Admissions

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The San Diego Community College District serves approximately 100,000 students annually at its three, credit colleges, San Diego City College, Mesa College, Miramar College, and seven campuses of San Diego College of Continuing Education.

The colleges offer associate degrees and even a few bachelor degrees, along with career technical certificates that prepare students for transfer to universities and/or career pathways with higher paying jobs. 

Different Programs for Different Goals

  • Programs leading to an Associate in Arts Degree
  • Programs leading to an Associate in Science Degree
  • Programs leading to a Certificate of Achievement
  • Programs leading to transfer to a four-year college in a California State University, the University of California, or a private college or university.

 

Degrees and Programs of Interest

As the second largest community college district in California, we offer over 400 areas of study and programs of interest. To see the full list of majors and programs offered, download the Careers Start Here Comprehensive Guide, or pick one up in the Student Outreach Office on campus.

 

Three Colleges That Offer Unique College Experiences

Visit the college websites to discover which college offers the right college experience and education for you.

College About Programs Student Life Campus Map
San Diego City College Logo About City College City Degrees & Programs Student Life at City City Campus Map
San Diego Mesa College Logo About Mesa College Mesa Degrees & Programs Campus LIfe Mesa Campus Map
San Diego Miramar College Logo About Miramar College Miramar Degrees & Programs Student Life at Miramar Miramar Campus Map

Once you've decided on which college you want to attend, follow the steps below to begin the enrollment process.

High School Students – There are special requirements for high school students. Go to the High School Students page for details.

International Students - There are special requirements for international students. Go to the International Students page for details.

 

Steps for Admission and to attend classes 

Step 1 – Apply for Admission 

City, Mesa, and miramar college ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

You may apply for admission if any of the following apply to you...

    • Have graduated from high school
    • Have passed the California High School Proficiency Exam
    • Did not graduate from high school, but have attained a Certificate of Completion
    • Have passed the GED exam with an average score of 450 or higher.
    • Did not graduate from high school, but are 18 years of age or older, or an emancipated minor (may be admitted under a provisional admission status)
    • Are a high school student who has satisfied the concurrent enrollment admissions requirements (Go to the High School Students page for details.)
    • Are an international student who has satisfied the international student admissions requirements (Go to the International Students page for details..)

All new students must file an Application for Admission online or in the Admissions Office. (Students who have not attended in two semesters must file a new Application for Admission.)

Only ONE application is required to apply for City, Mesa and Miramar College. Apply by the semester deadline date to ensure you are able to receive critical services in time for the start of the semester, and get a registration date and time before open enrollment. Visit the Application page

Residency Classification

Contact the Admissions Office on campus if you have any questions.

CITY COLLEGE MESA COLLEGE MIRAMAR COLLEGE
Admissions Office
619-388-3475
cityadmissions@sdccd.edu
Office A-241
Admissions Office
619-388-2682
sdmesaadmissions@sdccd.edu
Office I4-102
Admissions Office
619-388-7844
miraadm@sdccd.edu
Office K1-207
Apply Now and declare your major

To apply, go to the Online Application for Admission website and follow the instructions to Start A New Application.

You will be asked to select a major, or your intended area of study, from the list provided. Review or download the College Catalogs for complete details on the programs available.

If you don't know what your intended area of study will be at this time, you can select "Undecided" or "Undeclared." Be sure to schedule an appointment with a counselor to develop your educational plan.

 

Receive a Confirmation email and Your Student ID Number

You'll receive an email confirmation that your application has been submitted. You'll receive another email shortly after in about 1-2 hours which will provide your Student ID Number and how you can log into the student information system mySDCCD

NOTE: Be sure to keep this number in a secure location. It will be required to access your student records, access online services and to conduct all business with the college.

Step 2 – Apply for Financial Aid

Financial Aid in the form of grants, scholarships, fee waivers, work study and student loans are available. Go to Financial Aid for details.

Start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for financial aid.

 

Step 3 – Request official transcripts from other institutions

Official Transcripts are required for the following:

    • To validate prerequisites have been completed
    • To receive credit for courses completed at another institution
    • To develop your Student Education Plan
    • Students receiving financial aid or veterans benefits must have transcripts on file within one semester
Guidelines for submitting Transcripts
    • Students are responsible for requesting official transcripts from each institution attended.
    • Official transcripts must be received in the original, sealed envelope from the college or university.
    • Transcripts from foreign institutions are not required.
    • Opened, faxed or emailed transcripts will not be considered official.
    • Transcripts are only accepted within one year after issuance.

Transcripts should be submitted to the SDCCD office:

San Diego Community College District
Transcripts Department
3375 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92108-3883

Submit a Request for Transcript Evaluation

Visit the Counseling Office to submit your request for Transcript Evaluation. Allow up to 30 days for processing. You will be notified when the evaluation is complete. 

CITY COLLEGE MESA COLLEGE MIRAMAR COLLEGE
Counseling Office
619-388-3540
Office A-366
Counseling website
Counseling Office
619-388-2672
Office I4-303
Counseling website
Counseling Office
619-388-7840
Office K1-203
Counseling website

 For more information go to SDCCD Evaluations.

Step 4 – Student Success and Support Program

The goals of the Student Success and Support Program (SSSP) are to ensure that all students complete their college courses, persist to the next academic term, and achieve their educational objectives through admissions, orientation, assessment, educational planning with a counselor, and student follow-up.

These services have been designed especially for students who intend to earn a certificate or degree or to transfer to a four-year college or university. However, the services are available to all students admitted to the college, and all students are encouraged to participate in the various services of the program.

The three components of the Student Success and Support Programs include:

    1. Self-Guided Placement

    2. Orientation

    3. College Education Planning

A. Self-Guided Placement (Assessment)

Assessment is a process that is designed to assist students in determining which English, math or English Language Acquisition (ELAC) courses they should start with, specifically identifying milestones in these areas. Assessment also helps students in meeting course prerequisites. Students may also meet course prerequisites based on other factors such as English and math course completion and high school performance.

    • Assessment via College Application (CCCApply)

Students who have graduated from a U.S. high school, or equivalent, will receive placement levels in English and math based upon high school performance information that is provided on the application for admission. Students will report cumulative, unweighted high school GPA, courses completed, and grades received in English and math courses.

    • Assessment via Placement Assistant

Students who have not graduated from a U.S. high school, completed the GED, or HiSet exam are eligible for this Self-Guided Placement Tool. The Placement Assistant will identify courses that students can enroll in using prior academic history. Students will report cumulative, unweighted high school GPA, courses completed, and grades received in English and math courses. Based on the information reported, students will receive an English and math placement milestone.

  • English Language Acquisition (ELAC)

The ELAC placement process is designed for students primarily educated outside of the United States in a language other than English. Students who feel they may benefit from taking an ELAC class before a college-level English class are eligible for assessment via placement assistant. The ELAC self-guided placement tool (ELAC Go at https://bit.ly/sdelacgo) will identify courses that students can enroll in. Based on the information reported students will receive an ELAC placement milestone. 

More information is available at the campus assessment/testing office or by contacting:

Understanding the Results of the Placement Tests

Placement results are available through mySDCCD at http://my.sdccd.edu. Once logged in, click on the College Student Dashboard tile. Then on the left side of the screen select My Academics>View Milestone/Skill Level.

Depending on the tests you take, you will receive a Milestone/Skill level ranging from 30 to 50 in one or more of the following areas:

  • Reading (R)
  • Writing (W)
  • ELAC (L)
  • Math (M)

Use the following resources to determine what classes you are eligible to take based on your skill level:

Reading and Writing Skill Levels: English Placement at City, Mesa or Miramar College | San Diego Community College District (sdccd.edu)

Mathematics: Math Placement | San Diego Community College District (sdccd.edu)

ELAC (L) 

ELAC Skill Level Eligible Courses
L19 ELAC 015 or ELAC 015 & 016 
L20 ELAC 023, 025 or ELAC 023, 025 & 026 
L30 ELAC 033, 035 
L40 * ELAC 045 

* At L40 skill level, you have the option to take the English test for native English speakers.

