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GATEWAY to COLLEGE

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Frequently Asked Questions : Gateway to College Applicants

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 San Antonio College:

  • 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.
  • Learning community first term courses are reading, writing, math, college survival and success, and academic lab.
  • Students will earn both high school and college credits starting in their first term.
  • Students spend 3-4 hours outside of class working on homework.
  • After successfully completing the learning community first term, students transition onto the Comprehensive Campus.
  • Students enroll in San Antonio 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 learning community first term are selected with the assistance of a Resource Specialist based upon each student's high school completion

What can I achieve in this program?

Students can earn their high school diploma and earn SAC credit toward a certificate or a degree.

How long does 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
  • A diverse group of young people facing many challenges.
  • 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 (Parking is time consuming).
  • 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 San Antonio College policies and procedures.

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 San Antonio College?

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 San Antonio Gateway to College program and will help determine if SAC 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.

Please review the How to Apply for the Gateway to College program page.

Application for Admission

Please read the application carefully before completing. Print clearly in blue or black ink. Be sure to complete the entire application and required essays. Please bring your completed application with you when you come to the Information Session.