ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Students

Please carefully review the information below to determine the appropriate application process for your particular situation.

  • If you are an F1 candidate, please follow the application instructions for International Students.
  • If you have or will be graduated from a U.S. high school and are a first time college student, please follow the application instructions for Freshmen Students.
  • If you graduated from a U.S. high school and have attended a U.S. college, please follow the application instructions for Transfer Students. Please note: There may be exceptions depending upon types of transfer credits.
  • The ESOL application process described below applies to you if you attended a school outside of the U.S. that is equivalent to a U.S. high school and have not already attended a U.S. college or university.
  • If you cannot provide official documents (e.g., diploma and transcript) to verify your graduation from a non-U.S. high school or college or if you didn't graduate, there are extra steps you will need to take as explained below.

How to Apply

If English is not your first language you may need to demonstrate English proficiency. Some applicants need to take the tests prior to applying to the College.

  1. Submit an application All incoming students must apply for admission by completing the Onondaga admission application (no fee required) by filling out the online application or downloading the print form (.pdf) to fill out.

    Application Mailing Address:
    Admissions Office
    Onondaga Community College
    4585 West Seneca Tpke
    Syracuse, NY 13215
  2. Take Tests You must first take the Levels of English Proficiency (LOEP) test before applying to the College as per the following steps:
  • Take the Levels of English Proficiency (LOEP) test. Learn more about the LOEP test.
  • If you did not finish high school or can't provide any official documents to verify your graduation from a non-U.S. equivalent to high school and/or college, you will need to meet with an admission counselor to determine your next steps.
  • Test Results: The test results will be mailed to you a couple of weeks after the testing. If you passed the test(s), follow the steps below to complete the application process and then go for an advisement session. Be sure to bring your test results to the advisement session. If you did not pass the test(s), contact the Admissions office to discuss taking a test again.

Application Requirements

So that the College can expedite your admission process, please promptly initiate the documents listed below. Arrange to have these items sent directly to the Admissions Office at Onondaga Community College.

Along with your completed application, the following documents are required:

Diploma and transcripts: original documents are required, along with an official English translation.  If you cannot supply both, contact StudentCentral@sunyocc.edu and they can tell you if your intended major requires both documents.

If you did not finish high school or can't provide any official documents to verify your graduation from a non-U.S. equivalent to high school and/or college, you will need to score on the LOEP at the acceptable Ability to Benefit provision level to be admitted as a degree seeking student.

Application Process

We will evaluate your application when all required forms have been received. 

You may view the status of pending admission or financial aid required information by going to http://students.sunyocc.edu. Once there, click on the WebAccess link (on the left) and use the Account Information link at the bottom to obtain your ID (What’s my User ID?). Click on “Log In” at the top. Your password will be your date of birth in mmddyy format. Once you have logged in, select Prospective Students, then My Documents to view the status.

As soon as our evaluation is complete, you will receive an admission decision via standard mail. If you have any questions about the status of your application, please contact the Admissions Office at (315) 498-2202 or email OCCadmissions@sunyocc.edu.

Application Deadlines

Please refer to the apply page for deadlines for each semester.

Support Programs for New Students

Are you eligible for the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) or Collegiate Science and Technology Program (CSTEP)?

Contact

Office of International Student Services
Ferrante Hall Room188 campus map
Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Tel: 315-498-7216   
Fax: 315-498-7260
e-mail: chenh@sunyocc.edu 

Admissions Office
Onondaga Community College
Gordon Student Center campus map
Hours: check hours
Telephone: 315 498-7266
e-mail: StudentCentral@sunyocc.edu