How do I apply to a community college?

Learning Target: Understand the steps required to apply and make a successful transition to a community college (emphasis on California Community Colleges).

Community colleges (CC) offer tremendous opportunities for students looking to begin their college journey:

With 2.1 million students in over 115 colleges, California Community Colleges make up the largest public education system in the United States.
1 in every 4 Californians ages 18-24 are enrolled in a CC.

Nearly half of students earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of California in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics transferred from a California community college.
29% of University of California graduates and 51% of California State University graduates started at a community college.

California has more than 100 Community Colleges. At a California Community College, you can earn a Career Education Certificate, an Associate's Degree (AA), or an Associate’s Degree for Transfer (AST). Some colleges even offer a Bachelor's Degree Program with a direct pipeline for employment.
To enroll at a community college you need to be 18 years old OR have a high school diploma (or equivalent).

Transfer Information Basic

From a community college you can transfer to any 4-year university! California Community Colleges have lots of programs to help you transfer! There are established transfer programs to the following types of universities:

Students interested in transferring to a California State University (CSU) or the University of California (UC) campus are generally required to have a minimum of 60 transferable semester units or 90 transferable quarter units including:

Minimum Transfer Requirements
Major Preparation: These courses will depend on your intended major and university
General Education (GE) Breadth: Courses from a variety of disciplines that develop a well-rounded education.
Electives: Additional transfer-level courses completed to meet the required number of units for transfer and/or to complete Bachelor’s degree requirements.

Transfer Terms:

CSU GE-Breadth: General education pattern recommended for students who intend to transfer to a CSU campus; it works for many majors. Students should consult a CCC counselor for more information.
CSU GE-Breadth for STEM: Students preparing for a major in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics may be eligible to complete a separate CSU GE-Breadth specifically for these disciplines. Students should consult a CCC counselor for more information.
IGETC: General education pattern certified by CCC and accepted by all CSU campuses and most UC campuses for many majors. Students should consult a CCC counselor for more information about IGETC, especially if considering transferring to a CSU.
IGETC for STEM: Students preparing for a major in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics may be eligible to complete a separate IGETC track specifically for these disciplines. Students should consult a CCC counselor for more information.
UC GE-Breadth: A UC campus-specific pattern of courses and/or a unique pattern of courses for a specific school or college at a UC campus.
Major agreements: Agreements showing requirements for a particular major and the community college courses that fulfill those requirements. Students should consult a CCC counselor for more information.

What is ASSIST and what does it do?

ASSIST provides the most accurate and up-to-date information about student transfer in California; it is the official repository of articulation agreements for California’s public colleges and universities. (Articulation shows how courses completed at one college or university can be used to satisfy requirements at another).
ASSIST lists courses that fulfill university admission requirements, major and general education requirements, and university graduation requirements. It also lists transferable elective courses that can be used to reach the number of units needed to transfer to a university.
ASSIST does not contain information about private, out-of-state, or international colleges or universities.
ASSIST provides information that can be used to:

Research and locate majors at specific campuses
View lists of all transferable courses
View transfer admission requirements
Discover which courses fulfill requirements for a specific major at a CSU or UC campus
View courses that will fulfill general education/breadth requirements, including IGETC, CSU GE-Breadth, CSU American Institutions, and/or UC campus GE-Breadth requirements

Community College Financial Aid Basics

California residents enrolling in 12 units, pay $552 each semester ($46 per unit)
Other costs include books, supplies, parking, and fees.
The California College Promise Grant (formerly known as the BOG fee waiver) waives fees for nearly half of students in California Community Colleges.
For some kinds of financial aid (California College Promise Grant, Pell Grants, and some scholarships), CC-bound students can apply year-round.
To maximize the amount of financial aid you can receive, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be submitted between October 1st and March 2nd of the year before you will start college. Undocumented students should complete the California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
Students who miss the March 2nd priority deadline SHOULD STILL SUBMIT THE FAFSA OR CADAA.
Find more information here: https://icangotocollege.com

Cal Grant C:

Award for students who are pursuing an Occupational or Technical Program of at least 4 months in length
For low to middle-income students
No GPA requirement
Offers an award amount to assist with tuition and fees, also includes an additional annual book and supplies amount
Use up to $1,094 at any California Community College

Enrollment Process & Support

While community colleges across the state have slightly modified enrollment and matriculation processes, they all share the following general steps/requirements:

STEP 1: Apply for Admission

Community college applications for fall admission are typically available between January - March.
For a community college, you only need to apply to one college.
It is recommended that you begin taking CC courses in the summer, when you apply, be sure to select the summer application term. Even if you don’t plan on taking a summer course, it is a good idea to apply to the summer term as you may later find a class or program that is offering a summer opportunity that would benefit you!
Before submitting an application ask your HS counselor if your school has an “early enrollment” partnership with your local community college. If they do, be sure to participate in the program and apply to your local CC through the “early enrollment” partnership as it will give you special privileges such as early class enrollment dates.
If during middle or high school you enrolled in a community college course through concurrent or dual enrollment, you already have an account for CCCapply. Use your existing account to submit your application.
The application asks for information on student GPA and grades earned in English and Math courses, so be sure to have your transcripts printed and available.
Once the application is submitted, look for a confirmation email with your student ID. Typically arrives 24 hrs after submission. Keep track of your student ID number as you will need it to continue with enrollment.
Once you have your student ID you can create an account/log into your college portal where you can activate your college email account - do this ASAP and check daily.
You will use the portal to pay future fees and enroll in classes.

