Navigating the Fullerton College Application Process: A Comprehensive Guide

Fullerton College welcomes a diverse range of students, each with unique educational goals and backgrounds. Understanding the application process is the first step toward achieving those goals. This guide provides a detailed overview of the application process, important resources, and support services available to prospective students.

Application Basics

Applying to Fullerton College is a free process. The college accepts applications year-round for upcoming terms, making it convenient for students to apply when they are ready. Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a transfer student, or an international applicant, Fullerton College offers a pathway for you.

Who Can Apply?

Fullerton College welcomes different types of students and provides pathways for various educational backgrounds:

High School Students: High school students can get a head start on their college career through the Special Admit program.
Adult School Students: Students enrolled in an adult school like North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE) can take community college courses through the Adult School Special Admit Program (ASSAP).
Home School and Private School Students: Individuals who are not enrolled in public school (home school students, private school students, and persons under 18 years of age who are not enrolled in school) may be eligible to enroll.
Returning Students: If you are returning after an absence of one or more terms at Fullerton or Cypress College, you must submit a new application.
Students with Prior College Experience: Students who attended another college may have transfer credits.

Application Steps

Complete the Online Application: The first step is to complete and submit the online application. This process typically takes about 15 minutes if you have your information ready. MyPath, Fullerton College's new portal, can help you with applications, career exploration, financial aid eligibility, and other important resources.
Await Communication: After submitting the application, the Admissions & Records Office will contact you if additional documents are needed.
Receive Your Banner ID: You'll receive important information, including your Banner ID (student ID number) and instructions for accessing myGateway, your student portal. If you forgot your ID, Campus ID Card production is located at the Admissions & Records Office.
Complete Orientation and Assessment: To get the best registration time, complete the online orientation and assessment. This is required for priority registration and gives you an earlier enrollment date. The Fullerton College Assessment/Onboarding Center supports students through the assessment (AB705) and onboarding process.
Create a Student Educational Program Plan (SEPP): Develop your Student Educational Program Plan (SEPP) and get help choosing the right classes for your goals.
Check Your Registration Date: Find out when you can register for classes in myGateway. Earlier registration times mean better class availability.
Add Classes and Pay Fees: Add classes to your schedule and pay your fees immediately upon registering through myGateway to avoid class cancellations. Fullerton College accepts checks, money orders, Visa, and MasterCard. Cash is ONLY accepted in person at the Admissions & Records Office. Payment plans are available through Nelnet for fees not covered by Financial Aid. The earlier you sign up, the more payment options you have!
Financial Aid: Don't forget to apply for financial aid first! Visit the Financial Aid Office in the 100 building to obtain a financial aid application packet. Eligibility for assistance is based on federal and state guidelines. Apply early as awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Registering for 15+ units? You'll qualify for more financial aid, graduate faster, AND get invited to a special campus celebration!
Purchase Textbooks and Get a Parking Permit: Purchase textbooks, get your parking permit, and familiarize yourself with campus. Parking permits are required in all campus parking lots at all times.
Print Your Schedule/Bill Receipt: Print your Schedule/Bill Receipt online before the term starts. Make sure to check your spam/junk folder!

Special Admission Requirements

High School Students: The Special Admit program at Fullerton College allows eligible students to enroll in college courses while attending high school and simultaneously earn college credit. Complete the special admit form.
International Students: Follow the special instructions provided by the International Student Center (ISC). The ISC provides services for international students who are studying or would like to study on the F-1 and F-2 visa.

Important Considerations

Residency: The Office of Admissions & Records determines the residency status of all new and returning students based on the information provided on the submitted application. Non-resident students pay an additional fee per unit, so review the residency requirements and appeal process if needed.
Prerequisites: Prerequisites are specific courses or levels of preparation that you must complete before you can enroll in a new course. If you have satisfied the prerequisite by taking the course at Fullerton or Cypress College, it will automatically be cleared.
Student Records: Student records are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). No one (including parents and high school officials) may access your confidential information without your written permission.

Fees and Financial Aid

Fees: All Special Admit Students are responsible for all college fees, including lab, health, and parking fees, as well as the purchase of required textbooks for each course. All students who enroll in classes through Fullerton College are required to pay a Health Fee per semester.
Fee Waivers: Enrollment fees are waived for CCPG (formerly BOGG) recipients and Special Admit Students (grades 9-12).
Financial Aid: The Financial Aid Office provides assistance based on federal and state guidelines, with awards made on a first-come, first-served basis. Complete your orientation, assessment, and education plan BEFORE your registration date to get priority registration. Get FREE tuition and health fees for your first year if eligible!

Support Services

Fullerton College offers a wide array of support services to help students succeed:

Academic Support Center (ASC): The Academic Support Center (ASC) provides free services to ALL Fullerton College students and staff to help them achieve academic success.
Counseling Department: The Fullerton College Counseling Department provides student-centered counseling services to support the achievement and growth of our diverse student population with the intent of helping students develop their highest potential, fulfill their goals and promote life-long success.
FC Chris Lamm & Toni DuBois-Walker Memorial Food Bank: The FC Food Bank supports all Fullerton College students in need, but must be enrolled in at least 3 units.
Foster Youth Success Initiative (FYSI) Program: The Foster Youth Success Initiative (FYSI) Program is committed to supporting ambitious, college-bound students exiting the foster care system.
Fullerton College Student Health Services: The Fullerton College Student Health Services is designed to assist students in maintaining and improving their physical and mental health. The Health Center provides a variety of health services.
International Student Center (ISC): The International Student Center (ISC) provides services for international students who are studying or would like to study on the F-1 and F-2 visa.
Specialized Programs: Fullerton College offers specialized programs to help you succeed, including EOPS, CalWORKs, Foster Youth Support, Puente, Umoja, and many more.

Campus Resources

Campus ID Card: A student ID card is necessary for access to the library, computer labs, and other support services. You must be enrolled in at least one course to obtain a student ID card.
Campus Calendar: For information about upcoming academic deadlines, social events, sports competitions and more, visit our campus calendar. Key dates include: Add/drop deadlines, withdrawal deadlines, finals week, holidays, registration periods, and campus events.
Campus Map and Directions: Get a downloadable campus map, directions, and campus tour information.

Staying on Track

Class Schedule: Use the class schedule to design your student program. Find important registration information, semester calendar dates, and other necessary details for your success. Schedules are available in the college bookstore and online.
Flexible Course Options: Fullerton College offers flexible course options - including daytime, evening, weekend and fully online classes - so you can design a schedule that works best for your life.
Important Dates and Deadlines: Refund deadlines vary by class length and are listed in the class schedule.

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