Admissions FAQ

My child wants to take a class at ECC during their high school academic year. What do I need to do?

1. Discuss your child’s interest in attending ECC with their high school counselor prior to beginning the application process as their approval is required. Secondary and home-schooled students will be limited to registering for a maximum of six (6) credit hours per semester (fall and spring) and three (3) credit hours in the summer semester.
2. Students interested in enrolling must complete the following steps:
   • ​Read the Dual Enrollment information on our website for complete details.
     • Contact the Admissions Specialist by calling 847-214-7385 to discuss the process for Secondary and Home-School Student Admission.
     • Complete and submit the following documentation prior to the meeting:
       • Permission for Secondary or Home School Admission Form.
       • Apply for Admission to Elgin Community College
       • Placement testing – To be eligible for Secondary/Home School Student Admission, students must demonstrate ability to be successful in college courses through ACT or PSAT or SAT scores or the college’s placement tests. Placements tests are offered in writing, reading and mathematics. Students will only take the mathematics placement test if they plan to enroll in courses with a math prerequisite. Students whose placement test results indicate remedial course placement (those courses numbered under 100) will not be allowed to enroll in credit classes.
       • Students may be waived from placement testing if they have met the following minimum requirements. To receive a waiver, students must submit their ACT/PSAT/SAT score report information to the ECC Admissions Office on campus in Building B, Room B110.
         1. Reading: ACT Reading score of 19 or PSAT/SAT Verbal 480
         2. Writing: ACT English score of 19 or PSAT/SAT English 480
         3. Math: ACT Math score of 22 or PSAT/SAT Math 530
       • Submit a transcript of high school course work or list of curricular completions for home schooled students.
       • Meet with an Admissions Coordinator. The student and at least one parent/guardian must attend this meeting. Completed documentation outlined above must be submitted to the Admissions Office prior to the meeting for review. To arrange an appointment, call an Admissions Specialist at 847-214-7385.
       • Registration – The student may enroll in a maximum of 6 credits per fall and spring semester, and 3 credits in the summer while in high school. The student will register for courses once all criteria is met and if space is available in the course(s).  No late registrations are allowed.
       • Registration may take place during the open registration period for the semester requested once all the above requirements have been met by the student and as long as space is available.
       • Once the student has enrolled, that student is responsible for making payments by the published payment deadline. Visit Payment Options for details and due dates.
       • Dual Enrollment students will meet with their academic advisor each semester in order to continue enrollment until they graduate from high school.