STEP 2: Complete Orientation Steps

Depending on the college, students will have to complete various orientation steps such as:

An online orientation course
Some colleges have additional requirements such as a Sexual Assault Prevention course as part of their orientation.
Often times these types of requirements are not listed on admission steps websites - it is recommended that you thoroughly review all steps with an outreach counselor from your local college and follow instructions in your email

STEP 3: Complete Assessment and Placement Steps

Multiple Measures: "A growing body of evidence indicates that standardized placement tests tend to underestimate students’ likelihood of succeeding in college-level coursework, leading to students being misplaced in developmental coursework, slowing their academic progress and increasing their likelihood of dropping out of college. Multiple measures means that colleges incorporate more criteria for assessment and placement. Under a multiple measures approach, standardized testing is no longer the primary means of assessing if a student is prepared for college-level coursework."
Colleges can use a combination of the strategies below to assess and place students in their courses. List of sample multiple measures used by CCs:

High school or college transcripts
Highest level of coursework completed in a subject area and corresponding course grade
Attitude surveys
Vocational or career aptitude interest inventories
Specialized certificates or licenses
Education and employment histories
Military training and experience
Interviews
Holistic scoring processes

STEP 4: Student Educational Planning (SEP) Requirement

All colleges require students to meet with a counselor to complete their Student Education Plan (SEP).
Depending on the college, this may be done in a group setting or during an individual meeting.
In preparation for this meeting you should print and bring your transcript(s) and all test score reports including SAT, ACT, AP, IB, CAASPP reports. Grades and test scores can WAIVE courses and are helpful in placing you in the appropriate CC courses.
Some colleges complete an "initial" plan, requiring a follow-up individual meeting with the student.

STEP 5: Research and Enroll/Apply to Special Programs

All colleges have special programs and learning communities with the purpose of supporting students' academic goals and overall success at the community college! While it is not a required step in the enrollment process, you should absolutely research the programs available at your college and apply!
What are Special Programs?

Typically part of counseling programs
Provide extra support, counseling, and academic advising to students who want to transfer to a 4-year university
Target low-income, first-generation students, students with dependents, former foster students, undocumented students, etc.

What is a Learning Community?

Connect you with like-minded students who share similar interests and academic goals.
Consisting of small cohorts of students who are enrolled together in two or more linked courses in a single semester, is a widely-used strategy aimed at improving student outcomes.
Provide extra support, counseling, and academic advising to students who want to transfer to a 4-year university

Benefits of Special Programs and Learning Communities:

Build a supportive community on campus that includes students, professors, and counselors.
Transfer rates are 2 to 3 times higher for students enrolled in special programs
Provide regular access to counselors - most students in special programs meet with their counselor 1-2 times/semester

Applying & Requirements:

Some programs you can apply to now
Some programs you will apply to once you are a student
Some programs have requirements: such as

Enrollment or completion of specific English and/or Math course
Interested in transferring
Declaration of a specific type of major

Examples of Special Programs and Learning communities at Chabot College: Chabot Special Programs and Chabot Learning Communities

STEP 6: Register for Classes

Some colleges will have a Saturday Registration Day (when you enroll in classes). Recommendation for students:

Get there early
Take your ID - it should match the name used to register at the college. Usually, both the CA ID and school ID work. Students should take all forms of ID to be sure.
Take transcript, testing reports, and any paperwork provided during SEP planning session
If you have been accepted to a special program, look for a representative and follow their instructions
Don't get frustrated - stay there until you have all questions answered and are registered

Keep the following in mind when creating a schedule:

Pick courses needed on the plan of study
Pick courses that don’t conflict with one another
Build a schedule that makes sense (no big gaps in between classes, consider work schedule, consider sleeping habits, etc.)
Enroll in at least 12 units (required for financial aid)

If pursuing a technical program, begin with required courses
If pursuing a degree and/or transfer 3 core classes: English, Math, 3rd class (major or IGETC)
Consider taking one support course (study skills, major exploration, career planning, transfer planning, etc) usually offered through the Counseling or Psychology Department
When planning out the courses, start with courses with the fewest sections and work around those.

STEP 7: Pay for Fees

After enrolling in classes and before the semester begins, be sure to visit your community college portal and pay any pending fees.
Even students with full funding may have a small fee not covered by financial aid.
Unpaid fees (even small ones) may result in students being dropped from courses.

TIPS for Undocumented Students

In addition to the steps above, undocumented students have additional steps including the submission of a “Non-Resident Exemption” form also known as an “AB 540 affidavit.”

