Golden West College

Covid-19 update

Due to Covid-19, most classes are currently being taught remotely and online. Golden West College is considered a hybrid campus and will be offering both online classes as well as some in-person classes for the Fall 2021 semester. Support services are also available online, so students can still contact the college with any questions.

Award nomination

Golden West College was recently named amongst the top 150 U.S. community colleges eligible for the 2021 Aspen prize. Recognizing educational excellence through analyzing student outcomes, only 15 percent of community colleges were eligible to be nominated.

New Stem Center

The college recently completed its new mathematics and science building. Housing a modern STEM center, students have free access to a range of resources, events, STEM clubs, as well as research and internship opportunities. It is also an open space where students can work independently or collaboratively, as well as seeking advice from faculty.

Golden West College is split into seven divisions. These are:

• Arts and letters
• Career education
• Criminal justice training center
• Health, kinesiology, and athletics
• Math and sciences
• School of nursing
• Social sciences

Offering over 60 major options across several disciplines, the college offers three types of majors and programs. These are:

• Associate degrees
• Certificates
• University transfer preparation

GWC's courses align with general education requirements, and its transferable programs comply with lower-division requirements for several majors.

On a university transfer preparation program, students achieve between 60 and 72 units of coursework. This allows them to transfer to a university as a third-year student and earn an undergraduate degree. The UC transfer admission guarantee system means eligible students are guaranteed admission to a specific campus.

The college's associate degrees specialize in the areas of arts and science. The degrees can either be studied as a preparation program before transferring to a four-year institution or for career development purposes.

Students can also choose from a range of certificates, worth between 12 and 44 coursework units. Whether students wish to study for academic or occupational purposes, areas of study include accounting automotive technology business administration design and computer science.

The college also hosts an English as a second language department. Providing classes across seven different levels, it's designed to help students improve their English language skills alongside their general education courses.

An open-access institution, to be considered for a place at Golden West College, applicants need to be high school graduates, or in the final semester of high school (or equivalent). If applicants are under the age of 18, they will also require permission from their legal guardian.

International applicants need to submit:

• An international student application
• Application fee
• Copy of their passport
• Affidavit of support to show proof of required finances

If an applicant's native language isn't English, they will also need to submit proof of English language proficiency. The college accepts TOEFL and IELTS English language tests and the following minimum scores:

• TOEFL iBT – 61
• TOEFL PBT – 500
• IELTS – 5.5

If international applicants are already studying at a U.S. institution, they can attend GWC as a part-time student. Part-time applicants need to submit an F-1 part-time international student application, a letter from a designated official at their current school, and a copy of their I-20 form.

All college applications can be submitted throughout the year, and international students don't require SAT, ACT, AP or GPA scores to be considered.

International students can apply for a range of scholarships and funding opportunities through Golden West College and its international student program. Awarded based on academic achievements and merit, all applications will automatically be considered for general scholarships.

Some scholarships will require additional information including transcripts and essay submissions. All details of funding and criteria are on the college's website. Scholarships available for international students include:

GWC Foundation Scholarship for International Students

A new scholarship for 2021, it awards USD 500 to a new international student. To apply for this scholarship, students need to submit a video essay of no more than two minutes along with their scholarship application.

Applicants need to be enrolled as a new international student at GWC for a minimum of 12 units, and not previously studied at Coastline, Golden West or Orange Coast colleges.

The college also lists scholarships from external organizations and private agencies.

Throughout their time at Golden West, international students receive high-quality, dedicated support from the Center for Global and Cultural Programs. Led by friendly counselors who specialize in providing advice to international students, they support across a range of areas. This includes advising on academic planning, accommodation, as well as immigration and visa issues.

Additional support on-campus can be found at the GWC Student Services Center. A central hub for support resources, students can find the following services there:

• Academic and career counseling
• Admissions and records
• Bursar's office
• Campus life support
• Global and cultural programs
• Transfer Center

Career's advice is located in the Career Center, a free service that focuses on enhancing career development. Its trained staff help students explore their options and find them the necessary resources to achieve their goals.

Accessibility support is provided by the disabled students programs and services. The dedicated team ensures all students with disabilities have equal access to education and can participate fully in all programs and activities.

Students will also find peer and staff support through joining clubs and organizations. There is a range of topics and interests covered by the clubs, where students can make friends who share similar interests.

The college's Public Safety Department ensures the campus is safe and secure, 24 hours a day, throughout the year.

Campus safety officers are trained to help students in safety and security procedures, including first aid and CPR. The team's safety services include:

• Crime prevention
• Crisis alert system
• Emergency responses
• Lost and found
• Room lock-out assistance
• Safety escorts
• Safety tips and advice
• Suspicious activity reporting
• Vehicle jump-starts
• Training videos

The safety department can also provide information and guidance about what students should do in an emergency.

The college also has a Crisis Alert Team, who respond to all campus incidents which involve personal and/or sexual assaults. If these incidents occur, the team decide on the most appropriate action and who to notify.

Located on Huntington Beach, the city is also rated as one of the top ten safest cities (City Crime Ratings). Students become part of the diverse, welcoming, and multicultural environment, while always feeling safe.