LaGuardia Community College, located in Long Island City, Queens, is a popular choice for students seeking quality education within the City University of New York (CUNY) system. Whether you are a high school senior, a returning adult, or a transfer student, the application process is designed to be accessible. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step walkthrough of the LaGuardia College application to help you start your academic journey with confidence.
Understanding the Application Process
Applying to LaGuardia Community College is done primarily through the CUNY Application portal. Because LaGuardia is part of a larger network of colleges, you will use a centralized system to submit your information, choose your major, and upload your documents.
Before you begin, it is important to decide which type of student you are. Most applicants fall into one of three categories: Freshman, Transfer, or International. Knowing your status ensures you follow the correct requirements and meet the right deadlines.
Choosing Your Degree Program
LaGuardia offers a wide variety of programs designed to lead directly to a career or a four-year degree. You should explore the college’s offerings before starting your application to ensure you select the right major.
The college offers three main types of associate degrees:
- Associate in Arts (AA): Best for students planning to transfer to a four-year college for liberal arts, social sciences, or education.
- Associate in Science (AS): Ideal for those focusing on STEM fields, such as computer science, engineering, or biology.
- Associate in Applied Science (AAS): Designed for students who want to enter the workforce immediately after graduation in fields like nursing, paralegal studies, or business.
In addition to associate degrees, LaGuardia offers professional certificate programs. These are shorter paths focused on specific technical skills.
Step 1: Create a CUNY Application Account
The first official step in the LaGuardia College application is creating an account on the CUNY website. You will need a valid email address that you check regularly, as this is how the college will communicate with you.
When creating your account, ensure your name matches your official identification exactly. Once your account is active, you can log in to the CUNY Application portal and select “Start a New Application.”
Step 2: Fill Out the Application Details
The application will ask for personal information, including your address, citizenship status, and residency. Providing accurate residency information is crucial because it determines whether you qualify for the lower in-state tuition rate.
You will also be asked to list your educational history. This includes every high school you attended and any colleges you have previously enrolled in, even if you did not complete a degree there.
When asked for your college choices, select LaGuardia Community College. You may have the option to select other CUNY schools as well, but ensure LaGuardia is your primary choice if that is your goal.
Step 3: Submit Required Documentation
Your application is not considered complete until the admissions office receives your official documents. The specific documents required depend on your student status.
For High School Students (Freshmen)
You must provide official high school transcripts. If you have already graduated, you will need to submit your final transcript with your graduation date. If you are currently a senior, you submit your current transcripts for a preliminary review.
If you earned a high school equivalency diploma (GED or TASC), you must submit your official scores and the diploma itself. CUNY generally requires these to be sent directly from the testing agency.
For Transfer Students
If you have attended any college after high school, you are a transfer student. You must submit official transcripts from all previous colleges attended. This is necessary even if you only took one class or if the credits do not relate to your new major.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
There is a non-refundable application fee for all CUNY applications. As of the current academic cycle, the fee is typically $65 for freshmen and $70 for transfer students.
Payment can be made online using a credit or debit card through the application portal. If you are a current CUNY student applying to another CUNY school, or if you meet certain financial criteria, you may be eligible for a fee waiver.
High school counselors can often provide fee waivers for graduating seniors with financial need. Be sure to ask your counselor about this before paying the fee yourself.
Step 5: Apply for Financial Aid
Most students at LaGuardia Community College utilize some form of financial assistance. To be considered for federal and state grants, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
When filling out the FAFSA, use LaGuardia’s federal school code: 010051. This ensures your financial information is sent directly to the college’s financial aid office.
New York State residents should also complete the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application. This is a separate form that can provide additional funding that does not need to be paid back. The TAP code for LaGuardia is 1403.
Important Deadlines to Remember
LaGuardia Community College operates on a rolling admissions basis, but applying early is always recommended. Applying early gives you the best chance at securing your preferred classes and ensuring your financial aid is processed on time.
- Fall Semester: The priority deadline is usually February 1st.
- Spring Semester: The priority deadline is usually September 15th.
Applications submitted after these dates are still accepted, but they are processed on a space-available basis. If you miss the priority deadline, you should still apply as soon as possible.
Special Considerations for Nursing and Health Sciences
It is important to note that many health science programs at LaGuardia, such as Nursing, Occupational Therapy Assistant, and Radiology, are “clinical” programs. This means they have a two-stage application process.
First, you apply to the college as a “Pre-Clinical” student. Once you complete specific prerequisite courses with a high GPA, you must then submit a separate Candidacy Application to enter the clinical phase of the program. These programs are highly competitive and often have their own specific deadlines and entrance exams.
Tracking Your Application Status
After you submit your application, you will receive an email with instructions on how to claim your CUNYfirst account. CUNYfirst is the online system used by all CUNY students to manage their records.
Log in to your Student Center in CUNYfirst to check your “To-Do List.” This section will tell you if any documents are missing or if the college needs more information from you. Your admission decision will also be posted here once it has been made.
Next Steps After Acceptance
Once you are accepted to LaGuardia, there are a few final steps to complete before you can start classes. First, you must officially accept your offer of admission through the CUNYfirst portal.
After accepting, you will likely need to:
- Prove Immunization: New York State law requires students to provide proof of immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella.
- Take Placement Exams: While CUNY has moved away from traditional testing in many cases, the college will review your high school transcripts or SAT/ACT scores to place you in the appropriate English and Math levels.
- Attend Orientation: New student orientation is mandatory and provides vital information about campus resources and academic expectations.
- Meet with an Advisor: You will work with an academic advisor to select your first semester of classes and register for them.
Conclusion
The LaGuardia College application is the first step toward a rewarding academic and professional career. By following these steps and staying organized with your documentation, you can navigate the process smoothly. Remember to check your email and CUNYfirst account frequently to stay updated on your status.
If you found this guide helpful, explore our other articles on navigating financial aid, choosing the right college major, and tips for successful online learning to help you prepare for your first semester.