College Success 101

What’s College 101? 

COLL 101: College Success is a 2-credit class taught by experienced faculty who will work with you to define success and to learn about the opportunities and resources available to help you in achieving your goals. Some of the topics covered in the class are campus services and technology, goal setting, academic planning, learning and motivation strategies, and school funding sources.

College Success is a mandatory class for most people working on a degree at Everett Community College. It is a graduation requirement that is designed to be taken in a student's first quarter. There is also a version called STEM 101: College Success in STEM for students who are focusing on math and science-based careers. Either COLL 101 or STEM 101 will fulfill the graduation requirement. 

Some students are not required to take College Success to earn a degree from Everett Community College 

The following programs are exempt from this requirement:

  • Advanced Manufacturing Technology (e.g., welding, composites, machining)
  • Aviation Maintenance and Avionics
  • High School Completion/Transitional Studies
  • Cosmetology
  • Fire Science
  • Medical Assisting
  • Certificate programs
  • Personal Interest (no degree goal)
  • Running Start - students who complete at least one quarter through Running Start at Everett Community College are not ever required to complete the course to graduate

Students who qualify for an exemption do not need to request a waiver. The exemption is automatically noted for you.

Students who to do not qualify for an exemption may qualify for a waiver.

If any of these things is true for you when you start working on a degree at Everett Community College, you qualify for a waiver. Contact advising@everettcc.edu to request a review of your record for a waiver of the requirement.

  • Already earned an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree
  • Passed College 101 OR equivalent course at another college or university
  • Completed 45 college-level quarter credits or 30 college-level semester credits with at least a 2.0 GPA at another college or university or through AP or similar
  • Earned 45 EvCC college-level credits with at least a 2.0 GPA before beginning a degree that requires College Success (Example: You earned at least 45 college-level credits toward a cosmetology certificate and now changed plans to work on a business degree.)
  • Current Registered Nursing student  (that is, admitted to and enrolled in nursing program courses, like NURS 110)

Why is this class required? 

After taking this class, you’re more likely to succeed in college. EvCC is one of thousands of colleges and universities across the country offering a class like College 101. Numerous studies have shown these kind of classes help students stay in school and earn a degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

I attended EvCC in the past when College Success wasn't required, but now I am back to finish working on my degree. Do I need to take the course?

Students who leave the college for longer than two quarters are held to the requirements that are in place when they return to school. If you completed at least 45 college-level credits and earned at least a 2.0 GPA before returning, you qualify for a waiver. Otherwise, you are required to take the class to earn your degree.

I completed credits somewhere else, but they won't count for my new goal or I don't want to transfer them in. Can I still qualify for a waiver? 

Maybe so! An entry advisor can look at your unofficial transcripts to let you know for sure. 

I am taking a TS (Transitional Studies) class. Does that mean I don't have to take the class?

If you are working toward a degree, but your entire schedule is through TS as you get started, you are able to delay College Success until you start your college-level classes. If you have at least one college-level class in your schedule, you are expected to take College Success. Check with advising@everettcc.edu if you are still working on your writing skills and are not yet eligible for TS 098 or ENGL& 101. 

I was in Running Start, but I'm not anymore. Do I need to take College Success?

As long as you completed at least one quarter while participating in Running Start at Everett Community College, the course is not required for you to graduate.

The program I am in is not on the list, but my advisor from that program told me I don't have to take it. So, what's true?

It's confusing to get conflicting information! Check with advising@everettcc.edu as more details are needed to know for sure what is true for you.