Frequently Asked Questions for Gateway to College Applicants

Gateway graduate
How does the Gateway to College program work?

Once you have been admitted, you will be enrolled in a Gateway to College learning community at one of the Portland Community College campuses. The courses in the learning community are offered at 2 different levels, Preparation and Foundation, in order to accommodate a variety of student needs.

  • A learning community is a group of 20-25 students who take all of their first term courses together in preparation for becoming college students on the college campus.
  • First term courses are reading, writing, math, college survival and success, and academic lab.
  • First term courses earn students both high school and college credits.
  • Students spend 3-4 hours outside of class working on homework.

After successfully completing a Foundation learning community, students transition into regular college classes.

  • Students enroll in Portland Community College courses and continue to earn both high school and college credit, as they work towards earning a high school diploma.
  • All courses after the first term are selected with the assistance of a Resource Specialist based upon each student's high school completion plan and educational goals.
What can I achieve in this program?

Students can earn their high school diploma and earn a significant number of college credits toward a certificate or a degree

How long would it take me to earn my high school diploma?

Most students are in Gateway to College for 2-3 years. The exact length of time to earn a diploma varies by a student’s course load and credit needs. Students remain in Gateway to College until they earn a diploma or turn 21. We encourage graduates of the program to continue their college studies to meet their academic goals.

Who are Gateway to College students?

Gateway to College is for students who are:

  • 16 to 20 years old.
  • Behind in high school credits (for age and grade), with a history of absenteeism and low GPA.
  • Students who have fewer than 17 credits when they begin the program
  • Students who live in one of the following school districts: Portland Public, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Lake
  • Reading at an eighth grade level or higher (English proficiency).
  • Able to complete their high school diploma by age 21.
  • Willing to make a long term commitment (two or more years) to work hard to complete high school and progress toward a college degree.

Gateway to College does not serve students who are doing well in high school and want to make an early transition to college. Gateway to College works exclusively with students who have not experienced success in a traditional high school. They are either no longer attending or are significantly behind in credits and are unable to graduate with their peers.

What is expected of me?
  • Students are expected to attend 100% of their classes.
  • Students are expected to come to class on time, be prepared with class materials, and to complete all class and homework assignments.
  • Students are expected to spend 3-4 hours a day working on their homework (outside of class time). We strongly encourage students who have a job to consider the time demands of the program.
  • Students are expected to adhere to all Portland Community College policies and procedures.
What is the cost of the program?

Gateway to College is a scholarship program. The scholarship pays for college tuition and books. Gateway students are expected to pay all fees associated with their course work and college participation. Students are expected to pay a $25 application fee (after being accepted into the Gateway program), as well as student fees that are about $55-$70 each term.

What kind of support will help me be successful in a college setting?

Students who are accepted into the program are assigned a Resource Specialist. Resource Specialists provide support and access to resources to help all students in the program to be successful. Resource Specialists provide the following services:

  • Transcript reviews and academic advising.
  • Assistance with completing enrollment and registration.
  • Referrals to resources, such as tutoring, counseling, student activities, health services, and more.
  • Personal counseling and guidance including assistance with problem solving, time management and stress management.
If I have been on an Individual Education Plan (IEP) at my high school, will I still receive the same services and support at PCC?
Applicants who have received Special Education Services and who have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) in place are required to participate in an IEP meeting in the school district where you currently live. This meeting will involve a manager from the PCC Prep Gateway to College program and will help determine if PCC is an appropriate placement for you. We cannot guarantee that this process can be completed in time for acceptance for the term for which you are applying.
I am enrolled in high school and do not want to withdraw until I know if I have been accepted. Can I be considered for the Gateway to College program if I am still enrolled in high school?
Yes. If you are currently attending high school, please consider staying in school until you know that you have been accepted into the Gateway to College program. Once you have been accepted into the Gateway program, you will need to withdraw from high school. You cannot be dually enrolled in the Gateway to College program and a high school or alternative education program.
How do I apply?
Please review the How to Apply for the Gateway to College program page.
I was in Gateway to College before but didn't finish. Can I return?
See the Gateway to College Appeal Process web page.