Admissions and Records
Welcome to Fullerton College
Dual Enrollment and Special Admit Students — You're on your way! Here's everything you need to get enrolled and get started.
Start Here: Complete Your Dual Enrollment or Special Admit Enrollment
Special Admit: You come to the Fullerton College campus (or take online classes) independently, through the process on this page.
Dual Enrollment: Your high school has a formal partnership with Fullerton College where a college instructor teaches classes at your high school campus. If you're unsure which applies to you, ask your school counselor.
You've applied — great! Now complete the steps below to finalize your enrollment. A new Special Admit form is required every semester.
Have your 8-digit Fullerton College Student ID ready. Not sure of your ID? Log in to myGateway (opens in new tab) and click Forgot Username.
Term Dates
Fall 2026
Mon, Aug 24, 2026 – Sat, Dec 12, 2026
Spring 2027
- Winter Intersession: Thu, Dec 17, 2026 – Thu, Jan 28, 2027
- Spring Semester: Mon, Feb 1, 2027 – Sat, May 29, 2027
Summer 2027
Mon, Jun 7, 2027 – Thu, Aug 12, 2027
Fall 2027
Mon, Aug 23, 2027 – Sat, Dec 11, 2027
Quick Access
Frequently used tools and links for Special Admit students.
Your Next Steps
Select the student pathway that applies to you:
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Check your Student ID
Your 8-digit Student ID was emailed to you within 7 business days of your application. You'll need it for the Special Admit form and to access myGateway.
Can't find it? Go to myGateway (opens in new tab) → Forgot Username to retrieve it using your email and date of birth.
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Complete the Online Special Admit Form
Fill out the online form completely. Your high school counselor will receive an automatic notification to approve it digitally. A new form is required every semester.
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Follow Up with Your School Counselor
Your form cannot be processed until your school counselor approves it. If you haven't heard anything after a few days, check in with your counselor directly.
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Wait for Your Email Confirmation
Once A&R processes your approved form (up to 10 business days), you'll receive an email confirmation. Check your spam folder if you don't see it.
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Check for Holds & Your Registration Date
Log in to myGateway (opens in new tab), go to Registration Tools, and check for any holds and your registration appointment time. Holds must be cleared before you can register.
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Register for Approved Classes
On or after your registration appointment date, log in to myGateway and register for the courses listed on your approved Special Admit form. You may only enroll in those approved courses.
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Pay Remaining Fees & Get Your ID Card
Enrollment fees are waived for CA residents (grades 9–12, up to 11 units). You are still responsible for the health fee, parking permit, and course materials.
Fee schedule → (opens in new tab) • Get your Campus ID card → (opens in new tab)
Ready to Start Your College Journey?
Use the pathway above that matches how you are taking classes. Special Admit and Dual Enrollment have different forms and enrollment steps.
What to Expect in a College Course
College classes are different from high school. Here's a quick look at what's ahead so you're not caught off guard.
📋 Read the Syllabus First
Your instructor will provide a syllabus on day one. It lists all deadlines, grading policies, and attendance expectations — treat it as your contract for the course.
⏱️ Faster Pace
College courses cover more material in less time than high school. A typical 3-unit course expects about 6–9 hours of work per week outside of class.
📧 Check Email & Canvas Weekly
Instructors post announcements and assignments on Canvas and communicate through your college email. Missing these is the most common reason students fall behind.
🙋 Ask for Help Early
Don't wait until the week before finals. Visit tutoring, go to instructor office hours, and use campus resources from week one — not week ten.
📅 Know Your Deadlines
Add, drop, and withdrawal deadlines vary by class. Missing the drop deadline can result in a permanent "W" on your transcript — know the dates for each course.
🏫 You Belong Here
College students come from all backgrounds and ages. Special Admit students succeed every semester. The campus is welcoming — explore it, use its resources, and introduce yourself to your instructor.
Special Admit Form Processing Times
Processing takes up to 10 business days once A&R receives your completed form. Submit before the deadline below to ensure processing by your registration appointment.
Fall 2026
Forms submitted after August 10 will be processed in 7–10 business days.
Email confirmation sent once processed.
Winter/Spring 2027
Processing may take up to 10 business days once the completed packet is received by the Admissions & Records Office.
Packets submitted after January 25, 2027 will be processed in 7–10 business days.
Email confirmation sent once processed.
Key Information & Definitions
Important terms, systems, costs, and enrollment rules for K–12 Special Admit students, organized by topic.
Student Accounts & Systems
myGateway is your online student portal. Use it to register for classes, pay fees, check your registration appointment date, view holds, and access financial aid information.
Your Student ID is an 8-digit number assigned when you're admitted. It arrives by email within 7 business days of your application.
Forgot it? Go to myGateway and click Forgot Username (opens in new tab). Enter your email and date of birth to retrieve it.
Campus ID card production is located at the Admissions & Records Office. You need it for library access, computer labs, and other campus services. You must be enrolled in at least one course to obtain one.
Fullerton College uses Canvas as its learning management system. Once you are registered for a course, you can log in to Canvas to access your syllabus, assignments, announcements, and grades.
Your Canvas course typically becomes available on or after the first day of the term. If you don't see your course right away, wait until the semester start date.
Log in with your myGateway username and password.
Canvas Login → (opens in new tab) • Canvas Help & FAQs → (opens in new tab)
If you have previously attended Cypress or Fullerton College, check myGateway for any outstanding holds. Holds prevent you from registering on your scheduled date.
Log in to myGateway → Registration Tools → Check for Holds.
Fees & Campus Costs
Enrollment fees are waived for California residents in grades K–12 taking up to 11 units per semester.
