Community College FAQs

Am I eligible to apply?	Yes, you are eligible as long as you earn a high school diploma or are 18 years old
When can I submit my application?	It varies by community college. Some colleges open their fall applications in December/January of your senior year.
Where can I find the application?	home.cccapply.org After you submit your online application, you will receive an email with instructions on what to do next
How much does it cost to apply?	It is free to apply to any California community college.
Do I need to fill out an application for every community college?	Yes, community colleges are not linked together so if you are considering more than one community college then you have to fill out an application for each one.
What are the steps to apply?	1. Fill out the online application. 2. Create and sign in to your college portal. 3. Complete the online assessment questionnaire. 3. Complete the online student orientation. 4. Meet with a college counselor 5. Register for classes.
Which term/semester do I apply for?	If you want to go to summer school right after graduation then apply for Summer 2022. If you want to start in August/September then apply for Fall 2022.
Do I need to list all of my classes and grades on my application?	No, community colleges will not ask you to list any of your high school classes and grades on the application. However, you will be asked to enter your English and math grades on the assessment questionnaire. This will help place you in the appropriate English and math courses.
Do I need to list my GPA on my application?	No, you do not need to list your GPA. However, you may be asked to enter your English and math grades on the assessment questionnaire.
Do I need to take the ACT/SAT?	No, community colleges do not look at ACT/SAT so you don’t need to take it. If you did take it, you don’t need to show them your scores.
Do I need to list/send my AP scores?	No, not when you first apply. You will have to provide a copy of your AP scores after you enroll if you want college credits.
If I go to a community college can I transfer to a 4-year college?	Yes, and you will have saved thousands of dollars and still earned your Bachelor's degree. Community college classes are COLLEGE classes, the same as 4-year college classes.
If I transfer to a 4-year college, will I still have to do 4 years at the 4-year college?	No, you will complete 2 years at community college and complete your final 2 years at the 4-year college.
Does it look bad if I start at a community college?	No, community colleges are purposefully designed to be 1. available to everyone, 2. be close to home, and 3. be affordable.
If I transfer to a 4-year college, do I still need to take the ACT/SAT?	No, high school grades nor ACT/SAT scores are relevant or necessary to transfer to a 4-year college once you’ve taken community college classes.
I heard community colleges do not cost much. Should I still submit the FAFSA?	Yes, you should submit your FAFSA by March 2, 2022. You might be eligible for more money to help you pay for books and supplies.
What if I need help with my application?	If you are applying to Mt. SAC then you should participate in their Connect 4 program. More information on Mt. SAC’s Connect 4 program should be announced in December 2021. If you are applying to a different community college then you can get assistance from your counselor or from our College and Career Center.