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Becoming a CLC Student

STEP 1 - Complete a Student Admission Form

You may complete the form online at www.clcillinois.edu/apply. CLC will process the form within one business day, however, it may take up to 10 business days before you receive your official acceptance letter in the mail.

Learn about areas of study at CLC. Explore careers that interest you. This will help you plan your academic journey.

Visit www.clcillinois.edu/admission or call (847) 543-2085 for information about requirements for 1) students age 15 and under, 2) students ages 16-17 who did not graduate from high school and no longer attend, and 3) admission to academic programs with additional requirements.

Additional information regarding admissions policies can be found on our Admissions and Academic Information page. Printed Admission Forms are available at all three CLC campuses. If you have any questions about the application process, contact the Welcome and One Stop Center at 847-543-2085.

Admission Information for Non-U.S. Citizens: If you are not a U.S. citizen and have questions about attending the college, contact Registration Services at (847) 543-2061.

After you submit your admission form, schedule a meeting with your College and Career Navigator (CCN):

Welcome and One Stop Center
Grayslake Campus, Room B114
(847) 543-2085

STEP 2 - Learn your CLC myLogin and set up your account

After you submit your admission form, expect 2 separate emails within 1 business day containing:

  • Your username

  • Your temporary password

Use your username and temporary password to sign into the CLC student portal.

Need help signing in? Contact the Help Desk at (847) 543-4357.

All new students will also receive an official admission letter with their login information via U.S. Mail. Your username and password will give you access to the myCLC Portal, including myStudentCenter, your source for registration information, class search, adding and dropping classes, making payments, viewing your class schedule, grades, transcript and many other features.

Once you have your username and temporary password, you can set up your account at your CLC Student Portal.

STEP 3 - Demonstrate that you meet proficiencies and prerequisites

Submit transcripts, test scores, placement tests, etc.

If you're in high school or completed high school/GED, submit:

The required SAT scores for college reading and writing readiness and basic Algebra readiness are as follows:

  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 470 or above

  • SAT Math score of 530 or above

The required ACT scores for college reading and writing readiness and basic Algebra readiness are as follows:

  • ACT Reading score of 17 or above and English score of 17 or above

  • ACT Math score of 22 or above

Note: If you do not meet the required scores through transcripts or standardized testing, you may need to take the English Directed Self Placement (DSP) and/or the CLC ALEKS Math Placement. Your College and Career Navigator (CCN) has more information.

If you are transferring from another college/university, submit:

  • Official college/university transcript to records@clcillinois.edu

  • Prerequisite verification from Prior College Coursework or Transfer Credit Evaluation Request. Access these forms in the CLC student portal (search “Student Records”)

  • Please consult with your College and Career Navigator for questions regarding international transcripts

If you need more information about college placement policies, check out:

Proficiencies

CLC has established language and mathematics (basic algebra readiness) proficiency requirements. These proficiencies are basic requirements for college-level courses. There are a number of ways for students to demonstrate they are proficient. Please see our Proficiencies page for more information.

Prerequisites

There are several types of prerequisites that may apply to courses, and these must be met prior to enrolling. Students who attempt to enroll without having met a prerequisite will see an error message “Requisites not met,” and should check the course description for more information.

Placement Test Prerequisites are used to determine a student’s appropriate beginning course level for mathematics, computer information technology, administrative office systems, English as a Second Language and adult basic education. Tests are available free of charge at the Testing Center.

Call (847) 543-2076 for details.

Course Prerequisites are required when the student should have specific knowledge or skills in order to benefit from the course.

Course Co-requisites are required when the student should be enrolled in multiple courses at the same time (unless the corequisite was completed in a prior term).

Official Transcripts

An official transcript is one that is sent directly from a prior institution to Student Records. If your name has changed, please request that your new name is on the transcript.

 Official transcripts will only be reviewed for transfer credit if a Request for Evaluation of Prior College Transcript form is submitted to Student Records. Forms are available at www.clcillinois.edu/studentforms.

STEP 4 - Apply for financial aid and scholarships

If you are concerned about paying for college, apply for financial aid. CLC offers a complete package of financial aid options (state and federal grants, scholarships, loans and work-study). We encourage students to apply, even if they think they may not be eligible.

Financial aid

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Illinois Alternative Application.

Note: After you apply for financial aid, go to the Student Portal and check your to-do list for financial aid items.

Many factors go into determining financial aid eligibility, so don’t assume you won’t qualify. For more information about applying for financial aid, contact the Welcome and One Stop Center in Room B114 at the Grayslake Campus, call (847) 543-2062 or visit www.clcillinois.edu/financialaid.

Scholarships

Complete the general and supplemental applications for CLC Foundation scholarships.

Apply by the deadline for full consideration for scholarship awards. Applications may continue to be accepted after the submission deadlines depending on fund availability.

Get more information about paying for college!

Questions?
Connect with a financial aid specialist:
(847) 543-2062
finaid@clcillinois.edu

STEP 5 - Register for Classes

After completing steps 1-4, schedule a time to meet with your College and Career Navigator (CCN). Your CCN will be your academic advisor you for your first semester, and will help you choose and register for classes.

Your CCN sets up your first-semester classes. Then your Academic Success Advisor (ASA) takes over to help you choose classes going forward. Your ASA sticks with you through graduation and helps you stay on track to reach your college goals.

Schedule a meeting with your College and Career Navigator (CCN) by contacting the Welcome and One Stop Center:

Welcome and One Stop Center
Grayslake Campus, Room B114
(847) 543-2085

STEP 6 - Participate in new student orientation and convocation

After registering for classes, attend the New Student Convocation.

This is a fun and informative event. You'll meet other students and learn about resources to help you be successful at CLC.

You'll get more information about the New Student Convocation in your CLC student email.

STEP 7 - Pay Tuition and Fees by the due date

Explore payment options. If you're receiving military financial aid or veteran benefits, read this important information.

Learn more about paying for college

CLC enforces tuition payment deadlines, so it is important to make payment arrangements by your payment due date. To avoid being dropped for nonpayment, students should set up an installment payment plan, pay 40% or more of their balance due, or owe $500 or less. Students receiving financial are eligible for an installment payment plan under the “deferred” option. The installment plan only goes into effect if your aid does not cover your full tuition and fee obligation. Students will be dropped from their classes if they have not made payment arrangements. Veterans: Refer to the Veteran’s Request for Certification Form for payment plan requirements, or contact Veteran Student Services at (847) 543-2018.

Visit www.clcillinois.edu/payment for details on drop dates and payment options. For more information about tuition payment, call (847) 543-2085. For information about financial aid, call (847) 543-2062.

STEP 8 - Get your textbooks

CLC has a bookstore on each campus, with the Grayslake Campus stocking books for all classes. Ordering online at www.clcillinois.edu/bookstore is the best way to find out pricing and availability. Orders can be picked up at any campus or shipped to your home. When buying in store, please print the Course Material List from the bookstore site to order. Currently, over 350 titles can be rented. Information can be found on the CLC Bookstore website or by calling (847) 543-2086.

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