Admissions Application available – Sept 11^th, 2023

Priority Registration Requirements Deadline – Sept 29^th, 2023. To register in the first level priority registration group, students must meet ALL State mandated requirements for priority registration by this date. Priority registration information

Registration Appointments assigned – Oct 2^nd, 2023. Available on MyGWC portal approximately

Registration Begins – Oct 30^th, 2023. for Legislated Priority Groups and Continuing students meeting level 1 registration priority requirements

Late Registration: Starting Jan 2^nd, 2023- For Intersession classes / Starting Jan 29^nd, 2023- For Spring classes.

With instructor permission (Add permit) by deadline on add permit, registration in late starting classes, and drops by the published deadlines. (Refer to your "My Class Schedule" for withdrawal deadlines).

Note: Service hours are subject to change. Students are advised to plan and review all deadlines and service options online.

To find your registration appointment, log in to your MyGWC.com, click on the "Registration" tab, then under the "Online Orientation and Priority Registration", click on "View My Eligibility". Enter your student ID to view your appointment.

How to video coming soon!

To find your registration priority status, log in to your MyGWC.com, click on the "Registration" tab, then under the "Online Orientation and Priority Registration", click on "View My Eligibility". Enter your student ID to view your status.

Your Priority Registration Eligibility screen in MyGWC will not only provide your status, it will also provide instructions on how to meet all the necessary requirements to gain eligibility. It is recommended that you check this screen on a periodic basis since your status may change once grades are posted and academic standings are calculated.

For more information, please visit our PRIORITY REGISTRATION page.

How to eligibility video coming soon!

When registering for your classes, refer to your Student Education Plan (SEP). These are the classes a Counselor has confirmed will satisfy General Education (GE) and/or Major requirements.

Your Student Education Plan (SEP) can be found in Degree Works inside your MyGWC Portal.

Student Education Plans built from MAP are based on full-time enrollment (12+ units). If you have questions about the courses included in your SEP, or want to discuss your plans, please connect with a Counselor.

How to View your Student Education Plan (SEP) video coming soon!

Once you know what classes you need to take, explore the Schedule of Classes to see when classes are being offered for the upcoming term.

Copy down the CRN numbers of the course sections you want to register for. You will need these to register when the time comes!

Use our Schedule Planner to help you plan your courses for the upcoming term!

How to Create My Schedule and Register (Schedule Planner) video coming soon!

1. I’m not a high school graduate and do not have my high school equivalency/GED. May I still take a course?

Anyone 18 years or older and who can profit from instruction qualifies for admission. If under age 18, you will qualify for admission if you have satisfied one of the following:

(A)   Graduated from high school.

(B)   Passed the California High School of Proficiency Test or equivalent.

(C)   Completed the 10th grade and received permission from your high school (See question 2.)

2. I’m a high school student interested in taking a course at GWC, how do I proceed?

High School students interested in attending Golden West College under the Special Part-time Program must submit a completed admissions application to the Admissions Office along with a Special Part-time Permission Form signed by both the high school principal and the parent/guardian. Submit a Golden West College Application from this page.

Upon receiving all approvals, the student will be allowed to register during the registration period provided space is available in the course. The college gives priority to regular college students. Admission of a K-12th-grade student cannot displace a college level student. For more information, visit our DUAL & CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT page.

3. Do I need SAT scores to attend a community college?

No, SAT scores are not needed to attend a community college.

4. I’m in the military and stationed overseas. How can I get started taking classes online?

Golden West College is dedicated to providing active military the support they need to make a seamless transition from their military service to their personal commitment to themselves, their families, and their communities through a college education. Lets get started by visiting the CERTIFICATION/BENEFIT INFORMATION page.
 

5. Can I attend more that one community college at a time?

Yes. However, students who attend more than one community college simultaneously should consult with a Counselor for guidance throughout their program of study. Universities articulate General Education courses, as well as lower division major requirements on a college by college basis. Caution should be exercised so as not to duplicate coursework or miss requirements.

