Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

Applicants under the age of 18

Don’t follow these steps if…

If you are under 18 and will not have a high school diploma or GED® when starting classes at PCC, there are some extra steps you need to take before you can register for classes.

Things to know before applying:

  • College is an adult learning environment and may not be appropriate for younger students.
  • Registration to some classes is blocked due to safety or content.
  • PCC classes go on your permanent college transcript. Taking college courses too soon can lower your college GPA and impact future eligibility for future financial aid and transfer options.
  • Students younger than 14 cannot register for credit classes (see non-credit classes for students 12-17 year olds: Teen Program)
  • Underage students can only register for college-level courses and cannot use the audit grade option.

How to apply

  1. Apply to PCC

    Complete the application for new students. It’s free and only takes a few minutes. You’ll receive an acceptance email with your username and student ID number.

  2. Complete the orientation

    Learn the basics about PCC in the New Student Orientation. Log in with the username and student ID number from your acceptance email. The orientation takes about 30 minutes.

  3. Set up your MyPCC account

    Use the first time user link on the MyPCC login page to get an account setup code. Create a password, and you’ll be ready to use MyPCC.

  4. Submit placement information

    Most students must meet PCC’s standard prerequisites for reading, writing, and math. Demonstrate that these prerequisites have been met by submitting the following information:

    16-17 years old: submit high school grades

    Reading, writing, and math:

    1. From the MyPCC Home tab Quick Links, click Submit high school grades.
    2. Fill out the form as completely as you can. Click Ready to be placed to submit your grades for placement.
    3. Check your PCC email for a message about placement.
    4. After submitting your grades, you may need to complete other assessments to further determine that you meet prerequisites.
    14-15 years old: take placement tests

    Reading and writing:

    1. Contact a testing center and tell them you need to complete Under the Age of 16 placement. They will need your name and your PCC ID number.
    2. Your results will be sent within one business day to your PCC email address.

    Math:

    1. From the MyPCC Home tab Quick Links, click ALEKS math skills.
    2. Give yourself around 90 minutes to complete the test. Do not use calculators or outside help.
    3. Check your PCC email for a message about placement.
  5. Submit permission forms

    Permission forms must be provided each academic year.

    16-17 years old: school permission

    School permission: have a counselor, administrator, or educational district employee complete the permission to attend PCC form. This form is not required for summer term registration.

    14-15 years old: school + parent permission

    School permission: have a counselor, administrator, or educational district employee complete the permission to attend PCC form. This form is not required for summer term registration.

    Parent permission: complete the parent agreement form. Email the signed agreement along with a front and back copy of the parent or guardian’s valid, government-issued ID to enroll@pcc.edu.

  6. Register for classes

    You can register through your MyPCC account when your registration time opens. See more information about how and when to register.

  7. Make payment arrangements

    You must pay for your classes in full OR have a college-approved payment plan in place two Mondays prior to the start of the term. Explore paying for college options.

Questions?

Have questions about getting started at PCC? We’re here to help: contact us.

GED® is a registered trademark of the American Council on Education and may not be used without permission. The GED® and GED Testing Service® brands are administered by GED Testing Service LLC under license.

PCC provides an Annual Security Report meeting Clery Act requirements. The report shares safety programs, policies, and crime data for the past three years. It also includes steps you can take to maintain a safe campus for everyone.