I have never attended college

Apply for Admission

The College is an open-door institution and welcomes any person who is at least 18 years of age, or has graduated from high school, or holds a GED certificate. You can apply at any time throughout the year, but if you meet our published priority deadline, you will be assigned an early registration appointment based on the date we received your application.

If you have not completed a high school diploma or do not hold a GED certificate but wish to receive financial aid while attending Whatcom Community College, you may take the "Ability To Benefit" test, administered through our Testing Center. Please contact the Financial Aid Office at 360-383-3010 if you want more information about this option.

Deadlines

To receive a priority registration access time, you must apply prior to the deadline for that quarter.  Deadlines and important dates may be found on the Calendars page.

3 Easy Ways to Apply

By using this link to the Web Admissions Center, APPLY ONLINE, we will receive your application immediately. Please read and follow the instructions carefully.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - Please use our International Students Application

If you are unable to use the Web Admissions Center to apply online, you may print this downloadable version of the Application for Admission Form [PDF]. Please read and follow the instructions on the form carefully.

You may also email admit@whatcom.ctc.edu with your name, address, and phone number to receive an application packet.

After we receive your application, you can expect to receive an email with information concerning your next steps within two weeks.

The college participates in federal, state and local financial aid programs which include grants, loans, work study and scholarships. For more information, visit the Financial Aid information page. Notice: Veterans and/or their dependents may qualify for educational benefits. Contact finaid@whatcom.ctc.edu for additional information. 

If you did not graduate from high school or want to develop your reading/writing/math skill:

Adult Basic Education and GED Program

ESL-English for Non Native English Speakers

Assessment

We will accept Asset, Compass and Accuplacer scores for English and reading. Bring official test score results to your advising appointment. (Note: The math assessment must be taken at WCC.)

Assessments in math, reading and English are scheduled throughout the quarter and are required for students who have not completed college-level math and English composition courses with grades of C or better. Designed to identify your present skill levels, this information is important for your academic success and will help you and your advisor select appropriate classes.

Sessions are held in both group and individual setting, and the group sessions include a brief new student orientation. Call Entry & Advising at 360.383.3080 to make an appointment.

If you would like more information about the math assessment, please visit our Online Math Center at www.math.whatcom.ctc.edu  and select "WCC Math Placement Info".

If you are thinking of enrolling in online classes, we encourage you to take our free online assessment and check your readiness for online education. The assessment will give you feedback on your online readiness plus provide resources to improve your online skills. To take the assessment, go here. For login name, use WCC-Web and for password, use online1. Questions about your assessment outcomes can be answered by an advisor at advise@whatcom.ctc.edu.

Prepare for Your First Quarter

Use the following resources to help you prepare for registration:

Online College Catalog - review different degree options and individual course descriptions

Advising - meet with an advisor to review your plan. Call the Entry & Advising Center at 360.383.3080 to make an appointment or inquire about drop-in hours.

Online Resources - On My OASIS you will find the following resources to help you plan your schedule.

• Class Schedules by Quarter provide a complete listing of classes offered each quarter.
• Plan Your Schedule helps you plan a class schedule that fits your life schedule.

Register

If you met the priority admissions deadline, you will be assigned a registration access time. You may register any time on or after your assigned time. Check your Registration Access Time on My OASIS by selecting Registration Access Time. Students new to Whatcom are encouraged to meet with an advisor and register in person for their first quarter.

If you missed the deadline, you will register during general registration. Refer to the Registration Calendar for registration dates and tuition and fee payment due dates.

Develop an Educational Plan

It is important to develop a long-range plan to meet your educational goals. Educational Planning information is located in the Services for Students section of our web under Educational Support.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Entry & Advising Center at 360.383.3080 or by email at advise@whatcom.ctc.edu.