Stages of Admission
Chippewa Valley Technical College is committed to ensuring transparent, consistent, and fair access to programs with limited space. To better serve students, CVTC is transitioning several programs to a system that prioritizes in-district residents and in-state out-of-district residents.
After completing the admissions process, students are accepted as Pre-Core program students and added to the priority wait list. For programs where enrollment is in high demand, accepted students will have priority based on their application date and residency.
Students progress through the priority wait list in three stages:
Stage 1:
Pre-core Student
- On the priority wait list for core courses.
- Takes General Education courses.
- Does not meet the academic preparedness criteria.
Stage 2:
Core Ready Student
- On the priority wait list for core programs and core courses.
- Takes General Education courses.
- Meets the academic preparedness criteria, if applicable.
Stage 3:
Core Active Student
- Enrolled in core courses.
Priority Application Dates
In-district residents who apply by the following dates will have priority on the wait list.
Summer Programs
Priority Date: October 1
Preceding the summer semester
Fall Programs
Priority Date: January 1
Preceding the fall semester
Spring Programs
Priority Date: May 1
Preceding the spring semester
High Enrollment Demand Programs
CVTC is an open access college for all prospective students who meet the institution's requirements; however, program availability and capacity may vary. Once a program fills capacity, students will be placed on a priority wait list based on their eligibility date.
Program start availability is updated annually before each academic year. Programs showing an estimated start availability of less than one year have moderate enrollment demand, which means you may be able to start as early as the next term.
Program start availability changes often due to fluctuations in student interest. To better understand how demand may impact admission and program start times, applicants are encouraged to review the typical availability for the programs below.
Program Name | Program Start Availability |
|---|---|
2 years | |
Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technician - Day (1 Year Diploma) | 0 - 1 year |
Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technician - PM (Part Time) | 0 - 1 year |
2 years | |
1 year | |
1 year | |
0 - 1 year | |
0 - 1 year | |
0 - 1 year | |
0 - 1 year | |
0 - 1 year | |
1 year | |
4 years | |
1 year | |
3 years | |
2 years | |
0 - 1 year | |
0 - 1 year | |
3 years | |
0 - 1 year | |
0 - 1 year | |
0 - 1 year | |
0 - 1 year | |
0 - 1 year | |
1 year | |
1 year | |
0 - 1 year | |
1 year | |
0 - 1 year | |
1 - 2 years | |
0 - 1 year | |
0 - 1 year | |
0 - 1 year | |
0 - 1 year | |
0 - 1 year | |
2 years | |
0 - 1 year | |
0 - 1 year | |
1 year | |
0 - 1 year | |
0 - 1 year | |
1 year | |
0 - 1 year |
Admissions Commonly Asked Questions
General Admission
Does CVTC have open admissions?
Yes, CVTC is an open access college for all prospective students who meet institutional requirements.
What are the basic steps to apply to CVTC?
Submit a completed application, pay a one-time non-refundable application fee, and meet any program-specific requirements.
Is there a different process for international applicants?
Yes, additional admission requirements apply to international applicants.
Academic Preparedness
What does "academic preparedness" mean?
It includes minimum standards required by the state or accrediting bodies and may include background checks, drug screening, or specific course prerequisites.
Who sets the academic preparedness criteria?
Each academic department at CVTC reviews and updates these criteria annually.
Admissions Process
When can high school students start applying?
High school juniors can apply starting May 1 of their junior year.
Can I apply without a high school diploma, GED, or HSED?
Yes, but you may need to enroll in a preparatory program to obtain a credential. Without it, you won't be eligible for federal financial aid (Title IV).
Does meeting all admission requirements guarantee program entry?
No. Program seats are limited, and admission is on a first-come, first-qualified basis. Residency and demand also impact selection.
Residency
How is residency determined?
Based on where you live—within the district, in Wisconsin but outside the district, or outside the state. Documentation like a driver's license or tax return may be required.
Are Minnesota residents treated like Wisconsin residents?
Yes, they have reciprocity and are considered non-district state residents.
Enrollment Categories
What do high, moderate/low, and open access enrollment mean?
They describe how many students a program can accept. High-demand programs may have long wait lists; open-access programs admit all eligible students.
Student Status
What does my student status mean?
- Admitted Pre-core: Waiting for course space; not academically prepared yet.
- Admitted Core Ready: Waiting for core course space; academically prepared.
- Admitted Core Active: Enrolled in core courses.
Wait Lists
How does the wait list work?
Placement is based on application date and residency. You must confirm interest each term to stay on the list.
Can I be on more than one wait list?
Yes, you can apply to multiple programs.
Application Processing
Who gets priority on wait lists?
In-district residents who apply by:
- January 1 for programs (Fall)
- May 1 (Spring)
- October 1 (Summer)
Priority dates apply only when there is a wait list.
What happens if I have outstanding payments?
Your application won't be processed until you clear your balance or make payment arrangements.
Distance Education & Student Location
How does CVTC determine my location for online courses?
Based on your home address in the Student Information System (SIS) at the time of enrollment or when you update your address.
What's the difference between residency and location?
Residency affects tuition and admission priority. Location is used for licensing and compliance in distance education.
Military Students
Are deployed military students considered in-state?
Yes, service members and their families relocated to Wisconsin for active duty are treated as in-state.
Can I return to my program after deployment?
Yes, you'll be readmitted with the same academic status and have priority registration.
High School Dual Enrollment
What options are available for high school students?
Programs include Transcripted Credit, High School Academies, Start College Now, and 118.15 High School Agreements.
Can students under 16 take classes?
Yes, if they meet prerequisites, have parent and school approval, and follow enrollment rules.
Fraud Prevention
What happens if my identity is questioned?
Your application may be inactivated until you provide valid ID. If not verified, you could be denied admission.
Enrollment Confirmation
What is confirmation of enrollment?
It's a process to secure your spot at CVTC. If you don't confirm by the deadline, your application will be inactivated.
What is continued interest confirmation?
If you're on a wait list, you must confirm each term that you still want to be considered. Not responding will remove you from the list.
Re-entering a Program
What if I leave my program and want to come back?
You must reapply. Reentry depends on space and whether you're returning to the same semester or starting over.