Montgomery College: A Guide for Newly Arrived Students

Congratulations on your acceptance to Montgomery College (MC)! As you embark on your higher education journey, this guide provides essential information and resources to help you navigate your first steps, from enrollment to your first day of class and beyond. MC is committed to providing a supportive environment where you can pursue your academic goals with confidence.

Getting Started: Your New Student Checklist

Transitioning to college involves several important steps. This checklist is designed for degree and certificate-seeking students to ensure a smooth start at Montgomery College.

Activate and Explore Your Student Account

Begin by activating and exploring your new student account! This provides access to essential resources and information throughout your academic career.

Update Your User Profile

Update and/or confirm your profile information by accessing Self-Service, then navigating to "User Options" and "User Profile." Ensuring your information is accurate is crucial for official college records and communication.

Obtain Your Digital Student ID Card

Your Student ID Card is now digital and available online. You'll need to submit a photo that meets specific requirements, including a head and shoulders shot with proper lighting.

Read also: Applying to Montgomery College

Submit Official Transcripts

Submit official transcripts (if applicable) to Enrollment Services. Verification may be sought.

Complete MyCareerPlan

All first-semester students are required to complete MyCareerPlan. Log in to Montco Connect and access MyCareerPlan to complete this assessment before your advising appointment.

Understand Tuition and Fees

Familiarize yourself with the tuition and fee payment process. Montgomery College outlines financial obligations and responsibilities for attending Montco. Payment or payment arrangements are expected the day you register, relieving you of the responsibility for these charges. Non-attendance or failure to pay does not constitute an official withdrawal.

Complete the FAFSA

Complete your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) using school code 004452 in the “School Selection” step. While your FAFSA is important, this step is separate from academic advising. Financial aid is an important resource, and you may still apply for it after the priority deadlines, making alternative payment arrangements if needed, as detailed in the Appendices section of the College Catalog. Need help completing the FAFSA? Assistance is available to help you with any questions you may have.

Academic Information

Academic Calendar

The official beginning of the academic year is August 25. Keep in mind that the college is closed for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 19. The spring priority deadline for students changing status (B-2 or F-2) to F-1 is February 1. Montgomery College offers courses with a variety of start and end dates. Full-term classes are about 15 weeks long. First half of term classes are about seven weeks long, as are second half of term classes. Late-starting classes are about 14 weeks long. MC also offers summer and winter sessions. On the next screen, go to the Part of Term box.

Registration

Follow the steps below to register for credit classes at Montgomery College. It is important to complete all the steps before registering. See How to Apply and Register for a step-by-step guide to becoming an MC student. If you’re already a student at MC, log into MyMCnew window. In the drop down menu, select the term for which you want to register. You should be at the "Register or Add/Drop Classes" page. To take, simply enter desired CRN in one of the boxes and click "Submit Changes". You can add multiple classes at a time. button. You will be able to search by subject. Your "Class Search" results will load on a new page. click "New Search" button and refine your criteria. the screen. If a class you want to take is full, you can add yourself to the waitlist.

Payment Deadlines

Be sure to pay on time to avoid having your class registration dropped. Payment deadlines are based on the time of registration. Pay your bill or make payment arrangements before the next payment deadline. You must register for a class before it begins, and it is important to register before the class start time. Very few exceptions are made after the class has begun. See noncredit (WDCE) course offerings and schedules.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

Montgomery College values the knowledge and experience you bring. Whether through work, life experiences, or Career and Technical Education (CTE), our Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) options allow you to turn that learning into college credit, helping you achieve your educational and career goals faster. Work and life experience are not determined by the number of years employed.

CPL options include:

Standardized Exams: Students can take standardized exams such as CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) and DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) to demonstrate their knowledge in specific subject areas. Please note that Montgomery College does not administer DSST exams.

