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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.

APPLY NOW

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.

Step 2 - Claim your 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 - Paying for college

There are plenty of ways to pay for college including federal and state aid, scholarships, savings, a job, and more. You'll likely use a combination of resources to pay for school.

Learn about how to pay for college.

Step 4 - Participate in new student orientation

Chemeketa offers orientation for new students in person and online. 

Our in-person orientation is more comprehensive and will help set you up right away for your first term. We will help you -

  • With financial aid
  • Register for classes
  • Connect with Chemeketa resources
  • Prepare for first term success

Sign up here

If you're unable to attend orientation in person, view our online orientation.

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 - First term 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.