6. Will I be allowed to continue attending / come back to a community college after completing a degree?

You may continue taking courses at the community college after completing any level of degree. Keep in mind there are transfer restrictions for those students earning more than 90 semester units combined from a two-year and a four-year college or university. See your counselor if you fall into this category. Also be aware there are limitations on the amount of financial aid a student may qualify for if they already possess a bachelors degree or higher.

On-Line Registration: Now that you have received your assigned student ID number and student portal (MyGWC) username, make sure to check your registration date. Your student portal (MyGWC) is where you will register for classes.

1. Login to MyGWC.com 
2. Go to Registration and under Registration Tools click on “Quick Add or Drop Classes”
3. You may need to complete an Action item checklist. You will have to clear those actions first before you can proceed to registering. At that time, you will be directed to the “Action Item Processing” screen. Click “continue”. On the left-side of the page, an progress bar is displayed. As you complete the items, you will see the progress bar turn green. To complete items, click on “pending”. Once you have answered the questions on this step, you will be directed to the next item if any on the checklist. Click “ok” in the top right
4. Select the current registration term
5. The register for classes page is next. Here there are 2 tabs on top. One, Find Classes tab to explore classes being offered. Two, Enter CRNs for those who already looked up classes and know the CRN numbers.

Once you’ve the class, you would then click Add to Summary and then submit.

1. As you add classes the Summary in the bottom right corner will reflect the status of each class.
2. You should now be registered for the class(es). To check if you have successfully registered for your classes, go back to My Classes and Academics tab and click on View /Print My Class Schedule. The classes you have added successfully will be listed here.
3. If you receive an error, please review our guide to registration errors for help to resolve the issue.

No GWC student may carry as few as 0.18 units or no more than 19 units during a semester, 9 units during summer or 6 units during intersession, The maximum applies to the combination of all units in which the student enrolls per semester/term in the Coast Community College District (Orange Coast College, Golden West College, Coastline College)

To request to enroll in more than the maximum number of units per term allowed. Please submit a Student Petition for Overload.

Did you view the Class Schedule to find that the CRN (class) you want is full?
You may add yourself to the waitlist (if available) on or after your registration appointment time. Add the class as you normally would, and it will give you the option to waitlist for the class. Keep in mind, you may not waitlist for the waitlisted CRN and register for the open CRN of the same course. You must choose one CRN. Students are able to add themselves on a waitlist until 24 hours prior to the start of the term. Once the term starts, waitlists are turned off and students must request an add permit from the instructor to add a class.

Now that you are on the waitlist for the class, what happens?
You will be notified through your @student.cccd.edu email when there is an available seat. Your seat will be reserved for 24 hours. We recommend that you check your student email 2-3 times a day. Waitlist notifications are sent out 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays. If you miss you waitlist window and are dropped from the waitlist you may add yourself back onto the waitlist. You will be added to the bottom of the waitlist when you re-add your name to the list.

How do I know what position I am on the waitlist?
In MyGWC, click on the Registration tab, then under the "Registration Tools" box, click on "My Waitlist Position”. In the next screen, select the Term, then click Submit.

Where can I see the number of students on the waitlist?
You can see waitlist information on the online class schedule. Courses with a waitlist will display a status similar to the following:

Did you waitlist for a course that has a Corequisite?
After you receive the waitlist email with your reserved seat, make sure you also apply the CRN of the corresponding Corequisite when adding the class.

The semester is about to begin and you still have not received the waitlist email with your reserved seat. What can you do?
If you are still on the waitlist when the semester begins, you may go to the class on the first day and petition with the instructor for an add code. You may petition for any course on its first day even if you are not on the waitlist. On the first day of class, kindly ask your instructor if there is a seat available for you.

How do I add myself to a class once I receive a waitlist notification?
Please follow this “how-to” page: HOW TO ADD A CLASS WITH AN ADD CODE [PDF]

NOTE: You must drop yourself from the waitlist prior to adding the add code.

The following rules apply for students who wish to enroll on a wait list:
A student may only enroll in one waitlist class section per course title (ex. only one section of ENGL G100 class). A student will not be permitted to enroll on a wait list if they are enrolled in another section of the same course.

A student will be permitted to enroll on a waitlist only if they meet the required prerequisite/co-requisite for the class.

The waitlist will be turned off 24 hours prior to the start of the term class start date and no new students will be permitted to register on the waitlist.

