LBW Community College is reminding area high school seniors not to lose sight of what is needed to prepare for college this fall, even as they eagerly anticipate graduation and the fun of summer.

“We know the excitement of graduation is high among seniors and their parents at this time of year, so we want to remind them of the steps they need to take to have everything lined up to begin college this fall,” said Renée LeMaire, LBW Community College’s public information officer and director of marketing and development.

For those planning to attend LBWCC, there are several events and dates to keep in mind, she said.

“A placement test, called the COMPASS, is required for all new students to determine if they are college ready or need a refresher course. The only exemption to this requirement is if the student scored 20 or higher on the ACT in English, reading, and math,” she said.

LBWCC offers the COMPASS test in Andalusia on April 4, May 16, June 6, June 20, July 11, July 18 or Aug. 8, 2014, at 9 a.m., and July 31 at 5:30 p.m.

In Opp, the COMPASS test is offered at 1 p.m. on April 3, May 15, June 5, June 19, July 10, July 17, and Aug. 7, and at 5:30 p.m. on July 31.

COMPASS test dates set for the Greenville campus at 1 p.m. are May 14, June 4, June 18, July 9, July 16, and Aug. 6, and at 5:30 p.m. on July 31.

Testers should arrive in the Student Services office at least 15 minutes in advance, and bring a photo ID and completed current admissions application, said LeMaire.

Although there is no charge for those taking the test for the first time, the cost is $8 for anyone needing to retest.

Planning for college always includes the financial aspect, said LeMaire.

“We encourage everyone to do some homework and compare the cost of tuition and fees at four-year institutions to that at LBW. A student can take the same courses here, taught by faculty credentialed at the same level, and pay less than half in the cost of tuition and fees,” said LeMaire.

Students in need of financial assistance should not delay in completing the U.S. Department of Education’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov, which is the first step in qualifying for Pell Grant or any other type of federal financial aid, said LeMaire.

“The priority date to have the FAFSA completed is July 15, and students need to be sure to include LBW’s code of 008988 in order for our financial aid department to receive and process the information in a timely manner.”

Incoming freshmen should also participate in the orientation session on the campus they plan to attend.

“Orientation in Andalusia is July 22 and 24. The date for Opp is July 23, and in Greenville it is July 21,” said LeMaire. “By attending, students will get a better understanding of college life. They will tour the campus so things are not so confusing the first day of class. They will also meet faculty and register for classes while they are on campus, which usually means classes are not yet full and they should be able to get what they need.”

Fall semester registration officially begins July 11 for all classes at all locations. LBWCC offers academic transfer courses in a number of settings, including traditional classroom, online, and hybrid courses that include both.

For information on academic transfer or technical programs of study, visit the LBWCC website at www.lbwcc.edu, or call 334-222-6591.

“Now is the time for high school seniors to start building a brighter future for themselves and taking the necessary steps to become college students,” said LeMaire.