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K-12 Special Admit Guide
Welcome to Fullerton College! We offer K-12 students the opportunity to enroll in advanced scholastic or vocational coursework as Special Admit Students. This program allows you to get a head start on your college education while still in school.
Follow the steps below to complete your enrollment. You can also review the Fullerton College Catalog to explore available courses.
Ready to get started?
Apply Online — It's Free!Why Take College Classes Early?
+- Get a head start: Earn college credit while still in school, giving you a jumpstart on your college education.
- Save money: California residents in grades 9-12 taking up to 11 units have enrollment fees waived.
- Explore your interests: Try out subjects you're curious about or get ahead in your intended major.
- Experience college-level work: Learn what to expect from college courses and develop skills for academic success.
- Strengthen your college applications: Demonstrate academic motivation and readiness for higher education.
Quick Links
📋 Special Admit Form Required
You will be blocked from registering until your Special Admit Form is processed. Submit early—processing takes up to 10 business days.
✓ Enrollment Fees Waived
CA residents in grades 9-12 taking 0.5-11 units pay no enrollment fees. Other fees (health, parking, books) still apply.
🎓 Dual Enrollment vs Special Admit
If your school has a formal partnership with Fullerton College, you may be part of Dual Enrollment. Check with your school counselor.
⚠️ Course Restrictions
- May not enroll in ESL, English, or Reading below 100 level, or Math below 40 level.
- Art classes involving nude models (life drawing) are restricted.
- Cosmetology (COSMO) courses require students to be at least 17 years old.
Need Help with Your Application?
+If you're experiencing difficulties with the online application, contact the CCC Apply Application Helpline:
Phone: (877) 247-4836 (toll-free)
Email: support@cccapply.org
Online: Visit www.cccapply.org and click "Help" in the upper right
Form Processing Times
+Processing can take up to 10 business days once forms are received by the Admissions & Records office. Submit your forms early to ensure you can register on time.
| Term | Submit By | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Summer 2026 | May 18, 2026 | Processed by your registration date |
| Fall 2026 | August 10, 2026 | Processed by your registration date |
| Winter/Spring 2026 | January 12, 2026 | Processed by your registration date |
Forms submitted after these deadlines will be processed in 7–10 business days. You will receive an email confirmation once your forms are processed.
What Happens After I Submit My Forms?
+1. Wait for email confirmation: Once your forms are processed and your courses are approved, you'll receive an email confirmation at the address you provided on your application.
2. Check myGateway: Log in to myGateway to view your registration date and time. You'll be able to register once your window opens.
3. Register for approved courses only: You may only enroll in courses listed on your approved Special Admit Form. Enrolling in other courses will result in an administrative drop.
4. Questions or haven't heard back? If it's been more than 10 business days and you haven't received confirmation, contact:
- Admissions & Records: (714) 992-7075
- Counseling Division: (714) 992-7084
Required Forms
+All Special Admit Students must submit:
- Special Admit Student Form — must be signed by the student, parent/guardian, and school principal or designee
High School Students (Grades 9-12): The Special Admit Form is an online form for all high school students, whether attending public or private school.
K-8 Students: Students in grades K-8 must also obtain the Fullerton College President's or designee's signature on the Special Admit Form.
New and Returning Students must also complete a regular Application for Admission online.
Continuing Students must submit a new Special Admit Student Form every semester.
Course Eligibility and Approval
+Eligible courses: All acceptable college credit courses are listed in the college catalog. Students must meet stated prerequisites for each course.
Principal's signature: The Special Admit Form must be signed by your school principal or designee and approved by the referring school's Board of Trustees. The principal's signature legally implies:
- Courses comply with the law
- Board approval is pending or applied
Course limitations: Your enrollment will be limited to courses authorized on the form by the principal or designee. Registration in any course not listed on your approved form will result in an administrative drop.
Dean approval: Some classes may require the Division Dean's approval. Reference: AP 5011 (.pdf)
Registration Steps
1. Apply to Fullerton College
+Submit your free online application to Fullerton College. When applying, select "K-12 Special Admit" as your student type.
After submitting, you'll receive a confirmation email with your Student ID and instructions for setting up your myGateway account.
Identity Verification: As part of the application process, you may be asked to verify your identity. Visit the CCCApply Identity Verification page for more information and instructions.