The drop for non-payment policy applies to all registration, including waitlisted classes. If you are dropped for non-payment, waitlist classes will be dropped along with enrolled classes.

If you add a class after receiving a waitlist notification be sure to pay any fees immediately to avoid being dropped for non-payment.

NOTE: You may check your waitlist position by clicking on "My Waitlist Posititon" link under "Registration Tools" in your MyGWC account.

Withdrawal Information:
When a student is no longer attending a class, it is the student's responsibility to Withdraw (Drop) from the class. This is not an automatic process. Students must drop their class within established deadlines. Deadlines for individual courses are listed on your "My Class Schedule (Web Schedule Bill)" in your MyGWC account. If you need assistance you may contact the Admissions & Records Office by emailing arinfo@gwc.cccd.edu

Each student is responsible to complete OR officially withdraw from each class in which they enroll.

Drop Deadlines:

• For full-term classes, no transcript notation will be made for official withdrawals made during the first two weeks of the semester. For specific dates, refer to your "My Class Schedule (Web Schedule Bill)" or download the free app from the app stores and find it on your smartphone!
• Official withdrawals made after the 2nd week and before the end of the 12th week of the term (75% of the term) will be counted toward repeatability limits as well as be counted toward progress probation and disqualification. "W"s are not used in grade point average calculation.
• Withdrawals are not permissible after the 12th week for full-term courses or 75% for short-term courses. After that deadline, student must be assigned a grade (A, B, C, D, F, P or NP).
• We recommend students consult with a counselor regarding the consequences of withdrawing from courses.
• Students who are dropped by their instructors for missing the first class meeting or for excessive absences should verify the instructor drop with the Admissions & Records office in order to avoid grade penalties and to comply with critical drop dates as specified.
• Students should be aware that "W"s are used to determine academic status.

Students may withdraw/drop a class by:

Log into MyGWC Portal. Drops will be allowed via the portal in accordance with published drop deadlines. "My Class Schedule (Web Schedule Bill)" for drop deadlines.

Steps to Drop:

1. Click on Register for Classes.
2. Select Registration Term.
3. In the Summary panel, Action Column, click on the drop down arrow next to the class to be dropped. Select the drop option and click submit (bottom right corner)
4. Verify all withdrawals by printing a ""My Class Schedule (Web Schedule Bill)" which is located under the "Registration Tools".

NOTE: Some "holds" may prohibit you from dropping a class online.

If you are unable to drop a class online, you MUST complete a Drop form before the deadline.

To drop: CLICK HERE

If you are unable to drop the course through your MyGWC account or complete the Drop form, you must email Admissions & Records before the deadline to request to be dropped from the course. The email should be sent to arinfo@gwc.cccd.edu and must include your name, student ID number, the course and CRN number that you want to be dropped from and your permission to be dropped form the course. Requests received after the drop deadline will be denied.

For Federal Financial Aid Students wanting a complete withdrawal, please email FinAid@gwc.cccd.edu  for additional information.

You will be doing a late registration.

Beginning the week the class begins, instructor permission is required to add a class. To obtain instructor permission, go to the first class meeting or email the instructor if the course is an online course. If space is available, the instructor may give you an Add Permit with an Add Code. Enroll in the course via MyGWC portal following the instructions on the add permit. Add codes expire very quickly (some expire the first day) and it is important that students enroll as soon as possible after receiving their add permits.

NOTE: Add codes are not valid until the first day of class. You will receive a registration error if you try using an add permit before the class has started. Please note that faculty may utilize the waitlist to distribute Add Permits but there is no guarantee that you will be given an Add Permit if you're on the waitlist.

NOTE: Students entering classes late are responsible for making up missed work and are responsible for all fee and refund deadlines associated with each class section.

