First Time to College
New students can fall into two different categories based on previous enrollment, first-time at City, Mesa or Miramar College and first-time college students. For guidance on how to become a student at SDCCD, choose which best defines you at this point.
What is a first-time student at SDCCD?
A first-time student at SDCCD is someone who previously attended another institution and is now continuing or starting a new journey here at City, Mesa or Miramar Colleges. Please refer to our transfer student webpage for the path that best meets your goals.
What is a first-time college student?
A first-time college student is anyone who has never attended a higher education institution as a college student and will be attending City, Mesa or Miramar College for the first-time. Complete the following steps to become a student at OCC and be eligible for priority registration.
Steps to getting started
Create an OpenCCC account using a personal email (or login if you already have an account) and fill out the online application for any of the SDCCD colleges.
Apply for Financial Aid
We highly encourage all students to apply for financial aid. The time it takes to apply for financial aid is small compared to the potential reward of receiving financial assistance. On average, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) takes about 40 minutes to complete for the first time.
Citizens and eligible non-citizens can complete the FAFSA, while other non-citizens can complete the California Dream Act Application (CADA) instead.
New student orientation gives you important information to help you succeed in college.
Orientation gives new students a strong start to college by providing planning, support, and guidance. Learn about important forms and tasks you need to complete before you start classes.
Your placement helps you determine which math, English, or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses you should enroll in.
Students can check their placement in mySDCCD
- From your mySDCCD dashboard, click My Success Path.
- Click Milestones to view your math and English placements.
Recent High School Graduates
If you graduated high school less than 10 years ago and you provided your GPA and the last math and English classes you took in high school on your application, then your placement information is automatically updated in mySDCCD.
Older High School Graduates and Others
Students who graduated high school more than 10 years ago will be guided to our Placement Assistant tool. Be on the lookout for an email once your application has been processed.
Not comfortable reading and writing in english?
If you indicated that you are not comfortable reading and writing in English, you will be guided to our ELAC Go self-guided placement that will steer you to the right English Language Acquisition (ELAC) course.
Meet with a counselor to create an educational plan and pick classes to meet your goals.
You can enroll in classes online via eServices during or after your enrollment appointment window.