The affidavit states that students meet all the requirements to qualify for a non-resident exemption under AB 540 and, if undocumented, are in the process of legalizing their immigration status (or will do so as soon as they are eligible to).
This affidavit should be completed and submitted as soon as you have your campus ID number.

After submitting your CC application, research the campus website to identify resources for undocumented students (that can provide support during the application process and throughout your time at the college). Here are sample resources: Chabot College Dream Center and Berkeley City College (Undocumented Community Resource Center)

TIPS for Students with Learning and Ability Differences (Special education)

Students who receive special education services in high school and have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) have the right to continue to receive services while in college.
Students receiving special education services should connect with the community college’s Disabled Student Centers prior to submitting their college application to review modified steps/processes for students
Colleges have various ways in which they enroll students with IEPs, but they almost always involve an in-person intake meeting. During this meeting, the student must take a copy of their most recent IEP and Psychological Report which you can get from your school's Special Education Program. If the college allows and if it's ok with the family, it is a best practice for the Special Education / Resource Teacher in charge of the student's IEP to join the student at this first intake meeting.
Here are sample resources: Chabot College Disabled Students Programs and Services Center and Berkeley City College (Student Accessibility Services)

TIPS for once enrolled at community college:

Make an appointment with an academic advisor in your major to revise your SEP Plan and next semester’s courses.
Arrive early to class and sit in the front!
Place important dates & deadlines on your calendar (consider getting a big wall calendar you can see daily).
Create a weekly schedule (including class, working, eating, tutoring, exercising, relaxing, sleeping, etc).
Attend workshops (e.g. note-taking, financial management, stress management, study skills, conducting research, etc.) offered to students!
Attend professors’ and teaching assistant’s office hours. Don’t be afraid. Talk about a lecture, a reading, or an assignment. TA’s may grade your work - so get to know them!
Find out the schedule for free tutoring and schedule time to attend!
Participate in events and activities.
Go to the counseling center to identify all the resources available to you!
If you are a DREAMER, look for a DREAM center or DREAMERS club.
Attend club meetings until you find one you like!

Next Step For Students

Community Colleges provide excellent academic and career development opportunities. If you plan on starting your college journey at a Community College, it is super important for you to do the research necessary to answer the questions below. Having a clear and researched response to these questions will make your transition to a CC and overall experience a smoother one. If you can’t answer these questions as a senior in high school, it’s ok! But it is important to engage in serious research and conversations with those who support you including your high school counselor or college advisor, so that you can have a vision and plan for your time at community college. Questions:

What is your academic goal? Associate's Degree, Transfer, Certificate? Look up the options at your local CCs.
What do you want to study?
Is what you want to study available at the CC you are considering? Look up the options at your local CCs.
If you are interested in transferring, to which system or school? CSU, UC, Private, HBCU, out of State?

Once you have answers to these questions, it is important to clearly articulate your responses to these questions, to your future community college counselor who will help create your Student Education Plan (SEP)!

Next Steps for Families

Community Colleges provide excellent academic and career development opportunities. If your student plans on starting their college journey at a Community College, it is super important for them to do the research necessary to answer the questions below. Having a clear and researched response to these questions will make their transition to a CC and overall experience a smoother one. If they can’t answer these questions as a senior in high school, it’s ok! But it is important for them to engage in serious research and conversations with those who support them so that they can have a vision and plan for their time at community college. Questions:

Ask your student to share their responses to the questions below:
What is your academic goal? Associate's Degree, Transfer, Certificate?
What do you want to study?
Is what you want to study available at the CC you are considering?
If you are interested in transferring, to which system or school? CSU, UC, Private, HBCU, out of State?

Speak with your student’s high school counselor about opportunities at your local community college and their plan to support your student as he/she applies and enrolls.

Próximos pasos para las familias

Los colegios comunitarios brindan excelentes oportunidades académicas y de desarrollo profesional. Si su estudiante planea comenzar su carrera universitaria en un colegio comunitario, es muy importante que haga la investigación necesaria para responder las preguntas a continuación. Tener una respuesta clara e investigada a estas preguntas hará que su transición a un CC y la experiencia general sea más fluida. Si no pueden responder estas preguntas en el último año de la escuela secundaria, ¡está bien! Pero es importante que participen en investigaciones serias y conversaciones con quienes los apoyan para que puedan tener una visión y un plan para su tiempo en el colegio comunitario. Preguntas:

Pídale a su estudiante que comparta sus respuestas a las siguientes preguntas:
¿Cuál es tu meta académica? ¿Título de asociado, transferencia o certificado?
¿Qué quieres estudiar?
¿Lo que quieres estudiar está disponible en el CC que estás considerando?
Si está interesado en transferirse, ¿a qué sistema o escuela? CSU, UC, privado, HBCU, fuera del estado?

Hable con el consejero de la escuela secundaria de su estudiante sobre las oportunidades en su colegio comunitario local y su plan para ayudar a su hijo a postularse e inscribirse.