1. How do I search the class schedule?

1. Go to www.goldenwestcollege.edu
2. Click on the CLASS SCHEDULE link and SEARCH THE ONLINE SCHEDULE
3. Select the TERM – Colleges in the Coast District are listed (GWC, OCC, CCC)
4. Click on the SUBJECT you want to search
5. Use CRN (Course Registration Number) to register for courses at specific days/times

IMPORTANT NOTE: Hover the mouse over the CRN to see if the course has co-requisites (English/Math/Science)

2. What is DegreeWorks?

DegreeWorks is the new degree audit and tracking system for Coast Community Colleges. DegreeWorks provides an accessible, convenient, and organized way for students to assess their academic progress. DegreeWorks can be accessed through the myGWC portal. After logging in, go to the Student Tab and click on Launch DegreeWorks.

3. Where and when are my classes? Where can I get a copy of my class schedule?

1. Log into MyGWC
2. Click on My SITES - Select GWC
3. Click on REGISTRATION
4. Click STUDENT CLASS PROGRAM (Web Schedule Bill) under REGISTRATION TOOLS and SELECT A TERM (Ex: GWC Fall 2022)

* This is the schedule of classes you signed up for.
* Look for important information: Days/Times/Locations, Instructors’ emails, Drop Deadlines, etc

4. I earned a D or F in a class, may I retake it? If so, how may time?

If you received a substandard grade (i.e., a “D”, “F”, “NP” or “NC”), we recommend repeating the course. The original grade remains on your transcript (you will see an “E” next to the original grade for “excluded”), but your GPA can really improve! However, there are things to know about this process:

1. If you earn a C or better, you cannot retake a class. If you earn a D, F, NP, NC, or W, you can re-take the class.
2. Second attempt: The second time you take a class (after receiving a substandard grade or W), there are no restrictions. Just register as you normally would.
3. Third attempt: To take the class a third time, you must obtain an add-authorization code from the instructor (usually on the first day of class) and submit it to Admissions and Records to register.
4. Fourth attempt with exceptional circumstances: If you experience some verified exceptional circumstance during the third attempt at a class, you may petition for a fourth attempt with Admissions and Records.
5. Fourth attempt without exceptional circumstances: In these instances, you will be required to take the EXACT same course at another college outside of our district. Please discuss this with your counselor before enrolling. When you finish the course, complete the Repeated Course Grade Petition, which is on the Admissions and Records forms page.

There is also a process for eliminating up to two semesters of coursework from your GPA without repeating a course. Academic Renewal disregards past, substandard, academic performance when such work is not reflective of your current demonstrated ability. Academic renewal may facilitate graduation or enable you to meet transfer requirements. Your counselor can let you know more.

As always, check out the catalog for the most current and comprehensive information on these topics.

If you received a Prerequisite and Test Score Error during registration, please check the prerequisites by clicking on the CRN of your chosen course from the Class Schedule.

MAP (My Academic Plan) will help you in the process of completing Self-Placement for MATH, ENGLISH, and ESL which might help clear some Prerequisite and Test Scores. You will need to login with your MyGWC Portal username - this can be found in your GWC Admissions email.

START MAP (MY ACADEMIC PLAN)

If you believe you have met the prerequisites for the course with a course completed at another regionally accredited college, you may submit a prerequisite clearance request. Please see below.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisite Clearance Request must be submitted at least 10 days prior to your registration appointment. Please allow 5 to 7 business days for processing. Please upload any necessary unofficial documents (transcripts, AP scores, etc.) with this request.

If your official transcripts are already on file with the Admissions and Records Office you will not need to upload additional unofficial documents.

In order to clear a prerequisite you will need to submit a Clearance Request Form and attach the proper documentation that demonstrates you have completed one of the following:

College Transcript (Official/Unofficial):
Students who have successfully completed a prerequisite course with a C or better from an accredited college or university that is considered an equivalent course at GWC.

1. A "C-" grade is not a passing grade at GWC and will not be accepted.
2. Attempting a prerequisite class and withdrawing from the class with a "W" does not meet the criteria for clearing a prerequisite (A "W" is a notation not a grade). Students may submit unofficial transcripts for prerequisite and co-requisite clearance ONLY. Students MUST submit official transcripts if they wish to receive course credit/units towards Degrees, Certificates or General Education Certification (CSU GE Breadth or IGETC).

AP Scores:
Students who have taken AP tests in English, Psychology and/or Math with a score of 3 or higher.(AP Calculus AB. AP Calculus BC. AP English Literature and Composition. AP English Language and Composition exam. AP Psychology).

