Frequently Asked Questions

Gateway to College students have dropped out or are in danger of dropping out because they are behind in credits. Most of our students left high school with a GPA of 2.0 or less. Promising students who drop out because of unfortunate circumstances do well at Gateway to College. All applicants should consider the tough workload, time management skills, and amount of homework necessary to do well in a college environment.

You will work closely with a Resource Specialist who is dedicated to your success. Your Resource Specialist will guide you through the college experience as an academic advisor; teach you about careers, time management, set academic goals, provide you with referrals to community resources and identify and manage issues before they escalate into problems. We will help you find creative solutions to all sorts of challenges (homelessness, daycare, transportation, childcare, lack of motivation, etc.) The KEY component to success is communication: we can't help you if we don't know what's going on.

Each student has a different schedule based upon their classes, so the school day is different for everyone. While Gateway students typically spend less time in actual classes than high school students, the amount of work required outside the classroom is MUCH greater. Expect to spend three hours on homework and projects for every one hour you are in class.

Gateway to College is a scholarship program. The scholarship pays for college tuition and books. Gateway students are expected to pay any other fees associated with their course work and college participation. There may be additional fees if a student earns less than a grade of ‘C’ in any class and must repeat a college credit-bearing course to meet high school diploma requirements.

Gateway to College students may receive a bus pass that is valid for each academic semester. Only one bus pass is distributed per student. If the bus pass is lost or stolen, we do not replace bus passes. If students choose to drive, they must take their parking ticket to get validated at the security/guard desk.

Many of our students have young children, and Gateway to College’s flexible schedule is helpful. However, young parents often feel overwhelmed by the workload and homework and need to have contingency plans in place. All applicants, especially young parents who are juggling multiple responsibilities, should consider the tough workload, extra transportation time, and amount of homework necessary to do well in the Gateway to College

Yes if the student's IEP team and/or school counselor determines that the college-based accommodation available through GWCC is adequate to meet the student's needs.

Some Gateway to College students participates in high school events such as prom and graduation. Some Gateway to College students even plays sports for their high school. Some Gateway to College students chooses to never have contact with their high schools.

It is very difficult to juggle the demands of college and a job, especially in the first semester. If you need to have a job, work with your Resource Specialist to find a manageable schedule that allows you to juggle your multiple demands. School needs to be your top priority. If you are not successful academically, you will lose your scholarship and will be withdrawn from the program.

Interested students MUST meet with their school counselor. That begins a process that includes ta applying, a written essay, and an interview. Feel free to contact our main line at 203.285.2205 for more information.