Read also: Requirements for Nursing at Montgomery College
Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Exams: High school students often take AP and IB exams while enrolled in high school. For information on minimum scores and MC course equivalencies, refer to the Montgomery College Advanced Placement (AP) Equivalencies (PDF, ) .
Challenge Exams: Challenge exams provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of course objectives.
Portfolio Assessment: Portfolio assessment allows students to demonstrate mastery of course objectives through documented evidence.
Evaluation of Prior Learning: Learning (PDF, ).
Industry Credentials: Montgomery College can create microcredentials, certifying that a list of specific competencies or skills has been achieved. These skills should be relevant and of value to employers.

Montgomery College will evaluate credit from ACE (American Council on Education) in the same manner as Montgomery College.

Important Resources and Policies

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

Montco is a BYOD (Bring your own device) institution.

FERPA

Keep in mind that FERPA is a federal law that limits access to student education records.

Dual Enrollment

Dual Enrollment is available to advanced high school students admitted to Montgomery College. These students are enrolled in college courses while still attending high school, meeting certain standards.

Workforce Development and Continuing Education (WDCE)

WDCE stands for Workforce Development and Continuing Education, the division of the College that offers noncredit courses that are outside the credit course and up until 20% of class meetings for the course. The College's WDCE division offers many noncredit courses. See noncredit (WDCE) course offerings and schedules.

Assessment Testing

Students may be assessed on their reading, English, and math skills. You must take the assessment test unless you are exempt. This may result in placement in developmental courses (e.g., EN001, EN002, MA090, RD089).

Counseling Services

Counselors help students with their personal, career, and educational goals.

Grades

Access your midterm and final grades online in MyMC by selecting “My Grades” on the MyMC home page within days following the end of each semester.

Refunds

No refunds will be issued for classes dropped after the refund deadline.

Student ID Card and Parking Permit

To obtain a student ID card, you will need to visit the Office of Public Safety. You must have a permit to park in any Montgomery College lot. Please wait 24 hours after registration before requesting your permit.

Registration Errors and Course Cancellation

Errors or problems registering? a registration add error. The Office of Records and Registration will assist you with exceptions relating to College Error and Medical. Do not go to the class and ask the professor. exceptions.

Withdrawing from Classes

Attend. Non-attendance or failure to pay does not constitute an official withdrawal.

Additional Information for Specific Student Groups

Returning Students

If you’re coming back to Montgomery College, we’re glad to have you.

Students with Prior Degrees

Submit the admissions application if you have not previously done so and that you have earned an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Have your official transcript sent to the Office of Records and Registration.

Smart Start

Students need to apply to the College and can follow the steps listed below. Submit an official high school transcript. electronically by high schools that use Naviance, or complete the Raptor Central Online Request Formnew window. In Person:Bring an official, sealed transcript to Raptor Centralnew window . (GED) examination, or is at least 18 years of age and has left secondary school.

Students with Disabilities

Apply for Disability Support Services (DSS) if needed.

Military Members

Military members may be entitled to certain benefits depending on when and how long you served.

Campus Life and Engagement

Montgomery College offers a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved.

Student Life

Get involved on and off campus.

Athletics

Montgomery College participates in the MDJUCO Conference.

Programs and Activities

Explore the various opportunities, programs, and campus activities available.

Disability Support Services

Disability Support Services (DSS) provides accommodations and support on disability-related issues on the Germantown, Rockville, and Takoma Park/Silver Spring campuses.

Steps to Enrollment

Now that you're ready to apply, we're here to help you every step of the way.

Apply Online: You can apply online by clicking the button below.
Claim Your MyMC Account: Claim your MyMC accountnew window (video). with your M# (nine characters including the M).
Submit Transcripts: Submit an official high school transcript. electronically by high schools that use Naviance, or you can complete the Raptor Central Online Request Formnew window. In Person:Bring an official, sealed transcript to Raptor Centralnew window .
Placement: Placement.
Pay Tuition and Fees: Pay tuition and fees. by third-party sponsors are also available.

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