New Student FAQs

While the Admissions webpage can provide more specific information for you student type, below is a general list of items that might be helpful.

• Documentation of your SAT/ACT scores, if results are fewer than two years old
• High school transcripts, if you haven't completed any college coursework previously
• Social Security number, if you intend to apply for Financial Aid
• OCC's completed high school authorization form, if applying as a high school dual-enrolled student
• Your Admissions Profile e-mail username and password, if you need to login to complete an application or reapply as a high school dual-enrolled student
• Unofficial college transcripts from all colleges and/or universities you've previously attended
• Documentation of your residency or VISA status, if applying as an international student

As a general recommendation, students should allow two to six weeks to complete the admissions process prior to registering for classes. Starting early is important as steps like placement testing, counseling and transcripts may be required.

For upcoming semesters, (when you can set up your schedule) visit Registration dates 

High school students who are also taking college classes are considered High School Dual-enrolled. Many of these students are attending for free because their high schools pay for tuition.

As a high school student, all your records remain at your school and are not kept on file at OCC.

If you've received an error message, follow these steps:

• Select the Academics tab in the top left corner.
• Clear any information that you've typed and reset all of the dropdowns.
• Enter in the first three letters of your high school's name.
• Select the appropriate country from the dropdown menu.
• Select the appropriate state/region from the next dropdown menu.
• Select Search and a selection of schools will appear.
• Select your high school from the dropdown menu and then use the Select button.
• If your school does not appear still, clear any information that you've typed and reset all dropdowns again.
• Type in the name and address manually in the space provided.

Yes, log-in with your OCC Admissions Profile username and password to change your student status from Dual-enrolled to Degree Seeking Student and resubmit as you’ve done in the past.

No, you must have an OCC student ID available to take the College's English placement test. It takes two business days to process your completed application and receive the OCC student ID. We encourage you to APPLY EARLY so you have the time necessary to prepare for college.

You are considered a Transfer Student. If your transcripts indicate having met English placement requirements, you may receive a waiver for both English placement and an Owl Session with Counseling. NOTE: For coursework transfer evaluation, an official transcript is required.

Contact Student Services, or Phone (248) 341-2280.

If you’ve never taken college level courses, complete the steps listed for Students New to OCC.

If you have completed college level courses, complete the steps listed for Transfer Students.

For best results, use Google Chrome or Firefox. Safari has known issues.

• Unofficial college transcripts
• Social Security number, if you intend to apply for Financial Aid or scholarships

If your student record has been INACTIVE for three (3) years or more, you must complete a new online application.

If your student record has been ACTIVE within the last three (3) years, you do not need to reapply. Log-in to MyOCC from oaklandcc.edu.

In either case, you are required to see a counselor to discuss your program of study and class selection.

A credit refers to the number of hours you will spend per week in class during a single semester. A semester is usually a 15 week period.

If your classes were taken at an accredited institution, there is a strong likelihood that OCC will accept them. Age is not necessarily a factor.

Classes that are noncredit or Continuing Education (CE) cannot earn a degree, but you may be able to earn CE units, a certification or other completion to meet professional requirements.

Classes that earn credit will enable you to complete a degree and possibly transfer to a four (4) year institution.

It’s easiest to submit all documents in PDF format while you are completing your Online Application. You’ll be prompted to do so.

If you need to upload documents at a later date, email them to CES@oaklandcc.edu.

It depends on your student type. Students can be exempt for eight reasons, including high SAT/ACT scores and prior college level credit. The list of exemptions can be found at the bottom of ACCUPLACER English Placement Webpage.

If you are not exempt, use the same link above to find a testing location and time that’s convenient for you.

Schedule an appointment to meet with a counselor and bring documentation of your exemption.

Math placement is not required for admission. You should not take the math placement test, unless you are planning to take a math class within the next 12 months. The results expire after one year.

Students can be exempt from math placement testing, if (1) you have already taken math at a different college or university within the last two years and (2) earned a passing grade. Schedule an appointment to meet with a counselor and remember to bring unofficial transcripts to support your exemption.

All students new to OCC must complete online orientation, but are not required to complete the Student Lingos.

Most classes require you complete a prerequisite, defined as a course that you need to take before you register for a higher level class so you are prepared.

Other classes are part of a program, like Nursing. You must have successfully applied to the program to take any classes with an NUR designation.

Please schedule an appointment to meet with a counselor. They can assist you with course selection and answer your questions.

If you are a new student, there are steps that must be completed prior to registration. Please schedule an appointment to meet with a counselor.

No, you cannot register for a class that is full and there are no exceptions. A waitlist is available, but is no longer an option once the semester begins.

Textbooks can be purchased online using the Bookstore webpage or at the bookstore where the class is being taught. For example, if your class is at Royal Oak, visit the Royal Oak Bookstore.

No, OCC does not have housing on any of its campuses. However, most of the campuses have adjacent apartments and other rental options on or near public transportation.