sciences – Tammy Fowler 828-395-1414
  • Arts & Sciences – Jennifer Henson 828-395-1301
  • Applied Sciences & Engineering Technology – Kathy Franklin 828-395-1441
  • Health & Public Services - Brenda McFarland 828-395-1668

  If you do not know in which division your program resides, please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@isothermal.edu or 828-395-4193.

• Step Seven - Orientation

  Complete your mandatory orientation online through your Moodle account.

  More information about mandatory orientation.

Academic semesters are defined using the general timelines listed below. For the most current dates for your preferred academic year, please refer to the College Calendar. Also, note that there may be shorter terms within the full semester to best meet the needs of our students.