To access your AP results please go to www.collegeboard.org. Sign in with your account information or create a new account. Click on the "AP" tab at the top of the page.

NOTE: This prerequisites clearance only clears the prerequisites at GWC. OCC and CCC's prerequisites must be cleared with them.

Orange Coast College: CLICK HERE

Coastline College: CLICK HERE

Prerequisite/Corequisite Challenge Form:
Students, who submit a Clearance Request Form and are denied, can challenge a prerequisite based on previous experience or knowledge. A prerequisite/corequisite challenge requires written documentation, explanation of alternative course work, background or abilities which adequately prepare the student for the course.

Reasons for seeking a Prerequisite/Corequisite Challenge Form may include one or more of the following:

1. A prerequisite/corequisite is not reasonably available;
2. The student believes the prerequisite/corequisite was established in violation of regulation or in violation of the District-approved processes;
3. The student believes the prerequisite/corequisite is discriminatory or being applied in a discriminatory manner; or
4. The student has the documented knowledge or ability to succeed in the course without meeting the prerequisite/corequisite.
5. Then take the form to the respective division office in accordance with the Matriculation guidelines established by the State.

Any questions on Prerequisite Clearance Request, please contact Admission and Records at arinfo@gwc.cccd.edu 

GWC’s Intersession Prerequisite Clearance for a GWC Spring course
Clearance to register for a GWC Spring course when enrolled in the prerequisite during GWC’s Winter Intersession.

Prerequisite Clearance Request: 1st to 2nd Eight week
Clearance to register for a 2nd eight-week course when enrolled in the prerequisite during the 1st eight-week course

You may need to complete an Action item checklist. You will have to clear those actions first before you can proceed to registering. At that time, you will be directed to the “Action Item Processing” screen. Click “continue”. On the left-side of the page, an progress bar is displayed. As you complete the items, you will see the progress bar turn green. To complete items, click on “pending”. Once you have answered the questions on this step, you will be directed to the next item if any on the checklist. Click “ok” in the top right

A cohort is a group of students in the same program who move through a series of courses together. Click on the CRN of the class from the Class Schedule to see if your chosen course has a part of a cohort. Check under Section Information Text. If you are not part of that “approved cohort,“ you must find another CRN with no restrictions that fits your schedule.

Re-taking a course in which, the student received an UNSATISFACTORY grade:

Students are allowed to repeat a course in which they had an unsuccessful attempt up to a maximum of two times (three attempts in total) within the CCCD District (OCC, CCC, GWC). An unsuccessful attempt is defined as having completed a course with “F,” “D,” “NP,” or withdrawing a course and receiving a “W.”

Consistent with Title 5, section 55042 (b), students are blocked from enrolling in a class in which they have previously enrolled three times and have received substandard grades. Any additional repetition after the third attempt requires special permission. Please contact the Counseling Office for additional information and to obtain the Petition for Course Repetition.

• Re-taking a course in which, the student received a SATISFACTORY grade:
• Students who wish to repeat a non-repeatable course in which they received a satisfactory grade must also file a petition
• There has been a significant lapse of time and has a recency requirement
• There has been a significant change in industry or licensure standards
• The course is required to maintain a professional license, or it is legally mandated
• Student with disabilities repeating a special course

Please view the Academic Petition Council Procedures and Guidelines for more information.

IMPORTANT: VA students will not be permitted to be certified for a course they successfully passed in Spring 2020 and are repeating due to COVID.

Any hold that prevents registration which is placed on a student account within the Coast Community College District (Coastline College, Golden West College or Orange Coast College) will prevent a student from the following:

• Adding classes
• Dropping classes on MyGWC portal
• Receiving their diploma and/or certificate

It is the student's responsibility to clear holds in a timely manner. Holds for parking tickets, library fines/materials, equipment, returned checks etc. must be resolved with the department that placed the hold.

NOTE: The hold release process runs nightly, and you will be able to add or drop classes after 5 am the next day.

Holds Due to Enrollment Fees
Students who would like to pay an outstanding balance due to enrollment fees can do so via one of the two following methods:

For current students:

You may pay the fee balance via your MyGWC.com account using a Visa, Master Card or Discover Card.

