Enrollment Steps

As we reimagine our Getting Started Workshops for a variety of reasons, the easiest way to get an overview of the whole enrollment process is to watch our short Getting Started video. 

Note that while this video mentions visiting/following up with a variety of student services, the campus buildings will remain closed. See the COVID-19 page for the latest updates.  Most student services are available virtually and via live chat. Please view our Services Directory for key information and contact methods.

Watch the Video

You can fill out the NSIF/Application online anytime. It gets you a student ID (X-number) and allows us to better communicate with you throughout the enrollment process. Note that the NSIF is free and does not commit you to attending Waubonsee.

Due to the current coronavirus pandemic, processing may be delayed. We appreciate your patience. 

Begin Application

To help make your college experience even more affordable, you should apply for financial aid as soon as possible. Federal financial aid includes grants, loans and work-study jobs, and requires the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, along with some additional Waubonsee forms. Note that part-time students are eligible for most financial aid, but certain short-term certificates do not qualify.

Apply for Financial Aid

Waubonsee also offers a variety of scholarships. Applications are due in February for the following academic year.

View Scholarship Opportunities

• High school GPA — new for students entering fall 2020 semester!
  • 3.0 cumulative on unweighted 4.0 scale places you into college-level English
  • 3.0 cumulative on unweighted 4.0 scale AND successful completion in the first semester of a fourth-year math course places you into college-level math
  • Geometry also required for some college math courses
• Standardized testing (ACT, SAT, GED, HiSet)
  • ACT - minimum English and Reading score of 20 (for summer) or 19 (for fall); minimum math score of 22. Submit your ACT scores to Waubonsee now, or if you already have, please email assessment@waubonsee.edu
  • SAT - minimum Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 540 (for summer) or 480 (for fall); minimum math score of 550 (for summer) or 530 (for fall). Submit your SAT scores to Waubonsee now, or if you already have, please email assessment@waubonsee.edu
  • GED - minimum Reasoning Language Arts score of 165; minimum Math Reasoning score of 165. 
  • HiSet - minimum Language Arts - Writing and Reading score of 15 and 4 on essay; minimum math score of 15 
• Placement testing at another college
• Prior coursework

Course Placement Details

If you don’t have prior scores/courses or they are not high enough to place you into college-level, you can take the placement test(s) at any one of Waubonsee’s four campus locations.

Prepare for Placement Testing

There is a lot to know about planning your first semester of college courses, but we try to make it easy by breaking down the basics in a one-hour online tutorial called Pre-Registration Review.

Required for full-time students and strongly recommended for part-timers, Pre-Registration Review guides you through using the college catalog and course schedule to build your first semester and beyond. It is accessible via the mywcc student portal.  

Once you complete Pre-Registration Review, you’ll be ready to register for courses on your own, but it’s also a great time to meet with an Admissions Advisor just to make sure you’re taking the courses that are best for you and your goals.

Access Pre-Registration Review in mywcc*

*Requires X-number and password

The easiest way to do it is online through the mywcc student portal. But don’t forget -- If you have any questions about what courses to take or how to add them to your first-semester schedule, please contact an Admissions Advisor. They’re happy to help!

Get step-by-step registration instructions

To hold your registration, make a tuition payment arrangement within roughly 48 hours (see exact timetable).

• Pay in full (required for less than $200)
• Enroll in an interest-free payment plan
• Provide a verified source (financial aid, scholarships, veterans benefits or employer/3rd party)

Costs and Payment

Time to meet new classmates; learn about Waubonsee's campuses, resources and technology; and get help finalizing your course schedule at New Student Orientation (NSO)!

Once you register for courses, you will be assigned an NSO session. Check your email and snail mail for complete details.

Learn more about New Student Orientation

Be sure to check your schedule and make sure you know when and where your classes meet. Once on campus, you’ll have access to free resources like tutoring, counseling, career exploration and more.

Explore Student Resources

Any questions? Call Admissions at (630) 466-5756