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My child wants to take a class at ECC while still in high school—how do we get started?
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Before your child applies to Elgin Community College (ECC), they should first talk with their high school counselor to get approval for taking college courses.
High school and home-schooled students can take:
Up to 6 credit hours per semester (fall and spring)
Up to 3 credit hours in summer
For more details or to schedule an appointment, contact an Admissions Specialist at 847-214-7385.
Learn about Dual Enrollment:
Review the Dual Enrollment information on our website for full details.
Contact Admissions:
Call 847-214-7385 to speak with an Admissions Specialist about the admission process for high school or home-schooled students.
Complete the required documents before your meeting:
Permission for Secondary or Home School Admission Form
Apply for Admission to ECC (application is free)
Placement testing may be required depending on the course:
Submit ACT, PSAT, or SAT scores, or take ECC’s placement test.
Math placement is required for math-related courses.
Students scoring below 100 may need developmental courses.
Testing Waivers:
You may be waived from placement testing if you meet one of the following:
Reading: ACT 19 or PSAT/SAT Verbal 480
Writing: ACT 19 or PSAT/SAT English 480
Math: ACT 22 or PSAT/SAT Math 530
To receive a waiver, submit your score report to the ECC Admissions Office (Building B, Room B110).
Home-schooled students:
Provide a transcript or list of completed coursework.
Attend the admissions meeting:
The student and at least one parent or guardian must attend. All required documents must be submitted before the meeting.
Register for classes:
Once approved and if space is available, students can register during the open registration period. Late registrations are not accepted.
Pay for classes:
After registering, the student is responsible for paying tuition by the published deadline. Visit the Payment Options page for details.
Meet with an advisor each semester:
Dual Enrollment students must meet with an academic advisor every semester to continue taking classes until high school graduation.
ECC’s Dual Enrollment program is a great way for motivated students to earn college credit early, explore career interests, and experience a college learning environment with full support and guidance.
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Last updated on Oct 07, 2025
Building B, Room B110
847-214-7385
Fax: 847-608-5458
admissions@elgin.edu