Navigating Your Future: A Guide to Montgomery College's Newly Arrived Student Program

Embarking on your higher education journey at Montgomery College (MC) is an exciting step. This comprehensive guide will provide you with essential information about the college’s programs and processes, ensuring a smooth transition and setting you up for success.

Smart Start: Your First Steps at Montgomery College

The Smart Start program is designed to help newly admitted students navigate the admissions process and begin their academic journey with confidence. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps:

Applying to the College

Before accessing the resources and opportunities at Montgomery College, students must first apply for admission. The application process is straightforward and can be completed online.

Submitting Your Transcripts

An official high school transcript is a crucial part of your application. There are several ways to submit it:

Electronically: If your high school uses Naviance, they can send your transcript electronically.
Online Request Form: Complete the Raptor Central Online Request Form.
In Person: Bring an official, sealed transcript to Raptor Central.

Montgomery College also recognizes the General Educational Development (GED) examination as an equivalent to a high school diploma. Individuals who have passed the GED or are at least 18 years of age and have left secondary school are eligible to apply. At least one high school entry is required. High school means the last level of secondary education before college or university.

Read also: Applying to Montgomery College

Disability Support Services (DSS)

If you require accommodations due to a disability, apply for Disability Support Services (DSS). The college is committed to providing an inclusive experience for all users.

Claiming Your MyMC Account

Your MyMC account is your gateway to essential college resources and information. Claim your account using your M# (a nine-character identifier including the letter M). A helpful video tutorial is available to guide you through the process.

Tuition and Fees

Understanding tuition and fees is crucial for financial planning. Payment or payment arrangements are expected the day you register. Payment arrangements are available for making alternative payment arrangements. Remember that non-attendance or failure to pay does not constitute an official withdrawal, and you will still be responsible for these charges. Refunds will be issued for classes dropped after the refund deadline.

Third-party sponsorships are also available to help students finance their education.

Understanding Montgomery College's Academic Environment

Montgomery College offers a rigorous academic environment designed to challenge and prepare students for future success.

Academic Rigor

Students consistently praise the academic rigor at Montgomery College. Patrick Sasu, Jr., notes, "The academic rigor at Montgomery College far exceeded my expectations." This emphasis on quality education ensures that students are well-prepared for their chosen fields.

Credit for Prior Learning

Montgomery College recognizes that learning happens in many ways. The Credit for Prior Learning program allows you to turn real-world experience into college credit, potentially shortening the time it takes to earn your degree.

Workforce Development and Continuing Education (WDCE)

The College's WDCE division offers many noncredit courses. See noncredit (WDCE) course offerings and schedules. WDCE stands for Workforce Development and Continuing Education, the division of the College that offers noncredit courses.

Important Policies and Procedures

Familiarizing yourself with the college’s policies and procedures is essential for a successful academic experience.

Name and Personal Information

How you enter your name matters, as it appears on official records, transcripts, and diplomas. If you’d like to use a chosen name, contact the Title IX office for assistance. You will also be asked to select the gender categories using only the options provided, to best reflect your identity.

Residency

Your answer to the question of whether you’ve lived in Montgomery County for the last 3 months helps determine your tuition rate.

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)

Keep in mind that FERPA is a federal law that limits access to student education records, protecting your privacy.

Repeating Courses

If the registration system cannot find required information in your student record, it may affect your ability to register for courses.

Student ID Cards and Parking Permits

To obtain a student ID card, visit the Office of Public Safety. You must have a permit to park in any Montgomery College lot. Please wait 24 hours after registration before requesting your permit. Your Student ID Card is now digital and available online. To submit a photo, ensure it is a head and shoulders shot with proper lighting, according to the requirements shown on the site.

Financial Aid and Payment Information

Navigating the financial aspects of college is a critical part of your journey.

Financial Aid

You may still apply for financial aid after the priority deadlines. Complete your FAFSA using school code 004452 in the “School Selection” step. Need help completing the FAFSA? Assistance is available to help you with any questions you may have.

Payment Arrangements

If you need to make alternative payment arrangements, contact the appropriate office. Payment or payment arrangements are expected the day you register.

Dual Enrollment Opportunities

Dual Enrollment is available to advanced high school students admitted to Montgomery College. Dual enrollment allows students to enroll in college courses while still attending high school. Do dual enrollment classes count as college credit? Yes.

Resources and Support Services

Montgomery College offers a wide array of resources and support services to help students succeed.

Academic Advising

Counselors help students with their personal, career, and educational goals. All first semester students are required to complete MyCareerPlan. Complete this assessment before your advising appointment.

Career Services

Montgomery College provides comprehensive career planning services to students and alumni. Not sure where to start? Log in to Montco Connect and access MyCareerPlan.

Employment Services

The Employment Services office can assist you with on- and off-campus employment opportunities. They can help with setting up an College Central Network (CCN) account. Read US Dept. of Labor’s information on their students.

Montco Connect and MyCareerPlan

Log in to Montco Connect and access MyCareerPlan. All first semester students are required to complete MyCareerPlan. Complete this assessment before your advising appointment.

Starfish

Got questions about Starfish? We are committed to providing an inclusive experience for all users.

Technology at Montgomery College

Montgomery College is a BYOD (Bring your own device) institution.

Transferring to Montgomery College

If you've attended other colleges, you'll need to submit those transcripts as well.

Reporting Prior College Credit

Do I need to report every college I attended? Yes. Have your official transcript sent to the Office of Records and Registration.

Key Questions and Answers

Here are some common questions that students have about Montgomery College:

Does choosing a campus limit where I can take classes? No. You can take classes at any campus or online.
Why does it matter how I enter my name? Your name appears on official records, transcripts, and diplomas.
Why do we ask if you’ve lived in Montgomery County for the last 3 months? Your answer helps determine your tuition rate.
Can I change my application after submitting it? No.
What will I do in this section? You’ll review and certify the information you provided in your application.

Continuing Your Education

For students who have already earned a degree, Montgomery College offers pathways to further their education.

Students with Prior Degrees

Submit the admissions application if you have not previously done so. If you have earned an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, submit the admissions application.

Important Reminders

Update and/or confirm your profile information: Access Self-Service > “User Options” > and then "User Profile".
Access your midterm and final grades online in MyMC by selecting “My Grades” on the MyMC home page. Grades are typically available within days following the end of each semester.

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