Admissions Checklist

New Student Fall Admission Deadline

All Admissions Requirements must be submitted by 12 p.m. August 18, 2023.

NOTE: Due to many programs having limited seats, it is highly-recommended to complete admissions sooner to avoid being placed on a waitlist.

Admission to our academic programs operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must complete the items listed below to secure a spot in their program.

Apply and Pay $20 Application Fee

Yes, you must submit an application if you want to take any technical program classes, get into one of our technical programs and/or want to take more than 11 credits in technical or liberal arts classes.

No, you do not need to submit an application if you want to take 11 or less credits in liberal arts classes and not get financial aid. You will be required pay for the classes out of pocket or through a third party. You can use the undeclared non-degree seeking student registration form. Submit this form during the open registration period.

The only exceptions for waiving the application fee are the following:

Military personnel, veteran, dependent of a veteran or spouse of military personnel/veteran: fee waived if indicated on application.
Persons on assistance; you must present your EBT card with your name on it.
High School students on free or reduced lunch program: see your high school counselor for them to complete the NACAC fee waiver.
Attend and apply during our fall or spring Open House.

Use the payment link on the final application page to securely pay your fee with a credit/debit card. If you've already applied, you can visit the Application Status page and click on the "eServices" link. If you are submitting a paper application via mail or in-person, checks may be made payable to DCTC. Payment is due before you can be accepted to DCTC.

Students wanting to be admitted to DCTC and use financial aid will begin the process by submitting an application and paying the $20 non-refundable application fee.

Submit Your Transcripts

DCTC requires proof of graduation (one of the following):
- High school transcript, GED or DD form 214 showing date of graduation/completion
  - Current high school students: Submit a transcript showing you are "in progress" for conditional acceptance. NOTE: a final transcript after graduation will be required to keep your spot in your program and remove "conditional" status.
  - High school documents in language other than English: Must have a certified translation
  - Submit High School Transcripts with Graduation Date
- Official transcript showing conferral of Bachelor's degree from regionally accredited institution in the US.
  - Bachelor's degree from outside US: Official ECE/WES evaluation showing degree is equivalent to US Bachelor's degree
Transferring students seeking transfer credit:
- Students contact previously-attended institutions to request official transcript(s) to be sent to DCTC for evaluation.
- Exception: You do NOT need to submit transcripts from other Minnesota State colleges and universities you have attended. Dakota County Technical College will obtain these for you after your application is processed. This exception does not apply to the University of Minnesota.

Visit Transfer Information Page

Complete Assessment or Submit Exemption Form

If you meet any of the following criteria, please print, complete and submit the placement test exemption form.

ACT Scores: Students who have taken their ACT's within the last five years and have received scores (or higher) of 21 in Reading, 18 in English and 22 in Math. Official ACT scores must be provided.
SAT Scores: Students who have taken their SAT's within the last five years and have received scores (or higher) of 530 in Math and 480 in Evidence Based Writing. Official SAT scores must be provided.
Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) Scores: Students who have taken their MCA's with the last five years and have received a 10^th Grade MCA Reading of 1047 or higher, and 11^th Grade MCA Math score of 1148 or higher (placement into Statistics), 1150 (placement into Math for Liberal Arts) and 1158 (placement into College Algebra). Official MCA Score Report must be provided.
Previous Degree: Students have a previous Associate degree, Bachelor's degree and/or a graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution in the US. There are some exceptions to this option depending upon certain DCTC programs/majors. Official college transcripts must be provided.
College Coursework/No Degree: Students who have no degree but have completed English Composition and/or College Algebra (or some other college-level math course). Official college transcripts must be provided.
Previous ACCUPLACER Scores: Students who have taken the English/Reading portions of the ACCUPLACER within the last five years AND the Math portions within the last two years. Official ACCUPLACER scores must be provided.
Cumulative High School GPA with a 2.6 or above to be exempt from the Reading portion. Must be within 10 years of high school graduation date and must submit an unofficial transcript.
Cumulative High School GPA with a 2.8 or above and completion of Algebra II with a C- or better to be exempt from the math portion. Must be within 10 years of high school graduation date and must submit an unofficial transcript.
Please note, MATS 1300 College Algebra is not included in math exemption.

Visit Placement Test Page

Attend a Tuesday Info Session

Strongly encouraged for all, but REQUIRED for:
Electrical Lineworker and all Transportation Programs

Our Tuesday Info Session is a great way to learn about DCTC, and is held every Tuesday. Click below to reserve your seat, see the agenda and learn what to look forward to during the session you attend!

Virtual Tuesday Session

On-Campus Tuesday Session

Review Program-Specific Requirements

Some programs have additional Admission requirements. Review this list to see if there's something else you need to do.

Brewing & Beer Steward Technology	Brewery Reading Comprehension score of 250 or higher. Provide copy of the front and back of Driver’s License.
Electrical Construction & Maintenance	ACCUPLACER Scores of 250 or higher in Arithmetic
Electrical Lineworker	Tuesday Campus Visit is Required.
GM ASEP	Complete the Dealer Sponsorship form.
Medical Assistant	Qualifying scores on ACCUPLACER (Score of 244 on Reading Comprehension and 239 on Arithmetic)
Mopar Career Automotive Program	Complete the Dealer Sponsorship form.
Practical Nursing	See the Practical Nursing Qualifiers and Admissions Requirements.
Transportation Programs	Tuesday Campus Visit is Required.
Veterinary Technician	ACCUPLACER Scores of 233 or higher in Reading Comprehension

Submit Immunization Records

Complete Online Orientation Course to Register for Classes

24 hours after you have completed admissions and been accepted, you will be able to complete your Required Online Orientation Course via D2L. Please allow 24 hours for your course to appear. This course is self-driven and is required. The last page of this course provides a link to schedule your registration appointment with your academic advisor. If you have any questions about the online orientation, please email us at advising@dctc.edu. If any accommodations are needed to complete the online orientation or registering for classes, please email accessibility@dctc.edu.

How to access the online orientation

Login to Complete

Apply for Financial Aid

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for Federal and State Grants and loans to help pay your educational expenses. DCTC's Federal School Code is 010402. Apply as early as possible. Contact the Office of Student Financial Aid for further assistance at 651-423-8299 or by email finaid@dctc.edu

NOTE: Students without a high school diploma or GED will NOT be eligible for financial aid.

Start Your FAFSA

Please visit the Customized Training website if you are seeking noncredit courses for training purposes or professional development.