High School Students

FAQs

1. What's the difference between High School, Prospective, New and Current Students?

The High School designation is for students who are currently enrolled in high school, even if you are taking dual-credit classes or credit through PSEO.
A Prospective Student is someone interested in attending DMACC.
The New Student category is for students who are first-time enrollees at DMACC. Students who have previous college credit through dual-credit options or PSEO are still considered New Students when enrolling for the first time after completing high school.
Current Students are students enrolled at DMACC. Students taking dual-credit classes or PSEO are not considered Current Students.

2. When should I apply for admissions?

You can apply to DMACC as early as your junior year in high school.

3. How do I get accepted to DMACC as a New Student?

The application process is quick and easy. Just follow these steps:

Complete and submit an application for admission.
(Online version) (Printable Version )
Complete assessment requirements.

If you've taken the ACT's, have your scores sent to DMACC. DMACC requires a score of 19 or higher in Reading, English and Math for acceptance.
If you have taken the ACT's and did not score 19 or higher in Reading, English and/or Math, schedule an appointment to take the Next-Generation ACCUPLACER® Assessment Test on any DMACC campus.
If you do not plan on taking the ACT's, schedule an appointment to take the Next-Generation ACCUPLACER Assessment Test on any DMACC campus.
Complete any additional program specific admissions requirements. For a list of additional requirements, visit the programs page.

Have your high school transcripts sent to:

Des Moines Area Community College
Admissions Office Building 1
2006 South Ankeny Blvd.
Ankeny, IA 50023

4. How do I apply for financial aid and scholarships?

You can find information on financial aid options and scholarships on the Financial Aid website.

5. Do I have to take the ACT's to be accepted to DMACC?

No. The ACT's are one option for completing your assessment requirement. They can be used with, or supplement the Next-Generation ACCUPLACER Assessment Test. See FAQ #3 for more information.

6. If I'm taking dual-credit classes, do I still need to apply?

Yes. By taking dual-credit classes, you are getting a great head start towards earning your degree, but you still need to apply for admissions and follow all admissions requirements before being accepted to DMACC.

7. I've been accepted to DMACC. What's the next step?

After you've satisfied your admissions requirements, you will receive a letter or email informing you that you've been accepted to DMACC. Next, you'll receive information on how to register for New Student Orientation. Immediately following orientation, you will have the opportunity to register for classes.

8. Will DMACC credits transfer to other schools?

Yes. DMACC credits transfer to schools throughout the country. Contact the 4-year university you plan on attending to confirm if DMACC credits are accepted.
DMACC has outstanding partnership programs with several 4-year institutions, allowing for a seamless transfer process. Visit the partnership programs page for details.

DMACC's pre-professional programs are designed for students to complete their first two years of a four-year degree, with an emphasis in your program of interest. Visit the pre-professional programs page for more information.

9. Is a campus visit beneficial?

Absolutely. Register for a Discover DMACC Day or schedule an individual campus tour. By coming to campus, you get a chance to tour your program of interest and meet with an advisor. Discover DMACC Days also provide a student panel, admissions and financial aid information and a free meal. We look forward to seeing you on campus.