Getting Started
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Admissions
Bunker Hill Community College is committed to an open admission policy. This policy enables anyone with a high school diploma, HiSET (formerly the GED) or a transfer student from another college who wants to continue their education at BHCC. To enroll in a degree or certificate program, you must apply for admission and be accepted to the College; once accepted you are a degree-seeking student. Other enrollees are non-degree-seeking students.
To support an optimal environment for learning, Bunker Hill Community College admits students who demonstrate the academic skills needed to fulfill the requirements of their courses and programs, and the ability to adhere to the Student Code of Conduct.
If you are interested in learning more about applying to a degree program, specialized programs, information sessions and tours or for general college information, visit the Admissions page, or contact the office via email at admissions@bhcc.edu or phone at 617-228-3398.
Assessment Center
Placement Testing
New students can be placed into English and math courses using any of the following:
- High school GPA of 2.7 or higher
- Prior college course work
- SAT scores
- ACT scores
- Advanced Placement (AP) scores
- GED/HiSET Scores
- Duolingo/TOEFL/IELTS
- CLEP
The requirements for each type of score can be found at The Assessment Center.
All incoming students who do not meet the above criteria should take the Guided Self Placement (GSP) for initial placement in English or ELL coursework, and the Accuplacer math test.
Guided Self Placement Survey (GSP) for English
Guided Self Placement (GSP) is a process designed to help you make an informed choice about your placement into introductory English or English Language Learner (ELL) courses.
The Guided Self-Placement Survey takes 10-15 minutes.
Accuplacer College Placement Testing for Math
The Accuplacer math test is a computer-based, multiple choice test. The test is untimed, and students usually need about 2 hours to complete the test. A score report is available as soon as you complete the test. Students may take the test up to three times before registering for classes; a two week wait period is required before retesting. Continuing students may retest once between semesters after grades have posted. Scores are valid for up to two years.
Students can make appointments through the Assessment Center page New College Students. There is also a scoring chart, study guide, and a link to more study material.
The College reserves the right to determine placement into courses based on the results of placement tests. Accepted (degree- and certificate-seeking) students will also be able to access these placement results in the Test Summary section of Student Planning in their MyBHCC account (log on information for MyBHCC is provided to accepted students on their acceptance letter).
CLEP Testing: Earn Credit for What You Already Know
CLEP (the College-Level Examination Program®) was created to help individuals with prior knowledge in a college course subject save time and money. CLEP exams are 90-120 minutes in length. CLEP exams are available in the BHCC Assessment Center. BHCC’s office of Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) awards credit for CLEP exams. Students should speak with their advisor to determine if CLEP may be a good choice for them. Complete information on CLEP is available at CLEP (the College-Level Examination Program®).
TEAS
Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) measures basic essential skills in the academic content area domains of reading, mathematics, science and English and language usage. The test is intended for use primarily as part of the admissions process for BHCC’s Nursing Program and many of the Allied Health programs.
The objectives assessed on TEAS are those that nurse educators have determined are most appropriate and relevant to measure entry level academic readiness of health care program applicants.
To register for TEAS at BHCC go to The ATI TEAS Exam.
BHCC Assessment Center
Room B118
617-228-2377
Registration
Once you are accepted as a new student, you will receive a New Student Enrollment Checklist, including step-by-step directions to finish enrolling. These include instructions for logging onto myBHCC and your BHCC email.
It is important to log on and follow the steps as soon as you receive your packet so you can register for courses early and get off to a good start toward reaching your goals. Our mandatory Advising & Registration sessions will help you understand the requirements for your chosen program of study and choose courses. Learn more about Advising & Registration sessions on the New Student Orientation webpage.
Campus Connect
From your very first day on campus as a new student, you will be welcomed to the college by Student Engagement Leaders (SELs), a team of experienced students who are there to guide you through your first year at BHCC. Campus Connect will provide you with a complete overview of the college and give you all the information you need to have a successful start to your first semester.
The goals of Campus Connect are to:
- Welcome you to Bunker Hill Community College and help you feel comfortable and safe in the college environment.
- Acquaint you with the factors that contribute to a student’s success.
- Familiarize you with the location of key College offices and services provided.
- Help you understand the importance of asking questions and taking initiative to address your issues.
- Introduce you to the Student Engagement Leaders.
Campus Connect occur before and after the start of classes in the fall and spring semesters. Student Engagement Leaders are available in Student Activities every day to continue offering support and assistance to all students. For more information, or to sign up to attend a Campus Connect, visit BHCC New Student Orientation Program.
Student ID Card
The Charlestown ID Station is located in Student Central Room B202. To create your student ID please visit Get Your BHCC Student/Employee ID Card.
To obtain your student ID card, please login to Atrium Campus CloudCard using your BHCCselfservice login credentials. Your student ID serves as your Library card.
Acceptable Forms of ID:
- University, College or School ID cards from other educational institutions
- Government-issued ID
- Company-issued ID
- Native Tribal ID
- Temporary state ID
- Driver’s permit
For the hours of operation for the College’s ID stations, please visit the BHCC Student Central website Student Central - Bunker Hill Community College