First-Time College Student
If you're a high school or GED graduate (or graduating this year) with no prior college classes seeking a college degree or certificate, follow these instructions to get started at Chemeketa.
Follow these steps if you plan to complete general education requirements for your bachelor's degree or pursue a Chemeketa certificate or associate degree in a technical field.
Step 1 - Apply for admission
No application fee. For the best chance at success, submit your application by the recommended date.
| Enrollment Term | Recommended to Submit Application By |
|---|---|
| Fall (September) | August 1 |
| Winter (January) | November 1 |
| Spring (March) | February 1 |
After you submit the application, we will email you the next steps within five to ten business days. Check your email account (including the spam folder) for a Chemeketa email. If you need help with our application, watch this short video or call Admissions at 503.399.5006.
Step 2 - Claim your Chemeketa student account
If you haven't already set up your Chemeketa student account, follow the steps in your Chemeketa email. You will set up your account password and activate your student Gmail. If you need help with this step, call our Help Desk at 503.399.7899.
Step 3 - Apply for financial aid
Applying for financial aid is not required, but strongly encouraged. Apply as soon as possible to get the maximum amount available to you. Financial aid applications open annually on October 1.
Learn more about financial aid.
Step 4 - Complete the new student orientation
Our orientation is online:
- Log in to your Chemeketa student account
- Click on the My Chemeketa tile
- If the orientation icon is not already on your home page, click on the Services tab, then the Advising link. You’ll see the orientation icon on that page
| Starting classes this fall and want a comprehensive, in-person orientation to Chemeketa? |
|---|
| Sign up for iSTART here! |
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Step 5 - Complete the placement assessment
Fill out the Placement Assessment form. This will help us determine which courses you need to begin with. After you submit the form, we’ll review it. You will receive a response in 3-5 business days with information about your placement.
Learn more about the placement process.
Step 6 - New student advising
Your Chemeketa advisor or navigator will help you:
- Understand your placement
- Choose your classes
- Learn about student resources
- Understand financial aid
Learn more about new student advising.
Step 7 - Register for classes
Log in to your Chemeketa student account and register for classes. To learn how to register for your classes, watch this short video.
Step 8 - Arrange for payment
Payment is due before the first day of the term or within 10 days of registration (whichever is later) to avoid a $25 late fee. Pay online at My Chemeketa. You can also arrange a payment plan.