Step Ahead • Georgian Court University
Sit in a real college classroom — before you graduate high school.
Imagine learning alongside current GCU students, earning college credit, on our Lakewood campus. That's Step Ahead — open to juniors and seniors with a strong academic profile who are ready to put in the work.
Step Ahead vs. Course Ahead
Not sure which fits? Here's the quick difference.
Jr/Sr
open to juniors & seniors only
1
course per semester — fall, spring, or summer
Required
counselor recommendation required
In-Person
recommended over online
The Experience
Real college life, before you've technically started college.
Step Ahead puts high school juniors and seniors right in the room — attending classes on GCU's Lakewood campus, interacting with professors and current students, and building an academic portfolio that shows exactly what you're capable of.
Eligibility
Academically high-achieving juniors and seniors with adequate preparation for the course they're requesting.
Requirements
A completed Step Ahead application, high school transcripts, and a recommendation from your guidance counselor.
Course Load
One course per semester — fall, spring, or summer — at a discounted rate. In-person is recommended over online.
Where This Takes You
Your credit follows you, wherever you enroll.
Send Your Transcript Anywhere
Once you complete a Step Ahead course, you can request your transcript be sent to any college you enroll in.
Advanced Standing If You Choose GCU
If you're accepted at GCU and enroll after graduation, you'll walk in with advanced standing already on the books — you'll still complete the standard admissions application, but the credit is already earned.
Ready To Apply?
Three simple steps.
Start a Non-Matriculating Application
Head to our Apply page to begin.
Complete Enrollment Information
Mark yourself as a Step Ahead student and list the course(s) you'd like to take.
Submit Transcripts & Recommendation
Your high school transcript and a guidance counselor recommendation complete your file.
Questions?
Your Course Ahead contact.
Daniel Gallen
BELONG. BELIEVE. BECOME.
Your college classroom is waiting.
One course, one semester, one real step toward the degree you'll eventually earn — here or anywhere else.
