PACE Frequently Asked Questions

Dual enrollment allows eligible students to take college classes while still in high school, earning credit towards high school graduation and college degree requirements. Getting a head start means you can lighten your load in college or even graduate early. You'll save time and money, too, since Horry-Georgetown Technical College is affordable, and tuition grants may be available. Taking dual enrollment classes in high school is a great way to begin your college career.

Dual enrollment allows students to:

• Earn credits NOW that apply to high school and college degree requirements.
• Save money on tuition costs through affordable tuition and financial assistance, reducing overall future college costs.
• Lighten the course load during the college freshman and sophomore years, improving students’ ability to meet the "B" average required to keep scholarships, such as LIFE, after high school graduation.
• Earn transferable college credit upon successful completion of a college course. No additional national exams (AP) are required.
• Boost students’ overall high school GPA and class ranking. Dual enrollment grades are weighted the same as an AP or an IB course, making students more competitive when applying to a two- or four-year college.
• Have access to a nurturing learning environment in a college setting with dedicated faculty, allowing a smooth transition into the rigorous academic expectations of college.

Students who demonstrate the ability to be successful academically at the college level and have the necessary work ethic to handle the increased rigor of college classes. Time management and study skills are very important. Eligible students must meet the college course prerequisites, have parent/guardian permission, and the approval of the high school counselor to participate. HGTC will also review high school transcripts and any applicable SAT/ACT test scores to determine multiple measures placement.

Multiple Measures is a system that looks at a student's grade average in their high school English and math courses to determine if they are qualified to take dual enrollment courses. For more information, please review Test Score and Placement Requirements under the Eligibility Criteria tab on the PACE homepage.

Contact your high school counselor to discuss approved courses and submit the online Dual Enrollment Application. Your high school counselor will submit your unofficial transcript and must approve your participation in dual enrollment. Incomplete applications without parent/guardian agreement, verification of citizenship + ID submission, counselor approval, and high school transcript will result in delayed admission.

Dual enrollment courses are available on all three HGTC campuses, online, and in select high schools. Course availability will vary by semester. Please contact an HGTC Dual Enrollment Advisor for questions about specific course offerings.

Students must provide their own transportation to dual enrollment classes taught on campus. Parking decals are required for student parking and may be obtained through the Public Safety Office. Students must bring their driver's license, vehicle registration, HGTC Student ID Card, and a copy of their current semester schedule (online or printed) with them to obtain a parking decal. The Public Safety Office is located on all three HGTC campuses and is open during normal College business hours.

PACE Orientation is required to introduce students to myHGTC and other HGTC Student Services available at the College. Students and parents are invited to attend one of the on-campus sessions and are encouraged to review the online orientation module within myHGTC.

Students must be registered for classes to obtain their HGTC Student ID Card.

Please visit https://hgtc.auth.onlinephotosubmission.com to upload your ID photo, following the photo guidelines provided. Select “PACE Student” and the campus location that is most convenient for you. You will then receive a confirmation email when your ID is ready for pickup.

There is no charge for the first ID card; however, a fee of $5 is due to Student Accounts, along with your current class schedule, to obtain a replacement.

ID cards are required for specific services on campus and student engagement activities and can be used to receive student discounts at various stores and restaurants.

myHGTC is the College's student portal. Each student's individual login allows them to view college-wide announcements, access Desire2Learn (D2L), review their schedule, check their student email, make a payment, view final grades, request unofficial and official transcripts, make appointments with the Student Success and Tutoring Center, and so much more!

Students can access myHGTC by using their HGTC username and password provided in their HGTC Acceptance Letter mailed to their home address on file. This letter will contain their student ID number (H-number), username, and temporary password. Keep this information in a safe, secure place with easy access.

For password reset and other technology support, please contact the HGTC Service Desk at (843) 349-8324 or by email at HGTC-servicedesk@hgtc.edu.

Desire2Learn (D2L) is HGTC’s virtual learning platform for all students (online and in-person). Here, students can view the courses they are taking and access course materials, announcements, assignments, instructional packets/course information sheets, professor contact information, attendance records, and grades during the semester.

TECH Central is a one-stop shop for students who need technological support or assistance with their myHGTC and D2L accounts. TECH Central is located on all three HGTC campuses and is open during normal College business hours.

Students can e-mail their professors by accessing the Campus E-Mail card on the myHGTC portal. To find your professor's contact information, please review your Instructor Information Sheet found on the course’s “Getting Started” tab in D2L. Please remember to e-mail your professors using only your HGTC Outlook email address with any issues or concerns you have, to schedule a time to meet with them to discuss your questions, or to notify them of a class absence.

College credit earned in dual enrollment courses identified as University Transfer are accepted as transfer credit at all two-and four-year SC public colleges, many SC private colleges, and other out-of-state colleges. Students are encouraged to contact their prospective colleges about specific guidelines on transfer credits and appropriate course selection(s) for their major. View the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education’s list of 86 approved transfer courses here www.che.sc.gov.

High school students are not eligible for federal assistance and therefore do NOT complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) BEFORE high school graduation. However, they are qualified to receive state funding.

High school students classified as South Carolina residents and enrolled in two classes (6 credit hours) per semester are eligible for Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTA) funding. Ask your counselor about other grants/assistance that may be available and refer to your school district's dual enrollment guidelines.

To receive the SC Lottery Tuition Assistance, students MUST complete the FAFSA Waiver in their myHGTC student portal each academic year enrolled.

*International students and out-of-state residents are not eligible for LTA funding.

For information regarding services available for students with an IEP or a 504 plan, please contact disabilityservices@hgtc.edu.

If you would like to continue your studies at HGTC after graduation, please complete the Dual Enrollment Update Application Form.

Students are responsible for ordering official transcripts to be sent to the college or university they intend to transfer. Official HGTC transcripts can be ordered online via Parchment.com.