A Chinese student just sent us an email with two questions.  Here is his/her email after proper translation:

“I am 23 years old and currently residing in New York.  I was two courses short of getting my high-school diploma.    Now, I want to continue my education as a college student.    May I apply to a U.S. community college without a high school diploma?
If so, would you please give me a list of those schools?   Thank you.”

Our answers to this Chinese student are provided below:

(1) Yes.   There are some community colleges which can allow one who does not have high-school academic credentials or a GED score to apply.   There is only one premise for this condition: the applicant has to be over 18 years old.

(2) The community colleges in New York can not grant you admission if you don’t possess a high-school diploma with sufficient Grade Average Point (GPA).    This regulation of New York is only valid within New York state.   Other American states may not have the same demands.

For example, the community colleges around the metropolitan area of Seattle, WA, can take students who are over 18 years old and do not have any high-school diploma.   You may ask “can an international student take advantage of this policy?”

Yes!  You are welcome to do so if you fit these conditions. :

1. Over 18 years old, and
2. Never graduated from a high school.

Here is a list of some community colleges around Seattle, Washington.

Good luck with your application!