Students who graduated from a foreign high school should contact the Assessment Center for guidance.

CITY COLLEGE MESA COLLEGE MIRAMAR COLLEGE
Assessment Center 
619-388-3998
Office A-201
Assessment website
Testing Center
619-388-2718
Office I4-201
Testing Center Website
Assessment Office
619-388-7379
Office K2-108 
Assessment Website
 
b. orientation

Orientation provides important information to students about the programs and services available at the college as well as strategies for student success. Orientation includes program planning. Non-Exempt students who have been admitted to the college are expected to attend an orientation session before registering for classes. Additional information is available in the Testing Office on campus.

    • City            619-388-3540

    • Mesa          619-388-2718

    • Miramar      619-388-7379  | 858-536-7379

San Diego City College - New Student Orientation
San Diego Mesa College - New Student Orientation
San Diego Miramar College - New Student Orientation

 

c. Student Education Plan

An education plan is an important tool to assist students in successfully attaining their goals without wasted time and effort. Counseling and career planning services are available to help students make informed choices concerning the programs and courses available.

The education plan is an agreement which contains the official requirements for graduation and/or transfer. All official transcripts of prior college work must be on file and evaluated before an official education plan can be prepared. Transcripts from foreign institutions are not required. See the Graduation section of the catalog for graduation filing requirements.

Education plans outline a suggested pathway for a student to take based on their major, transfer plans or other pertinent objectives. These plans allow students to determine how long it will take to complete a program of study and to be sure that all program requirements can be met within a particular period of time. The student should review their education plan periodically with a counselor as goals or objectives change.

Career, interest and aptitudes assessments are available for students who wish to explore other options or who are undecided on their educational goal.

Make an appointment with counseling to create your education plan.

City College Counseling

Mesa College Counseling

Miramar College Counseling

DSPS students should contact DSPS Services for Counseling:

City College DSPS - Room A-122 

Mesa College DSPS - Room 14-405

Miramar College DSPS - Room K1-204 

 

Step 5 – Register for Classes and Pay your Fees

Once you have completed the above steps you are ready to enroll in class, 

Review the College Catalogs and view the Online Class Schedule to choose class sections.

Go to the mySDCCD Registration page for information on how to proceed.

All mandatory fees must be paid by the deadline or you will be dropped for non-payment, this includes the mandatory student health services fee for all students.

 

Honors Program

For students who want more from their college education, are highly motivated, and seek exceptional learning experiences in classes that are usually highly interactive, the Honors Program is for you. The Honors General Education Core Curriculum consists of a group of courses already approved for transfer to campuses of the University of California and the California State University. In this curriculum, students encounter a range of historical, technical and cultural points of view.

The emphasis on interactive classroom settings, critical thinking, library research, strong writing skills, group presentations, and critiques anticipates the rigor and intensity of the university experience. At the same time, the personal attention extended by committed and caring professors, counselors and classmates guarantees a supportive atmosphere.

For information, contact the Honors Coordinator on campus, or visit .

NOTE: Students enrolled in an Honors section (including an honors contract), may not transfer to the regular section after the drop deadline for the class. Petitions for Honors credit after the course has been completed will not be permitted.

 
Student Support

The colleges offer many services to help students succeed. Below are just a few of the services offered:

  • Counseling Services - provides academic advising (occupational and transfer) and career and personal counseling
  • Learning Services - provides high-quality academic tutoring to help students excel
  • Transfer Success Programs - offers resource information about attending the four-year university of your choice
  • Disability Support Programs and Services (DSPS) - offers access to a variety of specialized support services and assistive equipment to assist students with disabilities to more successfully participate in regular programs and activities
  • Interpreting Services - provides communication access accommodations for deaf and hard-of-hearing students
  • Extended Opportunities Programs & Services (EOPS) - provides State-funded student support services program for educationally disadvantaged students
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