Next Steps After You've Applied

What to Do Before You Enroll

Congratulations! You applied for admission, and that's a big step to celebrate! While we review your application, here are the next steps to make sure everything is ready when it's time to register for classes.

Have questions? No worries! We're here to help you every step of the way.

Your My Hawkeye account provides online access to personal college information. You will receive directions with your acceptance letter on how to set up your account.

Learn more about My Hawkeye

Please send the following official transcripts to the Admissions office:

  • High school transcript or GED/HiSET scores showing proof of graduation or equivalency. A high school diploma or equivalent is required to enroll in a program. Hawkeye only accepts transcripts from accredited high schools or programs.
  • College transcripts if you’ve completed college-level courses and want to transfer credits.
  • Military transcripts requested through your branch’s transcript service.

Note: Only transcripts sent directly from the institution or an approved third-party service are considered official.

Official high school and college transcripts submitted since 2008 may already be on file. If you're unsure whether your previous transcripts or assessment scores have been received, contact the Admissions office for confirmation.

Prove You're Ready for College

Before admission, all students must demonstrate college readiness. This can be done through:

  • High school GPA
  • GED/HiSET scores
  • ACCUPLACER or COMPASS assessment scores
  • ACT or SAT scores

Email your scores or documents to admission@hawkeyecollege.edu.

Program-Specific Admission Requirements

Some programs have additional requirements, such as specific assessment scores, prerequisite courses, or other criteria that must be met for acceptance. Make sure to review these requirements for your intended program to ensure you meet all necessary qualifications.

Hawkeye requires all students to complete a course placement assessment before registering for math or literacy courses. Your scores will determine appropriate course placement.

Accepted assessments include:

  • ALEKS Online Math Readiness Assessment
  • ACCUPLACER (Next Generation and Classic)
  • ACT
  • COMPASS

Email your scores to admission@hawkeyecollege.edu.

If you need to take an assessment, Hawkeye offers the ACT, ACCUPLACER, or ALEKS Math Readiness Assessment online.

Check the Assessment Scores and Course Equivalencies for placement recommendations based on your results.

Financial aid can significantly ease the cost of your education, and the first step is applying through the FAFSA. Whether you’re looking for grants, scholarships, loans, or Work-Study, submitting your FAFSA opens doors to funding opportunities that may help reduce your financial burden. Don't wait—apply early to maximize your chances for aid!

The application deadline for State of Iowa funds is July 1.

File your FAFSA

Scholarships can help cover your educational costs and, unlike loans, don’t need to be repaid.

Hawkeye awards over $3 million in scholarships annually. To be considered, complete the Hawkeye Scholarship Application by February 1 for fall semester awards and October 1 for spring semester awards.

Apply for Scholarships

If you've completed college-level courses in high school or attended another college, university, or trade school and want to see if you can earn credit for those courses at Hawkeye, submit your official college transcripts for review.

Transferring Credits to Hawkeye

Students at Hawkeye have various housing options near campus and throughout the Cedar Valley, including the opportunity to live in residence halls at the University of Northern Iowa.

Find Housing

Students enrolling in their first semester of courses for their program are required to register with their academic advisor and complete an online orientation.

New Student / New Program Registration

Admissions Contacts

Admissions

Hawkeye Center 134
319-296-4000
800-670-4769
319-209-9239 (text) 319-296-1651 (fax)
Email Admissions

Regular Hours — Spring 2025

Monday – Friday 8 AM – 4:30 PM

Mailing Address

Admissions Office
Hawkeye Community College
P.O. Box 8015
Waterloo, IA 50704-8015