NOTE: It his highly recommended that students use Google Chrome as their browser when making payments on the student portal. Safari is not recommended.

1. Log-in to your MyGWC portal.
2. Click on Registration on the left navigation bar.
3. Click on Pay My Fees under Registration Tools.
4. Click on Make Payment and follow the prompts.

For current AND former students:

Checks, cash, and credit card payments using a Visa, Master Card or Discover Card are accepted in person in the Bursar's office on the first floor of Student Services. ***

Holds Due to Social Security Number Verification

A hold due to a Social Security Number Verification happens when the number was entered wrong on the application to college. 

First, verify your Social Security Number through your MyGWC portal.

1. Log-in to your MyGWC portal.
2. Click on Registration on the left navigation bar.
3. Click on Social Security Number Verification under Other Student Resources.
4. Click either correct or incorrect

If it is incorrect you will need to submit a Student Update Form.

Students requesting a correction of their Social Security Number (SS#) must present their original Social Security card and a photo ID. This is done by setting up a Zoom meeting with our Admissions & Records contact or by coming in person to Admission & Records in the Student Service Center.

For questions on all other holds please email arinfo@gwc.cccd.edu or call (714) 892-7711.

Your account has become inactive. To activate, re-submit a GWC application.

“Recover Account” information option at CCCApply can be used to retrieve forgotten username and password.

Click "View payment plan options" and then enter your balance into the "Plan amount" box. (To find your balance click here: How to find your class schedule/web schedule bill.) Please click on this link to start: Cashnet Payment Portal

Help number for Cashnet: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM EST at 1-877-821-0625

If you are interested in signing up for the payment agreement option, please do so before 12pm on the scheduled drop for non-payment date. If you are having problems with Cashnet please call the A&R office before the drop date deadline. 

Note: No payment plan can be set-up once the semester has started.

Important: Students who enroll in classes after the final drop for non-payment or enroll after the term begins will not be dropped BUT will incur a financial obligation to the college AND a hold will be placed on their record if payment is not received. This hold will block future registration (adds, drops, withdrawals), grades, diplomas, or verification of enrollment until all fees are paid. Any unpaid balances could be forwarded to a Collection agency which will incur additional costs.

Start of Intersession
Monday, January 2, 2024

Start of Spring
Monday, January 29, 2024

Students who are enrolled in classes when the term begins, and have not paid fees, WILL NOT be dropped for non-payment. Students will incur a financial obligation to the college AND a hold will be placed on their record if payment is not received or they do not drop prior to the refund deadline. This hold will block future registration (adds, drops), grades, diplomas, or verification of enrollment until all fees are paid. 

Once the Term Has Started:

Students who register for classes after the term begins WILL NOT be dropped for non-payment. Students will incur a financial obligation to the college AND a hold will be placed on their record if payment is not received. This hold will block future registration (adds, drops), obtaining transcripts, grades, diplomas, or verification of enrollment until all fees are paid.

Spring Non-Payment Drop Schedule

Students who have not paid their account balance in full may be dropped for non-payment of fees as follows:

• November 16, 2023 (Thursday) at 3:00 pm: CANCELED
• November 30, 2023 (Thursday) at 3:00 pm: For Registration between October 30 and November 23
• December 7, 2023 (Thursday) at 3:00 pm: For Registration between November 24 and November 30
• December 14, 2023 (Thursday) at 3:00 pm: For Registration between December 1 and December 7
• January 11, 2024 (Thursday) at 3:00 pm: For Registration between December 8 and January 4
• January 18, 2024 (Thursday) at 3:00 pm: For Registration between January 5 and January 11
• January 25, 2024 (Thursday) at 3:00 pm: For Registration between January 12 and January 18
• January 26, 2024 (Friday) at 3:00 pm: For Registration between January 19 and January 25

Any registration that occurs on or after January 26 will not be dropped for non-payment. Students that enroll are responsible for paying their fees or withdrawing from classes prior to the refund deadline to cancel fees.

