Am I ready for college

You will be ready

Just about everyone worries if they’re ready for college. It’s a big commitment and you want to succeed.

The good news: CLC supports you every step of the way. We meet you where you are. No matter where you are in life or how much or recent your schooling, we’ve got you!

First-generation student?

If you're the first person in your family to attend college, you might need someone who can answer your questions.

We get it. Nearly half—49%—of students who attended CLC during the 2024-2025 school year were first-generation students. So, you're not alone here. We know how to help you succeed in college.

Your College and Career Navigator (CCN) will help you get started, and your Academic Success Advisor (ASA) will see you through achieving your goals at CLC.

Helpful information:

In this video, five College of Lake County students share stories of their struggles, perseverance and success.

Watch the Nothing Can Stop Me video on YouTube

We'll help you:

Define college goals

Knowing what you want to accomplish helps you succeed in college. This gives you direction and purpose.

Don't know exactly what you want to study? That's okay, too.

Your College and Career Navigator (CCN) will help you figure this out, so you spend your time (and money) wisely on your education.

Find your focus:

Seated female and male students talking in class

Build skills for success

In CLC 120, our college success seminar, you earn two college credits while exploring:

Your college goals and career plan
Strategies to succeed in college
How to get help with classwork and support your personal well-being
Ways to pay for college
How our diverse and inclusive community propels you to success

Frequently asked questions

Yes, if you're a new student pursing a degree or certificate that takes longer than one semester (16 or more credit hours). To graduate, you must complete CLC 120 with a grade of D or better.
You may meet this requirement through other experiences. This includes completing a student success course at another college, having already completed a college credential, or by successfully completing the PDS 120 or ELI 125 course at CLC.
Questions? Ask your College and Career Navigator.
The course explores:
- growth mindset
- success strategies and practices
- CLC support services and resources
- financial literacy
- self-advocacy
- self-identity in a diverse world
Yes, the course is graded using the regular CLC grading scale.
Yes. CLC 120 is offered online and in virtual live formats, as well as in person at all three campuses.
CLC 120 should be taken in your first semester. Class assignments, experiences and discussions focus on being a new student. The course provides a great start to your CLC education.
Yes! You can use scholarships, federal and state financial aid to pay for CLC 120.
If you withdraw from the class or earn a failing grade, you will need to retake it.
Please know we are here to support your success. Reach out to your instructor or Academic Success Advisor if you're having difficulty in CLC 120.

Female student wearing headphones and reading book in library

Get academic support

Your College and Career Navigator (CCN) helps you enroll and sets up your first semester classes.
Then your Academic Success Advisor (ASA) takes over. Your ASA sticks with you through graduation and helps you stay on track to cross the finish line.
Don't understand a math concept? Need help researching a term paper? How about a laptop to complete your homework?
Take advantage of free- and low-cost resources, including:
- Tutoring – Get extra academic support and test-prep help, either one-on-one or in a group setting. Tutoring is free, covers many subjects, and is available online and in-person.
- Library – CLC librarians stand ready to help you do research and use academic databases. Here, you can book a private study room and access thousands of books.
- Technology – Need to borrow a laptop, calculator or Wi-Fi hotspot for homework? We've got loaners. Also available: Free and low-cost textbooks.

Together, we help you succeed

You are 4.5 times more likely to progress through your college career and reach your academic goals when you meet regularly with your College and Career Navigator (CCN) and Academic Success Advisor (ASA).

Source: CLC Community Impact Report 2025

Male teacher explains concept at computer to female student

Achieve well-being

Your health and well-being are top priorities at CLC. Many free and low-cost wellness resources are available to you. These include:

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) supporting mental health
SHARE Market providing basic living essentials for free
Student Health and Wellness Services for when you're feeling unwell
Advocacy and support groups providing community and shared experiences

If you are experiencing challenges that negatively affect your well-being or ability to achieve academic success, our community resource coordinator is here to help.

Explore free and low-cost wellness resources

A female student walks the aisle of the Share Market

Get financial aid

Paying for school is a challenge for most college students. It's why CLC works hard to provide a quality education at an affordable price. We are committed to helping you be debt-free at CLC through:

Federal financial aid – Attend a free FAFSA workshop
Scholarships – Apply year-round for funds supporting academic achievement, financial need and specific fields of study
Jobs for CLC students – View jobs in the Student Portal
Paid internships and apprenticeships

Three students sit around a table between class enjoying each other's company

Start your journey

Completing a college degree or certificate takes hard work and perseverance. We know you're up for the task. And we're here to help you succeed.

But before you cross the finish line, you must begin the journey. Here's how:

Your future awaits!

You will thrive here

More than 3,600 graduates earned 4,100 credentials last year, a 16.13% increase in graduates and a 10.81% increase in credentials compared to last year.
Since 1969, CLC has graduated 85,000+ students with 99,000+ degrees and certificates.

Source: CLC Community Impact Report 2025

Need help getting started?

Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help you:

complete the admission process
choose an academic program
enroll in first-semester classes
get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Why should you choose CLC...

Why should I go to college?

The choice to attend college is a big one. What to study, where to go and—wait—is it even worth it?

Why go to college

How does CLC help me to afford college?

It’s true! There are many ways for you to earn a debt-free degree or certificate.

Financial aid & scholarships

How will CLC help me to be successful?

Explore the many free ways we support your personal journey, education and well-being.

Help me succeed

How will I balance school with work/life?

CLC focuses on a multi-faceted approach to keep all aspects of your life in equilibrium. We’ll help you make sure you have enough time to do everything you need to tackle in a day.

Balance my life

Am I ready for college?