Steps to Enroll

Read the information below to learn about the specific steps students need to take in order to enroll for classes at Galveston College.

New Students

New students and students who have not been at Galveston College within the past 12 months must follow all steps below to register for credit courses.

Continuing / Returning Students

Students who have been at Galveston College within the past 12 months may skip to step 5 below.

Students who have a hold on their record will be prevented from registering for new classes until the hold is cleared. Students may view their hold via the Whitecaps Portal and should contact the listed office to clear the obligation.

Registration is not complete until payment is complete. For assistance with setting up a payment plan, watch this video.

For payment options, please contact the Business Office at 409-944-1362.

Steps to Enroll:

Step 1 - Apply for Admission

Students must apply for admission to Galveston College and submit all supporting documentation.

Information on applying to the college and supporting documentation may be found by visiting the Admissions Office page.

Step 2 - Apply for Financial Aid

Galveston College offers many types of financial aid to assist eligible students to pay for courses. Visit the Financial Aid page for more information on applying for federal aid.

Step 3 - Submit Transcripts and Required Documents

All new students are required to submit official transcripts from all institutions attended (colleges/universities and high schools, or equivalent). Students with more than 15 earned college credits do not need to submit a high school transcript to Admissions; however, students seeking federal financial aid must submit an official high school transcript or its equivalent (GED/certificate of high school equivalency) in addition to all college transcripts.

OFFICIAL HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS

An official transcript must be submitted directly from the home school to Galveston College. The transcript must have the student's graduation date, along with a certifying signature. Transcripts submitted by the student without being in a sealed envelope from the school are not considered official.

NOTE: Galveston College defines a home school as a school where the parent or guardian is directly involved in the instructional process.

COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS

College transcripts must be submitted from all institutions attended. Transcripts must be submitted in a sealed envelope directly from the institution. Transcripts submitted by the student which are not in a sealed envelope from the institution are not considered official.

Some colleges may also send transcripts electronically directly to Galveston College. Students should contact their sending institution for electronic transcript options. Emailed transcripts from the student are not considered official.

MAILED TRANSCRIPTS

All transcripts should be mailed to:

Galveston College
Admissions Office
4015 Avenue Q
Galveston, TX 77550

BACTERIAL MENINGITIS

Students less than 22 years of age must submit proof of vaccination against Bacterial Meningitis (unless exempt). Please visit the Bacterial Meningitis page for requirements.

OTHER DOCUMENTATION

Other/additional documentation may be required as part of the enrollment process. Students will receive an email/letter with any additional requirements. Students may also view their required documents via myGC in the Whitecaps Portal.

Step 4 - Take the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment

The State of Texas requires all students to be assessed in Mathematics, Reading, and Writing to determine course placement and eligibility. Some students may be exempt from taking the TSI assessment.

Students may also visit with a Counselor or Advisor in the Counseling/Advising Center (Moody Hall, Room 150) to determine if the TSI assessment is required.

Step 5 - Complete New Student Orientation

All first-time college students are required to complete a New Student Orientation before registering for classes. The New Student Orientation is an important part of the enrollment process and is designed to help you succeed. For your convenience, we offer both in-person and online New Student Orientation options.

Visit the New Student Orientation page for orientation dates and information. The online version can be accessed through your Whitecaps Portal.

Step 6 - Visit with an Advisor/Counselor

New students should visit with their Advisor/Counselor or Program Coordinator to plan their schedule and map out their career and educational goals. Continuing or returning students are encouraged to keep in touch with their assigned advisor to stay on track to graduation.

Step 7 - Register for Classes

Students may register in-person or online using the Whitecaps Portal. Detailed instructions for registering online are as follows: