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What are the admission requirements to get into a California community college?
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Admission to a California community college is open to any California resident possessing a high school diploma or equivalent. California community colleges may admit any nonresident possessing a high school diploma or equivalent or any person over the age of 18 who, in the judgment of the board, is capable of profiting from the instruction offered.
Community colleges may admit minors who do not hold high school diplomas, or equivalent, to its credit courses as special part-time or special full-time students. Most community colleges have established requirements for K-12th grade concurrently enrolled students.
Interested students should contact the college's admission office.
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How is California residency determined?
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The admission officer of each community college determines student residency status, according to state laws and regulations that specify the residency standards. The legal definition of California residency requires at least one year of physical presence in this state, coupled with the capability and the intent to make California one's permanent home. Contact the college's admission office for more information about California residency.
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How important are my high school grades for admission to a California community college?
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Your high school grades are not used to determine your eligibility to be admitted to a California community college. However, your high school grades are very important to your future success in college level courses. In addition, community college counselors and advisors will use them, along with results from their own assessment of your academic skills, to recommend appropriate courses for you.
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When do I apply and what is the deadline to apply for admission?
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Most community colleges accept admission applications through the first few weeks of the term. Some community colleges have priority deadline dates for priority registration appointments. Most community college terms begin mid to late August (fall term) and mid to late January (spring term). Colleges on the quarter system offer a winter term between the fall and spring terms. Most community colleges also have summer sessions that begin in late May and June. Because many colleges offer classes beginning and ending throughout the semester, you should contact individual colleges for their application dates. The dates are usually included in the Academic Calendar published with the schedule of classes or published on the college's website.
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How do I apply to more than one campus?
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Using the statewide online application, you select an initial campus to apply to and then, if you wish to apply to additional colleges, the information from your first application will automatically populate into your next application. You apply to as many community colleges as you select.
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How much does it cost to apply?
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Applying to a California community college is free. Some community colleges do have an application fee for international student applications.
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When will I know if I have been admitted?
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Most California community colleges will contact you as soon as your application has been processed. Typically, you will receive registration information, as well as information about college orientation sessions, assessment tests, and advisement.
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Can international students attend California community colleges?
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Yes. California community colleges welcome qualified international students to their academic, vocational, and technical programs. California community college staff feel that the presence of international students enriches the academic environment for all of their students in addition to providing a quality education for students from other parts of the world. Many colleges request the following of international students:
- International student application
- Certification of finances
- Proof of English competency
Visit the Key Facts module and find the college of your choice. Most colleges have online information related to international students. Admission office staff at each California community college can answer questions about international students.
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What if I have completed coursework at another college within the United States?
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California community colleges will generally accept coursework completed at another United States college or university as long as the college or university is recognized by a regional accrediting agency such as the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and the course work is lower division and applicable to your degree or program. You should contact the college's admission office for their procedures on transcript evaluation.
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