How to Apply
How to Apply for the Gateway to College program
5-Step Application Process
|
Please review the eligibility requirements before applying to the program. You qualify for Gateway to College if you:
|
Step 1: Complete an Application Packet – The application packet can be mailed to you, or you can download the application packet from our website at www.elaney.org/wp/gateway
- Complete the application packet in full. Don’t forget to sign it.
- Complete your written answers to the 3 essay questions.
- Get 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.
Step 2: Attend an Information Session – Reservations are Required
Information Sessions are held at Laney College, Room A-203
Bring all your application materials to the Information Session. These include your application packet, your essays, your transcripts, and your completed “School District Information Form.”
At the Information Session, you will:
- Take a reading level test
- Get an overview on the Gateway to College program, and the expectations and benefits of the program
- Have a chance to ask questions about the program
- Have your application materials reviewed to make sure you meet all basic eligibility requirements
- Allow us the chance to meet you and learn why you are interested in this program
|
IMPORTANT: If you are driving, you may park at the meters on 10th or 8th Street. Be prepared to pay for parking while you attend the Information Session, Evaluation Sessions, and the Individual Interview. |
Step 3: Attend a 2-day Evaluation Session
At the Information Session, if you meet the eligibility requirements and demonstrate at least an 8th grade reading level on your reading test, you will be referred to a 2-day Evaluation Session. Each day will be about 2 hours long. You may choose to complete all the evaluations in one day.
This gives you the opportunity to show us that you have the reading, writing, and math skills necessary to achieve success in an academic environment. The Evaluation Sessions will require 100% attendance, and you must be on time to each session.
You must be referred to an Evaluation Session from an Information Session. You can not attend an Evaluation without attending an Information Session first.
Step 4: Participate in an Individual Interview
At the Information Session, in addition to the Evaluation Sessions, you will also be scheduled for an Individual Interview. Again, this is only if you meet the eligibility requirements.
Your interview will be one-on-one with a Laney 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.
Your interview will normally be the week of your Information Session. Your interview will be about half an hour long.
Step 5: Student Selection Committee Review
The Student Selection Committee will review all applications for the Gateway to College program. It is very important that you turn in all required application materials by the deadline. 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 deadline
- Achieves the minimum standard scores on all evaluations
- Displays positive behavior, attitude, and participation at the Evaluation Sessions
- Completes the Individual Interview
- Displays a commitment to completing the Gateway to College program
You will be notified by letter of the Student Selection Committee’s decision. If you are accepted, you will be sent a letter of acceptance, and an invitation to attend the New Student Orientation, during which you will get your class schedule, learn about program procedures, contact information for your counselor, information about books, a campus tour, and important Laney College policies.
If for some reason, you do not receive a notification letter, please call us at (510) 986-6941 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.
