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Laney College

How to Apply for the Gateway to College Program

How to Apply for the Gateway to College Program

 

Are you …

 

  • 16 to 20 years old. Must be able to graduate the semester after your 21st birthday.
  • A resident of Alameda County, and
  • Behind in high school credits for age/grade and have left or intend to leave high school at the end of the term?

 

… then you may be eligible for Gateway to College!

 

5-Step Application Process

 

Step 1: Complete our – Gateway to College – Student Interest List (Spring 2023 Semester – Will be Available Mid-October)

  • Complete the online interest list
  • Fill out all information to the best of your ability
  • Contact the GTC office if you are having trouble or need assistance filling out the form

 

Step 2: Attend a Information Session (Reservations are Required)

The MANDATORY Spring 2023 Gateway to College interest list and schedule of upcoming sessions are located on the Information Sessions page beginning Mid – October.

All Information Sessions will be held on Thursdays via Zoom through remote conferencing. Please ensure you attend the scheduled online zoom on time.

Make sure to reserve your place at an Information Session by calling Gateway to College at 510-766-0092, or by emailing us at gateway@peralta.edu.

You should have a pen and some paper to take notes, and perhaps a list of questions you might have ahead of time.

 

At the Information Session, you will:

  • Learn more about the structure, requirements, and benefits of the program.
  • Have a chance to ask questions about the program.
  • Meet key Gateway to College staff members.
  • Have an opportunity to share more about why you are interested in this program.

Note: After you attend an Information Session you will receive an email notification with our Gateway to College Application. You may email our GTC Staff Assistant with the GTC Application as a attachment.

 

Step 3: Complete a Application Packet

  • After students attend a Information Session, they will receive follow up communication with our Fall 2020 Application Attached to it.
    • Interested students will be able to complete all required application documents online.
  • Request a copy of your transcripts from all high schools that you have attended.
  • Complete the Consent to Release Confidential Information Form, sign it, and, if you are under the age of 18, have your parent or guardian sign it as well.
  • Take the School District Information Form to the last school attended, and request that a school representative fill out and sign it.
  • Please do not provide Social Security Numbers within any Applications. We will contact potential students and parent/parent guardians regarding additional information.

Want to Complete the GTC Application Early ?

Click on the link below:

GTC -2023-New Student Application Packet

Step 4: Participate in an Individual Interview

Once you have completed all of the required assessments, you will be scheduled for an individual interview.

Your interview will be one-on-one with a Gateway to College staff member, and will allow you to discuss any questions you have about the program.  This is our chance to get to know you in an individual setting and learn more about your strengths and your motivation.

Interviews will typically be about half an hour long but can be longer.

Interviews will be conducted through Zoom conference and/or Phone appointments.

 

Step 5: Student Selection Committee Review

The Student Selection Committee will review all applications for the program. This is a competitive process, and acceptance to the program is not guaranteed as space is limited.

The Student Selection Committee will be evaluating applicants based on the following factors:

 

  • Meets all the eligibility requirements.
  • Application is complete, and all application materials were turned in by the date of the interview.
  • Displays positive behavior, attitude, and participation at the Course Placement tests.
  • Completes the Individual Interview.
  • Expresses a commitment to completing the Gateway to College program.

 

If you are accepted, you will also receive an invitation to attend the New Student Orientation, during which you will get your class schedule, learn about program policies, expectations, and procedures, meet your counselor, receive information about books, go on a campus tour, and learn about Laney College and Gateway policies. Please note that New Student Orientation attendance and participation is mandatory! If you are unable to participate in the Orientation you may be waitlisted for the following term.

If for some reason, you do not receive a call and/or notification letter, please call us at 510-766-0092 to check on your status.  If you haven’t heard from us, do not wait until the first day of classes to check on your acceptance status. We are not responsible for mail not getting to you if you did not give us an accurate address and/or if you have moved since you applied and did not provide us with your new address.

Good luck and thank you for your interest in the Gateway to College Program!