The University of Montana



 
 

Admissions

Applying

Students interested in attending courses offered through the Bitterroot College Program (BCP) need to formally apply to the Missoula College of Technology (UM-COT).

The UM-COT application process:

  1. Fill out a UM-COT application for admission
  2. Pay a one-time only $30 application fee
  3. Submit transcripts
    • high school or GED (required; copies accepted)
    • prior college (if applicable; must be official, no copies)
  4. Submit immunization records (record of two sets of MMR shots)
  5. Take math and writing placement tests
    • Math: ACT, SAT, or ALEKS (within the past three years)
      • ALEKS test is available online or at the BCP Business Office, call 375-0100 for more information
    • Writing: ACT Writing Test, SAT Writing Section, COMPASS E-Write, COMPASS, or MUS Writing Assessment (within past three years)
      • COMPASS E-Write is available at the BCP Office, call 375-0100 for more information

Download the Admissions to Registration Checklist
to help keep track of the application process.

Admission to the BCP is open to all who have earned a high school diploma from an accredited high school or have successfully passed the GED exam.

 

Are you new to the college admissions process?

Attend a Bitterroot College Program New Student Info Session

Tuition and Fees

Bitterroot College Program (BCP) tuition and fees are the same as UM-COT tuition and fees. Tuition and fees for UMOnline courses taken by BCP students follow the UM-COT Distance Tuition and Fee Schedule. Tuition is based on the number of semester credit hours taken and residency status.

UM-COT Tuition and Fee Schedule for Fall 2011/Spring 2012
UM-COT Tuition and Fee Schedule for Summer 2012

For more detailed information on tuition and fees, visit UM Business Services.

Financial Aid

Federal Student Aid is an initiative of the U.S. Department of Education which "ensures that all eligible individuals can benefit from federally funded or federally guaranteed financial assistance for education beyond high school." Federal Student Aid award packages are comprised of grants, loans, and work study jobs. Bitterroot College Program Financial Aid procedures and deadlines are the same as those for the UM-COT and the UM.

The first step in applying for Financial Aid is:

  • Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
    • Apply for your Federal Student Aid PIN
    • File your FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1
    • To maximize your award, file your FAFSA by February 15
    • The Federal School Code number for the UM-COT is 002536
    • The Federal School Code number for Montana Western is 002537

Once you have successfully completed your FAFSA and are formally admitted to the UM-COT, the UM-COT can begin processing your Financial Aid package. Be sure to complete and submit any documentation requested by the Federal Processor (FAFSA) or by the UM-COT Financial Aid Office as soon as possible so as not to delay or lessen your Financial Aid award. Any documents requested by the UM-COT Financial Aid Office may be returned to the BCP Office.

Useful Financial Aid handouts, forms, and links:

Verification forms and links

For more detailed information on Financial Aid visit UM Financial Aid

Confused by the whole Financial Aid process?

Wondering how much Financial Aid you might be eligible for?

Visit FAFSA4caster to jump start your understanding!

Scholarships

Scholarships are cash awards for educational purposes. Scholarships are applied for separately from Federal Student Aid (Financial Aid). Scholarships are generally merit-based rather than need-based, with awards often given on the basis of athletic or academic success. Scholarships frequently target membership in a specific group, such as Native American students, Hispanic students, or even Bitterroot College Program students!

Finding the right scholarship for you can be time consuming, however, the rewards can be great, with scholarships able to save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars on your college bill. As you search and apply for scholarships be aware of application deadlines and be wary of scholarship scams where you are asked to pay a fee for a scholarship search.

For scholarship information and opportunities, visit

Are you Active Military, a Veteran,
or a Military Dependent?

You have education benefits ready to be claimed!

Visit www.gibill.va.gov to review your options and apply.

Advising

Academic Advising

  • All BCP degree-seeking students must contact BCP Advising and Enrollment Services (Kathleen O'Leary, 406-375-0100 or ) prior to registering for fall and spring classes for an advising appointment; advising numbers (required for access to CyberBear online course registration) are provided during advising appointments. IMPORTANT: A new advising number is required each fall and spring semester for access to course registration on CyberBear.

Helpful Academic Advising links:

Not sure what you want to major in?

Visit the UM Undergraduate Advising Center and click on Discover a Major

Visit the UM Career Planning Resources webpage and click on Majors

Research careers at careeronestop.org

Career Advising

  • Visit UM-COT Career Services for assistance choosing a UM-COT program and a career path or for after-graduation help with job placement
    • BCP students may schedule telephone conferences with UM-COT career counselors through BCP Advising and Enrollment Services; call 375-0100 for more information
  • The Bitterroot Job Service Workforce Center offers a wide range of locally available career counseling and job placement services; call 363-1822 for more information
  • Attend a PEP Talk at Literacy Bitterroot to explore career options, develop realistic job goals, and begin creating a plan for reaching your employment objectives
    • PEP stands for Personalized Employment Plan and is a program designed by adult education and labor specialists to help you find job security and satisfaction, whether you are just starting out or wanting to start over
    • PEP Talk introduces students to the Montana Career Information System (MCIS), a powerful online tool for self-assessment, career exploration, educational planning, and job search preparation.
      • To access MCIS, visit the MCIS log-in page and set up an account by clicking on Adult

PEP Talk Sessions at Literacy Bitterroot

Registration

All BCP students register and finalize their registration bill for classes using CyberBear, the UM/UM-COT's online registration system.

Useful Registration links:

Useful Finalizing Your Registration Bill links:

For more detailed information on registration, visit the UM Registrar's Office

For more detailed information on registration bill finalization, visit UM Business Services

Important BCP Academic and Registration Dates

Autumn Semester, 2011
August 29 (Mon)
 Classes Begin
September 5 (Mon)
 Labor Day Holiday
October 24-November 4 (Mon-Fri)
 Spring 2012 Registration Begins
November 11 (Fri)
 Veterans Day Holiday
November 23-25 (Wed-Fri)
 Thanksgiving Day Break
December 9 (Fri)
 Last Regular Class Day
December 12-16 (Mon-Fri)
 Final Exams
Spring Semester, 2012
January 23 (Mon)
 Classes Begin
February 20 (Mon)
 Presidents' Day Holiday
April 2-6 (Mon-Fri)
 Spring Break
April 9-20
 Fall 2012 Registration Begins
May 4 (Fri)
 Last Regular Class Day
May 5-6 (Sat-Sun)
 Study Days
May 7-11 (Mon-Fri)
 Final Exams
Summer Semester, 2012
May 21 - June 22
 First 5-week Session
May 21 - July 27
 10-week Session
May 28 (Mon) Holiday, Memorial Day
June 25 - July 27
 Second 5-week Session
July 4 (Wed)
 Holiday, Independence Day