Admissions and Records

Prerequisite / Corequisite Challenge

Think you're prepared for a course even though you don't meet the listed prerequisite or corequisite? California law entitles every student to challenge enrollment limitations. Complete the online form and it will automatically route to the correct Division Dean for review.

This form is not for appeals of placement decisions in ESL, English, Reading, or Math. If you completed a prerequisite at another college and need clearance, or if you want to appeal a placement after assessment and counseling, visit the Counseling Department for next steps.

⏰ 24-Hour Deadline

Submit your petition within 24 hours of the first class meeting. Do not wait until the last minute.

📄 Documentation Required

Forms submitted without supporting documentation are automatically denied — no exceptions.

📨 Automatically Routed

The form routes directly to the correct Division Dean based on the course you select — no extra steps needed.

📧 Email Notification

You will receive a decision by email regardless of outcome. Check the email address on file in myGateway.

Not sure if this is the correct form? A counselor can review your transcript, clarify prerequisites, and help determine the best path forward. Schedule an appointment with Counseling →

What Are Prerequisites & Corequisites?

Prerequisite

A requirement that must be completed before you can enroll in a course. Prerequisites ensure students have the foundational skills needed to succeed.

Example: You must complete SPAN 102 F before enrolling in SPAN 203 F.

Corequisite

A requirement that must be completed at the same time as — or prior to — another course. Both courses must be taken concurrently unless you already completed the corequisite.

Example: BIOL 102LF (Human Biology Laboratory) requires concurrent enrollment in BIOL 102 F (Human Biology), or prior completion of it.

Prerequisites are automatically enforced in myGateway. If the system doesn't have a record of you completing the requirement, it will block your enrollment. The challenge process is how you formally request an exception.

Grounds for Challenge

Per Title 5, Section 55003, this form accepts challenges on two grounds. Select the one that applies to your situation and provide documentation to support it.

Ground 1 — Knowledge or Ability to Succeed

"I have the knowledge or ability to succeed in this course or program despite not meeting the prerequisite/corequisite."

Use this ground if you have relevant knowledge, or skills that prepares you for the course — even though you haven't completed the specific prerequisite listed.

Suggested documentation:

High school transcript or AP exam scores showing relevant preparation
Work samples, portfolio, licenses, or certifications demonstrating the required skills
A written explanation with sufficient context connecting your background to the course content

This is the most commonly used ground. If you completed equivalent coursework at another institution, a transcript is usually the strongest form of evidence.

Ground 2 — Prerequisite Not Reasonably Available

"I will face an undue delay in achieving my educational goal because the prerequisite/corequisite has not been made reasonably available."

Use this ground if the prerequisite course is unavailable this term and waiting would significantly delay your academic progress or transfer timeline.

Suggested documentation:

Evidence the prerequisite course is full, cancelled, or not offered this term (e.g., a screenshot of the class schedule)
A copy of your Student Educational Plan (SEP) showing the course is required for timely progress toward your goal
A written explanation of how the unavailability creates an undue delay in your educational plan

A counselor can help you document this case — especially if it ties to a specific graduation or transfer deadline. Schedule a counseling appointment (opens in new tab) →

How to Submit Your Challenge

All petitions must be submitted within 24 hours of the first class meeting. Plan ahead — gather your documentation before the term begins so you're ready to submit promptly.

Gather your supporting documentation. Forms submitted without documentation are automatically denied. Collect transcripts, written explanations, work samples, or any other evidence that supports your chosen ground. Include all relevant pages of any transcript — partial submissions weaken your case.
Sign in via SSO and open the form. You must be signed in through the college's single sign-on (SSO) — the same login you use for myGateway — to access and complete the form. The link below will prompt you to authenticate if you aren't already signed in.
Complete all required fields. Select your term and course, identify the prerequisite or corequisite you are challenging, choose your ground, and provide a clear written explanation in the "Written Explanation" section. Connect your explanation directly to the documentation you are attaching. Fields marked with (*) are required.
Attach your documentation and submit. The form will automatically route to the Division Dean responsible for your course — you don't need to identify or contact the Dean yourself. Watch for a decision notification sent to the email address on file with the college.

Ready to submit your challenge?

Attach all supporting documentation — forms submitted without documentation are automatically denied.

Submit the Prerequisite Challenge Form
Sign in required — use your myGateway (SSO) credentials to access the form

After You Submit

What happens after I submit?

Your form automatically routes to the Division Dean responsible for the course. The Dean will review your petition and attached documentation.

You will receive an email notification at the address on file with the college regardless of the outcome. If your email in myGateway is outdated, update it before submitting so you don't miss the decision.

If your challenge is approved, you will receive clearance to enroll in the course. If enrollment isn't reflected automatically in myGateway, contact Admissions & Records.

If your challenge is denied, you will receive an email with the Dean's reasoning for the denial.

How do I appeal a denial?

If your petition is denied by the Division Dean, you may appeal that decision by requesting a meeting with the Vice President of Instruction.

We recommend scheduling an appointment with a Fullerton College counselor (opens in new tab) to review your options and determine the best next step before pursuing an appeal.

What if I'm blocked from enrolling while my challenge is pending?

myGateway enforces prerequisites automatically, so you may remain blocked while your petition is under review.

Do not wait to submit your petition. The 24-hour window is firm, and a late submission may not be considered.

Looking for ESL, English, Reading, or Math placement appeals? This form does not apply to placement decisions in these subjects. Contact the Dean of Counseling (opens in new tab) directly — the Dean will meet with you within three working days. For Math placement, the appeal may be directed to the Dean of Mathematics and Computer Science if the Dean of Counseling is unavailable.