Early Start
Early Start for High School Students
Even if your high school does not offer a particular college credit course through the Dual Credit partnership, there are other opportunities for high school and home-schooled students to earn college credit. One option is by getting an Early Start – taking a class or two on campus each semester during your junior and/or senior year of high school.
Eligible high school students may take up to two college courses per semester at any of our campuses or education centers. Some classes may be counted toward your high school graduation requirements (check with your high school counselor); all count on your college transcript and most OTC coursework will transfer to other accredited colleges.
All Early Start applicants must be at least 16 years old and must limit their OTC course load to two classes per semester. Otherwise, all other regular admission, registration and payment procedures apply. Early Start students are not eligible for federal financial aid.
*Early Start should not be confused with the 'Early Leaver' term used by many high schools. Students graduating early from high school in December/January, should follow the getting started steps for First-Time College Students.
The following list will help you get started at OTC:
Apply for Admission
Complete the application online. You will receive your confirmation letter within 10 business days.
Summer 2012 classes begin June 4. Fall 2012 classes begin August 18.
Complete Orientation
All new OTC students are required to complete orientation prior to meeting with an advisor and enrolling in classes. Orientation is strongly recommended for readmitted students who have been away from OTC for awhile. Start the online orientation.
Take the Placement Test
Placement testing is required for all students who do not have ACT scores, or their ACT scores are older than 2 years. Placement testing is also required for transfer students who have not taken English and/or math in college and for students pursuing certain allied health programs. Walk-in's are accepted with photo identification. For more information, including testing times, see Placement Testing.
Test scores determine placement in English, reading and math. Students are strongly encouraged to review sample questions prior to taking the test. First-time students testing into two or more developmental subject areas will follow a prescribed developmental process. Specific information will be provided to students prior to registration.
Complete the Early Start Permission Form
Meet with an Academic Advisor
Stop by Student Services where you will be seen on a walk-in basis. Please indicate that you are an Early Start student and bring your photo ID and signed permission form with you.
Register For Classes
The earlier you register, the more choices of you will have in class offerings and times. Summer and fall 2012 registration will begin in April. See Registration Dates.
Make Tuition Payment Arrangements
By registering for classes, each student accepts responsibility for payment of all tuition and fees. Full payments can be made online through the AccessOTC tab in MyOTC on the Student Access Menu. For a complete list of deadline dates, see Tuition Payment Information.
- Option #1 - Pay tuition and fees in full. This can be done through the AccessOTC tab in MyOTC on the Student Access Menu or at the Cashier's Office, 2nd floor, Information Commons.
- Option #2 - Enroll with eCashier each semester. You can register for eCashier AFTER you have registered in classes for the upcoming semester. The sooner you enroll with eCashier, the more payment plan choices you will have.
Get Your OTC SmartCard
All students are required to have an OTC SmartCard. This will serve as your official college ID and as a debit card. If you are due a refund from the college, it will be applied to your SmartCard.