Enrollment Steps | Admissions Checklist

This checklist takes new students through the steps to enroll.

If you are currently enrolled at another institution, and would like to enroll at DCCC for courses that will transfer back to your current institution, please visit our Visiting Students page for those enrollment steps.

If you are a high school student seeking dual enrollment at the College, please visit our Dual Enrollment page for the appropriate steps.

Step 1: Apply Online

Step 2: Create a Plan to Fund Your Education

Creating a plan to pay for college now can reduce stress later.

The College offers great academic and career programs with robust student support at a great value. Additionally, most students could qualify for a form of federal financial aid if they apply. Regardless of your planned method to fund your education, including textbooks and supplies, it is best to prepare early.

How do I complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal and state aid?

Go to studentaid.gov to complete the FAFSA.
Be sure to add Delaware County Community College’s school code on the FAFSA: 007110
Pay attention and respond promptly to all communications that follow from the U.S. Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).

When should I complete the FAFSA?
Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA as early as possible! The sooner you complete it, the sooner you will know how much you may be eligible to receive. Once your FAFSA is complete, you will be sent an award letter (text/email) with a breakdown of your cost of attendance and award eligibility to help you plan for funding your education. The FAFSA for each academic year opens October 1 of the year prior to the upcoming academic year (e.g., the 2025-2026 FAFSA opens October 1, 2024).

What if I want financial aid but classes start soon?
The College’s Office of Financial Aid continuously processes FAFSA applications as quickly as possible. However, sometimes delays in processing occur or the Financial Aid Office needs additional information from you. As a result, it is wise to be prepared to pay your bill or enroll in a payment plan if you have completed or will complete your FAFSA within a few weeks of the start of the semester in which you plan to enroll.

Where can I get help completing my financial aid paperwork?
Contact the Office of Financial Aid by calling 610-359-5330, emailing finaid@dccc.edu or scheduling an online appointment to receive assistance. You can also walk into our Financial Aid Computer Lab in the Founders Hall Suite 3500, Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Be sure not to pay for anyone to help you complete your FAFSA. We will help you free of charge!

Are high school dual enrollment students eligible for financial aid?
Unfortunately, not. The College discounts the cost of tuition for high school dual enrollment students as a result.

How do I apply for scholarships at the College?
The College has a select number of recruitment scholarships available, including the Kelleher Connect Career Opportunity Fund for select workforce certificate programs. Students must complete the FAFSA to be considered for scholarships. Contact the Admissions Office (admiss@dccc.edu | 610-359-5050) or visit dccc.edu/scholarships for more information.

How do I apply for scholarships outside of the College?
External scholarships are available at websites such as fastweb.com, scholarships.com, myscholly.com, and niche.com. Please be sure to never pay to apply for a scholarship and contact the Financial Aid Office (finaid@dccc.edu | 610-359-5330) if you have any questions.

Does the College offer payment plans?
We sure do! We highly recommend you first apply for federal student aid by completing the FAFSA or applying for a scholarship. Visit dccc.edu/payment-plan for more information on the College’s flexible payment plans.

Where can I get more information?
Visit dccc.edu/financialaid.

Where can I find tuition & fee information?
Students may visit dccc.edu/tuition.

Step 3: Have Course Placement Determined

Proper course placement helps to ensure student success.

Determining the right level of English and math courses will greatly increase your chances of success. This step is required before you can register for classes.

How can I receive course placement based on standardized test scores?
Students may be able to receive course placement through the following standardized test scores. Students should have their score reports sent to the Assessment Services office at assess@dccc.edu.

Test	Section	Score	School Code
SAT	EBRW	500 or higher	2125
SAT	Math	530 or higher	2125
ACT	Reading	18 or higher	3542
ACT	Math	20 or higher	3542
PSAT	English	500	School codes are not required for the PSAT
PSAT	Math	530	School codes are not required for the PSAT

Keystone Exams | Score, or equivalent, of “Proficient” or “Advanced” in Literature
and/or Algebra

*Please note that all test scores must have been within 5 years of the student starting classes.

Transcripts	Placement	Requirements
College/University	English or Math	A college transcript indicating students have earned a U.S. college degree or have passed college-level English or math at an accredited U.S. college or university.
High School	English	Score of 3 on the AP English Lit/Com Exam, taken with the last 5 years.
High School	English	High school transcript with a GPA of 3.25 or greater for 4 years from an American high school with grades in all English classes of “B” or higher.
High School	Math	High school transcript with GPA of 3.00 or greater for 3 years from an American high school with grades in Algebra II and all other math classes of “B” or higher.

*Please note that all high school transcripts must be within 5 years of the student starting classes.

What if I don’t meet the criteria listed above?
If you are unable to have your placement determined through one of the waiver options listed above, you will need to take a placement test. This computer-based test consists of writing an essay, reading comprehension and mathematics and will help assess your skills to determine appropriate course placements. The test takes approximately two hours.

