New Students

Welcome NEW students!

You are considered a new student if you have never attended Golden West College, or if you have taken a break in attendance for one semester or longer (returning students need to re-apply).

How Do I Qualify for Admission?

Anyone 18 years of age or older and who can profit from instruction qualifies for admission to a California Community College.

If under age 18, you will qualify for admission if you have satisfied one of these:

1. Graduated from high school.
2. Passed the California High School Certificate of Proficiency Test or the equivalent.
3. Completed the 10th grade and received permission from your high school principal and parent to attend. (see High School Students)

Here are the steps to register:

1) Apply Online – click here to apply

Once your application is processed, you will receive an email (or be mailed a letter) containing your student ID number and your username and password for your MyGWC account. Don’t loose this info as this will now be the only way we contact you. Within your MyGWC account you have a student email. Check this email, as this is where we will send you your registration date and time. You can register on or anytime after that date and time  but don’t delay -or the class you needed could be full.

2) Make an appointment and take your assessment tests

This involves taking placement tests in English, reading and mathematics. It is not a pass or fail test, but a measurement of your English and Math skills to help choose the correct level of courses.

Visit the Assessment Center on campus to make an appointment.

3) Orientation

Online orientation is the only option for Non-SOAR students. Unfortunately, Counseling no longer offers on-campus orientations to the general student population. You are eligible to make a personal appointment with a counselor during your first semester but it is difficult getting an appointment prior to your registration time due to the high volume of appointments.

4) Register for your classes

Go to www.mygwc.com and login to your account using the username and password assigned to you. You will be asked to change your password and set up your security questions the first time you login. Follow the directions listed and select your courses. Classes that are full will have a waitlist to sign up on. It is also a good idea to have a back-up schedule ready.

5)   PAY!

If you look at our process online you will see this step is assumed, not listed. It is very important that you pay for your classes when you register. You will otherwise be dropped from the classes. (See Non-Payment Drop Schedule)