2. Submit Your Special Admit Forms
+All Special Admit Students must submit a Special Admit Student Form, signed by the student, parent/guardian, and school principal or designee.
Students in grades 9–12: Complete the Special Admit Form online.
Students in grades K–8: Download and complete the PDF version of the Special Admit Form, then submit it in person at the Admissions & Records Office or by email to admissions@fullcoll.edu.
Important: You will be blocked from registering for classes until your forms are fully processed. Allow up to 10 business days.
3. Assessment & Orientation
+Assessment: Complete any required assessments or placement tests if applicable to the courses you want to take.
Orientation: Complete the student online orientation to get familiar with campus resources. Watch the Online Orientation video for instructions.
4. Meet with a Counselor
+Course Selection: Schedule an appointment with a counselor to discuss the courses listed on your Special Admit Form and ensure they align with your academic goals.
Prerequisite Clearance: Some courses require prior coursework or placement before you can register. If a course you want to take has prerequisites, your counselor can help determine if you meet the requirements and request clearance if needed.
Plan Your Courses: Use the class schedule to view available courses, meeting times, and semester dates.
5. Register for Classes
+Register for approved courses only. You may only enroll in courses listed on your approved Special Admit Form. Enrolling in other courses will result in an administrative drop.
To view your registration date:
- Log in to myGateway.
- Click Tools in the top menu.
- Select Student Tools → Student Services.
- Click Registration Appointment Time (or select Registration Notices in the top-right corner).
- In your Student Profile, choose the correct term from the dropdown menu.
- Click the Registration Notices icon to view your Time Tickets.
Visit the How to Register page for step-by-step instructions.
Can't get into a class? Check the Waitlist FAQ or explore the Add One More Course page for options.
6. Get Your Student ID and Parking Permit
+Student ID: Obtain your student ID card, which you'll need for various campus services.
Parking Permit: Purchase a parking permit if you or a parent/guardian will be driving to campus.
7. Get Your Books and Supplies
+Textbooks: Buy or rent textbooks early, either from the campus bookstore or online.
Supplies: Gather necessary school supplies such as notebooks, pens, and a backpack.
Information for Parents & Guardians
Your Role in the Process
+Your involvement matters:
- Your signature is required on the Special Admit Form
- Help your student plan transportation to and from campus
- Encourage your student to check their college email and Canvas regularly for important updates
- Connect with your student's school counselor about how college courses fit into their graduation plan
- Encourage your student to use campus resources like tutoring and the library
- College courses move faster than high school—help your student manage their time between both schools
FERPA and Student Privacy
+Once your student enrolls in college courses, their educational records are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Unlike K-12 schools, colleges cannot automatically share your student's grades, attendance, or other academic information with parents—even if the student is a minor.
Your student will need to provide written consent for you to access their college records. Learn more about FERPA at Fullerton College.
Tips for Success
Explore the Campus
+Campus Map: Get a campus map and locate your classes before the semester starts.
Tour: Consider taking a campus tour with a parent or guardian to familiarize yourself with the campus.
Know Your Campus Resources
+Tutoring Center: Take note of tutoring services and academic support available at academicsupport.fullcoll.edu/tutoring-center.
Library: Familiarize yourself with the library and its resources at library.fullcoll.edu.
Health Services: Be aware of health services available to students at health.fullcoll.edu.
Stay Informed
+Plan Your Commute
+Transportation: Plan how you will get to campus—whether a parent/guardian drives you, by public transportation, biking, or walking.
Free OC Bus Access: With the mandatory transportation fee, you have unlimited access to OC Bus during fall and spring semesters. Visit the Fullerton College Pass Program for details.
Parking: Know where to park and give yourself extra time on the first few days.
Balance School and College
+Stay Organized: Keep a calendar or planner to track both your high school and college assignments, deadlines, and exams.
Communicate: Keep your school counselor and parent/guardian informed about your college coursework and schedule.
Manage Your Time: College courses move at a faster pace than high school. Plan study time accordingly and don't hesitate to ask for help.
Stay Organized
+Syllabus: Review the syllabus for each course and note key assignments and exams.
Technology: Ensure you have a reliable computer and internet access for coursework.
Distance Education: Find Canvas FAQs, netiquette tips, laptop lending program, and more at online.fullcoll.edu.