IMPORTANT: Students are responsible for any fees incurred and grades received. It is the student's responsibility to drop classes by the State mandated refund deadline to avoid fee obligations. Students are strongly encouraged to print a student class program (available via MyGWC) to verify the drop. (The class will no longer appear on the student class program.) Not showing up to class for the first class meeting does not equate to withdrawing from a class. If you do not attend a class in which you are enrolled you must drop yourself from the class by the refund deadline. Drops are completed online via MyGWC.

1. I just registered for my classes, when are fees due? I can I pay them?

You have 48-hours after you register to pay your fees. You can pay for them using your credit card at www.mygwc.com. You may also pay your fees in-person in Admissions and Records (by cash, credit or debit, or by check). Students with a BOG Fee Waiver must still pay the required health fee, College Service Charge and materials fees or you will be dropped from your classes if you register prior to the start of the semester.

2. How do I apply for Financial Aid?

Apply for Federal Financial Aid as early as possible beginning in January of each year by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You will need to obtain a PIN number for this to be completed online at https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch. For additional information on Financial Aid, visitwww.goldenwestcollege.edu/gwcfao. You will likely need to complete your file prior to an award letter being issued. This often includes verification of your (and parents if under 24) tax records, copies of W2 forms, Independent/Dependent Student Verification form, and projected Education Plan.

3. How do I check my Financial Aid Status?

1. Log in to your MyGWC account
2. Click on FINANCIAL AID. The Financial Aid tab will only appear if a Financial Aid application is on file
3. Select VIEW MY FINANCIAL AID STATUS
4. Select the correct award year from the drop-down menu
5. After selecting the correct award year, the 'Home' tab will appear with completed or incomplete items on your financial aid file
6. ALL requirements must be completed, so a Financial Aid Specialist may review your file
7. After you complete all the requirements, please check your student email regularly for correspondence from Financial Aid.

4. Where can I find out about scholarships?

GWC Scholarship Applications are available from November-January on the Financial Aid website at www.goldenwestcollege.edu/scholarships. Numerous scholarships are available to students attending Golden West College. Listed below are the minimum qualifications needed to apply for Golden West College Scholarships.

• You must have completed at least 12 units at Golden West College prior to the first day of the Spring semester.
• You must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (gpa) of 2.00 (subject to change).
• You must be enrolled in and complete at least 6.0 units during the Spring semester.
• You must plan to enroll in a minimum of 6.0 units at a college or university in the Fall semester. Some awards may not be transferable.
• You must complete a golden West College Scholarship Application and submit it to the Financial Aid Office. Be sure to indicate any unique financial need you might have that makes you deserving of scholarship assistance.

*Scholarship funding is limited and meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee that you will receive a scholarship. By meeting the minimum criteria listed above, you will be considered for awards that mandate “GWC General Criteria” for initial eligibility.

**Some awards are awarded by various departments on campus (Arts & Letters, Nursing, Technology, Science, etc.). Based upon your major area, your application will be forwarded to the appropriate department for review if you qualify. Individual departments have their own criteria and committees that evaluate each applicant.

Scholarships are also available to continuing Golden West College students. Applications are available in January for the following academic year. Generally, students need at least 12 units earned at Golden West College and a cumulative GPA of 2.0.

Other scholarship websites include https://www.fastweb.com/, https://www.collegenet.com/, and https://finaid.org/. Another helpful website for students looking for ways to pay for school is https://icanaffordcollege.com/.

5. I am an unemployed single parent. Are there any programs to assit with paying for fees and books?

You may be eligible to participate in the following programs. Please contact each office to obtain eligibility information.

Re-Entry/CalWORKs Center 714-895-8111 www.goldenwestcollege.edu/calworks

The Re-Entry/CalWORKs Programs offer specialized support services to parents receiving CalWORKs/TANF/GAIN benefits for themselves to ensure a smooth transition into the college environment. Support services consist of individualized counseling, career assessment, transportation assistance, book bag and school supplies, free student success workshops, job development assistance, resume preparation and job interviewing skills, and may also include child care assistance and work-study opportunities, if funding is available.

EOPS & C.A.R.E.714-895-8768 www.goldenwestcollege.edu/eops

Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) and Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (C.A.R.E.) are designed to assist students from low-income and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. Service includes counseling and guidance, program advisement, tutoring, grants, and transfer assistance.