How can I schedule a placement test?
To schedule a testing session, contact the Testing Center at testingcenter@dccc.edu, call 610-325-2776 or visit dccc.edu/assessment for additional information.

Do I have to come to campus to test?
You have two options for taking the Placement Test:

In-person: Appointments are available for in-person testing following the College’s COVID protocols, and walk-ins are on an available seat basis.
Remote: Proctoring via Zoom.

Should I prepare for the placement test?
Yes! Students are encouraged to be prepared to do their best. Preparing can save you time and money if you are able to place directly into college-level courses. To review basic concepts in mathematics, reading and writing before taking the placement test, visit https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org for sample questions and a free study app.

What if I have a documented disability?
Students with documented learning, physical, and/or psychological disabilities seeking reasonable accommodations for placement testing and/or the classroom should contact the Office of Disability Services at 610-359-5229.

Step 4: Log in to delaGATE & Complete New Student Orientation

Become acquainted with student resources and services.

Learning how to access the College’s resources is key to success. As a result, learning to navigate delaGATE is highly recommended and completion of New Student Orientation (NSO) is required for all students who are new to college. Students must complete the NSO prior to moving to Step 5.

What is delaGATE?
delaGATE is the College’s student portal. The portal allows students to access their student email account and allows them to view important information related to being a student, including class schedules, bills, the academic calendar, and the online orientation.

How can I access delaGATE?
delaGATE can be accessed at delagate.dccc.edu. First-time users can access instructions on how to log in to delaGATE.

What is DUO Security and 2-Step Verification and why is it required?
2-Step Verification helps protect your account from unauthorized access should someone manage to obtain your password and the College has partnered with Duo Security to provide this service. This step is required to protect your data and to improve overall security at the College.

How do I sign up for DUO Security?
Visit the DUO Security FAQ page or the How to Enroll Video for more information.

How can I access my student email account?
Once logged into delaGATE, visit the Student Email link under the Apps menu. Be sure to check your student email account early and often as it is the official way in which the College communicates with students.

Who needs to complete online orientation?

The following groups of students are encouraged, but not required to participate in a mandatory orientation:

Readmitted students
Students who earned a previous college degree

The following groups of students are exempt from participating in a mandatory orientation:

Visiting students (with appropriate documentation)
International students on an F-1 Visa
Paramedic and Emergency Management and Planning majors

How can I access the online orientation?
Visit dccc.edu/orientation or follow the link under the Students menu on delaGATE or under Student Services > New Students on the public website.

What happens after I complete orientation?
Upon FULL completion of New Student Orientation, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. Have this ready to show an academic advisor when you move on to Step 5.

What other resources are available to assist?
Feel free to contact the Admissions Office (610-359-5050 | admiss@dccc.edu) at any point in the process for assistance or check out From Start to Finish: A Student Resource Guide.

Step 5: Academic Advising & Course Selection

Step 6: Pay Your Bill & Get Ready!

You’re almost there!

It is important to make sure your bill is covered by the published due date! Find tips on how to pay your bill and prepare for the start of your classes below.

Where can I access my bill?
View or pay your bill in delaGATE (delaGATE log in required).

When are bills due?
Tuition due dates vary by semester and are listed on the Student Bill.

Who can I contact with questions related to payment?
Our cashiers are ready to answer any questions you may have related to your bill. Feel free to contact the Office of Student Accounts at 610-359-5118 or studentaccounts@dccc.edu.

What if my plans change and I choose not to attend?
It is critical to ensure that you withdraw from classes you do not plan to attend. Do not assume your classes will be dropped or that you will not be charged.

Where can I purchase textbooks?
The College’s bookstore is a great place to purchase your textbooks. Visit dccc.edu/bookstore for more information.

How can I get a student ID?
Get a Student ID card at Enrollment Central (located on the Marple Campus in Founders Hall) or the Learning Commons at branch campuses. Be sure to bring proof of your class registration and a current photo ID with you.

How can I check my class schedule to make sure I registered for classes for the right days, times and locations?
You don’t want to be that person who shows up to the wrong campus or to class on the wrong day. Confirm your class schedule in delaGATE for course start dates, times and locations.

How do I access and start my online or hybrid course?
The College uses Canvas to deliver online, hybrid and classroom courses. To access your courses, log in to delagate.dccc.edu and then click Apps, then Canvas from the upper right part of the screen. Students are encouraged to log in to their online course(s) on the first day of the semester. A welcome letter will be emailed to your student email account within minutes of registering for an online course. Please make sure you read this information.

What else can I do to prepare for the semester?
Remember, you can go back into the Online Orientation to help you prepare for your first semester. Also, asking questions is a sign of strength! Be strong and ask any questions you may have along the way! We are here to help!

I have an online class but no laptop. Can the College help?
The College offers a laptop loan program for students.