Gateway to College - Application Process

Application Process for Gateway to College

Please review the Program Overview and Eligibility Criteria before completing the application process.

Step 1: Obtain an application packet

Contact the Gateway to College office and request an application packet. You can call (864-646-1461) or email us at gatewaytocollege@tctc.edu.

Step 2: Complete an application packet

Complete all forms provided in the packet – be sure to sign where indicated.
Provide written responses to the 3 questions – be sure to write neatly.
Get a copy of your transcripts from all high schools that you have attended as well as exit exam reports.
Complete the “Consent Form” (included in the application) and sign it. If you are under the age of 18, have your parent or guardian sign it as well.
Take the “School District Information Form” and “Student Referral Form" to your former high school or school district office (if you were enrolled in a public high school in Anderson, Oconee, or Pickens County or, if not, the high school district office closest to where you live) and have someone there complete them. (The high school or district office must refer and approve students attending Gateway to College. A signed “Agency Referral Form” must be presented with your application packet to be considered for acceptance.)
Note: Students who want to be sponsored by Pendleton High School in Anderson District Four should first contact the high school and discuss their interest in Gateway with a counselor. An official from the school or district office will then contact the Director of Gateway to College and, if appropriate, agree to have the student progress through the selection/evaluation process. Once a student has been accepted into the program, an official from the high school or district office will submit the Student Referral Form" to the Gateway to College Office.

Step 3: Attend an Information Session

Sign up for an Information Session by calling the Gateway to College office (864-646-1461). You can’t just show up – you must have a space reserved in advance!
Bring all your completed application materials with you to the session.
Review this general information:
- Your parent/guardian (or other adult) is welcome to attend the Information Session with you. In fact, we offer a break-out discussion just for parents and family members.

During the session you will receive detailed information about the Gateway to College program and have a chance to ask questions. We will also review your application materials to be sure you meet all basic eligibility requirements.
You will be required to complete a reading test during part of the session.
Information sessions usually last about 2-1/2 hours.
Directions to the building/room location (and parking instructions) will be provided when you call to sign up for the information session.

Step 4: Attend a 2-day Evaluation Session

At the end of the Information Session, if you meet all eligibility requirements, you’ll be referred to a 2-day Evaluation Session. (See below for what happens if you’re not eligible to continue with the Gateway application process.) Each day will be about 4 hours long. The Evaluation Sessions require 100% attendance and completion of in-class and homework assignments. You must arrive on time to each session.

During the evaluation session, you will complete assessments in writing and mathematics. Your scores will give us an indication as to whether you have the basic skills needed to achieve success in a college-level academic environment. Also during the evaluation session you will complete a career interest inventory and a learning styles inventory. You will also participate in an individual interview with one of the Gateway staff members. A number of topics will be discussed during the interview that provide us with an opportunity to get to know you a little better in an individual setting and to learn more about your strengths, challenges, and motivation. Of course, during the interview you may certainly ask additional questions or get clarification about issues that may be of particular interest to you. Interviews usually take about half an hour. Toward the conclusion of the Evaluation Session, you will have an opportunity for some guided exploration of Tri-County’s website to look at course offerings, College services, student activities, and other topics.

If you are not referred to an Evaluation Session, you will meet with one of our staff members who will provide you with information about high school diploma and GED programs available through Palmetto Youth Connections and area adult education programs. Even though Gateway may not be right for you, we want to be sure you get connected to the program that is the right fit – your educational success is important to us!

Step 5: Selection Committee Review

The selection committee is comprised of the program director, resource specialists, outreach coordinator, and the licensed professional counselor. The committee reviews carefully all completed applications for the Gateway to College program. Acceptance is not guaranteed – we accept only qualified students on a space-available basis.

The selection committee evaluates applicants based on the following factors:

Application is complete.
Meets all eligibility requirements.
Legal resident of South Carolina.
Achieves the minimum standard scores on all evaluations.
Demonstrates positive behavior and attitude, and participated actively during the Information Session, Evaluation Session, and individual interview.
Appears committed and motivated to completing a high school diploma and a college credential through the Gateway to College program.
Adequate support system at home (or appropriate accommodations seem to have been made).
Diploma requirements remaining, academic level, and age seem reasonably aligned. (For example, someone who’s 19, needs 20 units for the diploma, and has borderline test scores may not be able to complete Gateway before he/she reaches the age limit.)

You will receive a letter regarding the Selection Committee’s decision. If you are accepted, you’ll receive an additional letter of acceptance with details about new student orientation, additional paperwork that must be completed, and contact information for your assigned Resource Specialist. Once the admissions process is complete, you’ll meet with your Resource Specialist to register for classes, receive textbooks, and receive a bill for appropriate College fees that you’ll need to pay before the semester begins.