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Direct Enrollment

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Direct Enrollment in English & Math

At Mountain Gateway Community College, the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) Direct Enrollment policy ensures you get placed into college-level English and math classes right away—with extra academic support built in to help you succeed.

Why Direct Enrollment?

Instead of relying on mandatory high school placement tests, Direct Enrollment:

  • Uses your actual academic record (high school GPA, SAT/ACT/GED scores) to determine placement.
  • Respects adult learners' experience, giving non-traditional students the power to self-evaluate their readiness.
  • Provides extra support through built-in support modules and proactive advising while you take core college classes.

Step 1: Complete the 3-Minute VCCS Advising Survey

After submitting your MGCC application, check your acceptance email for a link to the VCCS Advising Survey.

  • Time required: Less than 3 minutes.
  • How to log in: Use your myMGCC login credentials.
  • Pro Tip: Take a screenshot or print your survey results to bring to your academic advising appointment.

Step 2: How Your Placement is Determined

Depending on when you last attended high school, your survey path will look a bit different

Recent High School Graduates (Graduated within 0–5 years)

  • You will enter your cumulative high school GPA and the highest level of high school math completed.

Adult Learners / Non-Traditional Students (5+ years removed from high school)

  • You will view sample English and math problems to evaluate your own academic comfort level and readiness.

Developmental Education Options

Do you need additional preparation before jumping into college-level courses? Traditional developmental education courses are still available if:

  • You do not meet the minimum high school GPA or standardized test score benchmarks.
  • You feel you need to strengthen foundational skills in English or math before taking college-level classes.

Questions about your placement? Speak with an MGCC Academic Advisor to review your survey results and choose the right class track for your goals.