Admissions and Records

Returning Student Guide

Welcome back to Fullerton College! We're excited to support you on your continued academic journey. Follow the steps below to get registered for classes, or review the Fullerton College Catalog to explore programs, degrees, and course requirements.

Haven't enrolled in a full academic year?

Submit Your Free Application

📋 Check for Holds

Log into myGateway and clear any holds before your registration date.

📅 Update Your Ed Plan

Meet with a counselor to ensure your educational plan is current.

⏰ Reapply if Needed

If you've been away for a full academic year, submit a new application.

💰 Renew Financial Aid

Financial aid must be renewed each year. Visit the Financial Aid Office to learn about your options and current deadlines.

Explore Support Programs: Fullerton College offers 40+ programs to help you succeed — from tutoring and financial aid to mental health support and cultural centers. Discover Student Support Programs →

High School Transcripts

Required only if using high school credit for language requirements.

Electronically:
COUNdocs@fullcoll.edu

By mail:
Fullerton College
Counseling Office
321 East Chapman Ave
Fullerton, CA 92832

College Transcripts

Required if you've completed coursework at other colleges and are pursuing a degree or transfer certification. If you've been absent for more than five years, have your transcripts sent immediately.

Electronically:
transcript@fullcoll.edu

By mail:
Fullerton College
Admissions & Records Office
321 East Chapman Ave
Fullerton, CA 92832

Transcripts are kept on file for a maximum of five years.

Important notes: Official electronic transcripts must be sent directly from the school or the school's third-party vendor to be placed on file. When transcripts are received, they are not automatically evaluated — you must request an evaluation through a Fullerton College counselor.

Registration Steps

You remain a continuing student as long as you enroll in at least one course per academic year (Fall through Summer). If you haven't attended or registered for a full academic year, you'll need to submit a new online application as a returning student — it's free!

If you're unsure whether you need to reapply, try logging into myGateway. If you can access your account and see registration options, you're still an active student.

Identity Verification: If you need to reapply, you may be asked to verify your identity as part of the application process. Visit the CCCApply Identity Verification page for more information and instructions.

Financial Aid: Apply or renew your financial aid through FAFSA or California Dream Act each year. Visit the Financial Aid Office for current deadlines, eligibility requirements, and next steps.

Assessment: If you need to complete placement for English, Math, or ESL, the Assessment/Onboarding Center can help. View the Placement Guide.

Orientation: If you haven't completed orientation previously, watch the Online Orientation video to get familiar with campus resources.

Update Your Educational Plan: Schedule an appointment with a counselor to update your educational plan and choose the right classes. Your counselor can review any changes to program requirements since your last enrollment.

Prerequisite Clearance: If you've completed prerequisites at another college during your time away, bring your transcripts so your counselor can request clearance. Visit the Counseling Center for assistance.

Plan Your Courses: Use the class schedule to view available courses, meeting times, and semester dates.

Prior to registering, you may need to clear previous fees and holds. Check your account via myGateway.

Dismissal Hold: A student dismissed for poor academic achievement may petition for readmission. File a Petition for Readmission with A&R. You will be notified by email after review.

Unpaid Balance Hold: A UB Hold is placed if you owe more than $100 in fees, preventing you from adding or dropping classes. Students owing less than $100 may proceed with registration. Visit myGateway to view and pay your balance.

Register Early: Classes fill quickly. Registration dates are assigned about a month before the term begins.

To view your registration date:

  1. Log in to myGateway.
  2. Click Tools in the top menu.
  3. Select Student Tools → Student Services.
  4. Click Registration Appointment Time.
  5. In your Student Profile, choose the correct term from the dropdown menu.
  6. 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.

Pay your fees immediately upon registering to avoid class cancellations. A list of fees is available online.

Online: Pay with Visa or MasterCard through myGateway.

In Person at Admissions & Records: Pay with checks, money orders, Visa, or MasterCard.

Cash: Cash payments are accepted at the Bursar's Office, located across the lobby from the Admissions & Records Office.

Payment Plans: Fullerton College offers payment plans for students who need to spread out their costs. Visit the Payment Plans page for details and enrollment options.

Important: If you decide not to attend classes for which you have registered, it is your responsibility to officially drop within the published deadlines. Students who drop classes after the refund deadline without having paid fees will incur a financial obligation and an administrative hold on their record.

Student ID: Obtain your student ID card.

Parking Permit: Purchase a parking permit if you plan to drive to campus.

Textbooks: Buy or rent textbooks early from the campus bookstore or online.

Supplies: Gather necessary school supplies such as notebooks, pens, and a backpack.

Tips for Success

Campus Map: Get a campus map and locate your classes before the semester starts.

Tour: Consider taking a campus tour.

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 and counseling available to students at health.fullcoll.edu.

Check Email: Regularly check your student email for important updates. Email address changes are done in myGateway — after logging in, click Update Information within the My Information widget. If you don't have myGateway access, complete the student information change form to update your email.

Canvas: Get comfortable with the Canvas learning management system if your classes use it.

Transportation: Plan how you will get to campus — by car, 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. Bus passes are automatically uploaded to your OC Bus App account on the first day of the semester.

Parking: Know where to park and give yourself extra time on the first few days.

Clubs and Organizations: Explore clubs, student organizations, and extracurricular activities to get involved and meet new people.

Events: Attend campus events and workshops to enhance your college experience.

Calendar: Keep a calendar or planner to track important dates and deadlines.

Syllabus: Review the syllabus for each course and note key assignments and exams.

Technology: Ensure you have a reliable computer and internet access.

Distance Education: Find Canvas FAQs, netiquette tips, laptop lending program, and more at online.fullcoll.edu.