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Recent High School Grads

  1. Not ready to register yet?
    If you still have some unanswered questions about choosing Highland Community College, complete our request information form, contact us at admissions@highland.edu, Email our faculty, call us at 815.599.3612 or take a campus tour.
  2. Apply for admission
    The first thing you need to do is apply for admission. We have no application fee! There are lots of ways to apply:

    • Apply online
    • Pick up an application in your guidance office
    • Download an application form and submit it to the Office of Admissions and Records by fax 815-235-6130 or by mail to: Office of Admissions and Records, 2998 West Pearl City Road, Freeport, IL 61032.
    • Request an application form by calling 815.599.3612 or at admissions@highland.edu.
  3. Apply for financial aid and scholarships
    • Depending on your timing, this step may take place along with #4, #5 and #6.
    • Most scholarships are due in April. You can download scholarship forms on our website.
    • We encourage you to file to the FASFA (Federal Application for Student Financial Aid) form as early as possible. If you need help, contact our Financial Aid office at 815.599.3519. You can complete the FAFSA form online.
  4. Request a Transcript
    If you are a first-time, full-time student, you will need to have your final high school transcript or (HSE) GED certification sent to the Office of Admissions and Records.
  5. Send your SAT or ACT scores
    Students are not required to submit ACT scores to Highland, however, ACT scores will help us design the best class schedule for you.
  6. Take a placement test
    The next step is to take a placement test. Testing is done at high schools throughout the Highland district. To find out if we are testing at your high school, ask your guidance counselor or contact us at admissions@highland.edu. Testing is also provided on campus for all applicants. Click on our page for more information. You may also visit our Sample Placement Page to prepare for the test.
  7. See an advisor
    Our professional advising staff will help you create the right schedule of classes so that you will transfer painlessly or complete your degree on time. Our placement test is intended to help you enroll in classes that aren’t too easy or too difficult for you. Your advisor will help you interpret the results. See the advisor during a visit to your high school or make an appointment by calling 815.599.3573 or Email advising@highland.edu. See our Ask an Advisor chat for FAQs.
  8. Register for classes
    Starting with the spring 2004 semester, students will be able to register online. If you are a first-time student, you’ll need to follow steps 1 – 3 in order to get your personal identification number (PIN) that will make online registration possible. See online registration instructions on our website. Of course, you can always register in the Office of Admissions and Records or by seeing an advisor in your high school.