How do you apply as a freshman to LaGuardia Community College?

I'm thinking about applying to LaGuardia Community College and was wondering what the process is like for a freshman. Are there any specific requirements or steps I should be aware of? Any tips for making my application stand out?

Applying to LaGuardia Community College, or any community college, typically has a less complex process than applying to a four-year university.

1. Application: You can apply directly through LaGuardia's website. The application is fairly straightforward and mainly requires your personal information, high school transcript, and citizenship or visa status.

2. High School Transcript: LaGuardia will ask for your high school transcript. You'll likely need to request this through your high school's guidance department. Some high schools have online systems to handle this, and others require you to fill out a form in person.

3. Assessment Test: Upon submitting your application, you may have to take a placement test for English and mathematics. This will help the advisors place you in appropriate courses. However, these tests might be waived if you have SAT, ACT, or AP scores that meet their criteria, or if your high school GPA is high enough.

4. Advisement: Following the completion of the application and testing process (if necessary), you will be required to take part in an academic advisement and registration session. During this session, you'll register for your classes and meet with an academic advisor to discuss your educational plans.

5. Financial Aid: If you need financial aid, be sure to fill out the FAFSA form, which stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Including LaGuardia's school code will direct your information to them and they can construct your financial aid package.

As for making your application stand out, community colleges generally have open admissions policies, meaning they accept any student who applies as long as they have a high school diploma or equivalent. Therefore, the focus should be less on standing out and more on completing each step of the process timely and accurately.

Do keep in mind that qualifying for certain programs, opportunities, or scholarships at LaGuardia might have more specific requirements. For example, Honors programs often look for students with strong GPAs and demonstrated leadership potential. You might need to write an essay or a letter of interest for these programs.

Finally, while LaGuardia might not look at extracurricular activities for admission, participating in clubs, sports, volunteering, or a job could help you when applying for scholarships or specialty programs. So it's worth mentioning if the application asks for this information.

Best of luck with your application! Please verify this information with LaGuardia's admissions office, as requirements can change.