You are still responsible for:
- Health Fee: $27 per semester
- Transportation Fee: $5–$5.75 per semester (includes free OC Bus pass)
- Parking Permit: Required if driving to campus (purchase via myGateway)
- Course Fees: Vary by class — see the class schedule
- Textbooks & Supplies: Varies by course
Students taking 12 or more units are considered full-time and are responsible for all enrollment fees.
Parking permits are required in all campus lots at all times. Purchase your semester parking permit through myGateway (opens in new tab).
Registration & Academic Policies
Special Admit students may enroll in up to 11 units per semester as a part-time student with enrollment fees waived (CA residents).
Students wishing to take 12 or more units (full-time) must sign the full-time Special Admit form, available at the A&R office, and will be responsible for all enrollment fees.
Some courses have restrictions — students may not enroll in ESL, English, or Reading below the 100 level, or Math below the 40 level. Art classes involving nude models and Cosmetology courses (requires age 17+) are also restricted.
Some courses are restricted for K–12 Special Admit students.
- May not enroll in ESL, English, or Reading below the 100 level, or Math below the 40 level
- Art classes involving nude models (life drawing) are restricted
- Cosmetology (COSMO) courses require students to be at least 17 years old
- Enrollment in any course not listed on your approved Special Admit form will result in an administrative drop
These deadlines matter — missing them can result in a failing grade on your permanent college transcript and fees you cannot recover.
- Add deadline: Varies by class length. Check the class schedule or your Schedule Bill for the exact date.
- Drop with refund: Drop before this date to receive a fee refund and have the course removed from your record entirely.
- Withdrawal (W grade): After the drop deadline you can still withdraw, but a "W" will appear permanently on your college transcript. Excessive W's can affect future enrollment priority.
- No-show drop: If you don't attend the first class meeting and don't notify your instructor, you may be dropped automatically.
How to find your deadlines:
- Searchable Class Schedule: Look up any course to see its specific add, drop, and withdrawal dates.
- Your Schedule Bill: Log in to myGateway and view your Schedule Bill — it lists the exact deadlines for every course you are enrolled in.
Search the Class Schedule for deadlines → (opens in new tab) • Log in to myGateway for your Schedule Bill → (opens in new tab)
Prerequisites are courses or preparation levels you must complete before enrolling in certain classes. If you completed prerequisites at Fullerton or Cypress College, they clear automatically. Completed elsewhere? Contact the Counseling Office to have them cleared.
Student records are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). No one — including parents and high school officials — may access your college records without your written permission, even if you are a minor.
Other Enrollment Options
Through the Adult School Special Admit Program (ASSAP), students enrolled in an adult school like North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE) can take community college courses while working toward their high school diploma or equivalency (HiSET/GED). Thanks to SB554 (opens in new tab), eligible students earn college credit without paying tuition, though parking, books, and other fees still apply.
Special Admit: You come to the Fullerton College campus (or take online classes) independently, through the process on this page.
Dual Enrollment: Your high school has a formal partnership with Fullerton College where a college instructor teaches classes at your high school campus. If you're unsure which applies to you, ask your school counselor.
Support Programs & Services
Your success matters to us. Choose the kind of help you need to quickly find the right campus resources.
40+ Support Programs Available
Fullerton College offers academic, wellness, basic-needs, cultural, and specialized support for students throughout their college experience.
Academic & Course Support
Use these resources to choose classes, get help with coursework, study, and succeed in online or hybrid classes.
Counseling
Student-centered counseling to help you select courses, clear prerequisites, and develop your education plan.
Academic Support (Tutoring)
Free tutoring through the Skills Center, Tutoring Center, and Writing Center — open to all enrolled students.
Library
Research resources, study spaces, and academic support. Your campus ID card grants you access.
Online / Canvas
Taking a hybrid or online course? Fullerton College uses Canvas. Find FAQs, support, and the laptop lending program.
Health & Basic Needs
College is easier when your health and basic needs are supported. These services are available to enrolled students.
Health Center
Physical and mental health services for all enrolled students. Located in Student Support Center, Room 108.
Food Pantry
Supplemental groceries, snacks, hygiene essentials, and other food-support resources for eligible students. Located in Student Support Center, Room 102.
Hornets Resource Center
A one-stop hub for basic-needs support, including food and housing resources, CalFresh and Medi-Cal assistance, registration help, student records, and student ID support.
Campus & Specialized Support
Find course materials and explore specialized programs that can connect you with additional campus support and community.
Bookstore
Textbooks, course materials, school supplies, and Hornet gear. Located in the Student Services Building facing Chapman Ave.
Explore All Support Programs
Find specialized programs including EOPS, Foster Youth, Puente, Umoja, Disability Support Services, International Student Center, and more.
Information for Parents & Guardians
Your involvement helps your student succeed. Here's what you need to know.
Your Approval Is Required
The Special Admit form requires a parent or guardian approval. For all students, the online form collects approvals digitally from the parent/guardian, school representative, and Fullerton College before A&R can process the enrollment.
Review the request with your student before the form is submitted so you're ready to approve promptly when notified.
FERPA & Privacy Rights
Once your student enrolls in college courses, their educational records are protected under FERPA. Unlike K-12 schools, colleges cannot share grades, attendance, or academic records with parents — even if the student is a minor — without the student's written consent.
How You Can Support Your Student
- Help plan transportation to and from campus
- Encourage regular check-ins on college email and Canvas
- Connect with the high school counselor about how college credit fits graduation requirements
- Remind your student that college courses move faster than high school — early use of tutoring and campus resources makes a big difference
- Review the campus calendar (opens in new tab) together for add/drop and withdrawal deadlines
Questions? We're Here to Help
The Admissions & Records office is ready to assist you with your Special Admit enrollment.