Learn how to apply to a community college step-by-step. We cover requirements, deadlines, and tips for students of all backgrounds at San Juan College.
Are you ready to advance your education or career with a certificate or associate’s degree from a community college? This guide will help you navigate the entire application and admissions process, highlight how it differs from and is similar to traditional college admissions, and provide tips to enhance your chances of success.
In this guide:
How to Apply to Community College
The journey to community college is more manageable than you might expect. While the specific requirements can vary slightly by program, school, and what type of student you are, there are core steps to applying to community college as a first-time student, returning student, or dual-enrolled high schooler.
We’ll get into more detail on each step next.
- Prepare: Gather documents and research admissions requirements for your program of interest.
- Apply Online: Complete and submit the application.
- Submit Transcripts: Request official high school transcripts to be sent directly to the school.
- Take Placement Tests: If required, take any necessary placement tests.
- Apply for Financial Aid: Complete the FAFSA and apply for scholarships.
- Accept Your Offer: Review and accept your admissions and financial aid offers.
Did you know? Community colleges usually have open enrollment, meaning any student can be accepted if they meet the entrance requirements. Exceptions to this can include specialized programs like nursing, which may require specific science courses.
Requirements for Different Student Types
Community college application requirements usually don’t ask for standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, or personal essays. If you have graduated from high school or completed an equivalent, you’re mostly there. Depending on your background and goals at community college, there might be minor differences in how you complete your application.
If you have already completed some coursework at another college, community colleges are a great option for continuing education. You can transfer credits you’ve completed at another college to a college like SJC. Contact the admissions office: an advisor can help you determine which credits will transfer and apply to your new program.
High school students can get a head start on college coursework through dual enrollment programs, which allow them to apply to start community college while they are still completing high school. Each state and institution treats dual enrollment differently. At San Juan College in New Mexico, these are known as dual credit and early admit programs.
- Dual credit allows students to take college-level courses that count toward both their high school and college credit requirements.
- Early admit is more like starting community college while in high school with guaranteed admission after graduating.
Tip: To apply for community college as a dual enrollment student, research specific requirements on your local community college’s website.
Professional development programs allow you to seek new or enhanced skills without committing to a full degree. The application process is simple, often involving filling out a personal information form to register for a specific course or certificate.
You’ll likely create an account like any other community college applicant, but it’s best to review the college website for any specific requirements for these programs or if there is a different process to follow.
Explore SJC’s workforce development certificates and courses.
You are considered a non-degree student if you want to take college classes without pursuing a degree or certificate. This option offers flexibility for career advancement, completing prerequisites for future programs, or simply for personal enrichment. However, you will still need to apply to the institution to register for any classes. To get started, create an admissions account and submit the online application.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Check Requirements
At a minimum, most community colleges typically require proof of a high school-level education and proof of residency in the state. However, some specific programs may have additional requirements, such as coursework or GPA standards. For example, a degree in nursing may require prior science classes.
Go to the website of the college you’re interested in and:
- Confirm basic admissions requirements
- Confirm admissions requirements for your program of interest.
Step 2: Plan Around Deadlines
Many community colleges and trade schools follow a rolling admissions process, meaning there is no strict deadline to apply. You can submit your application at any time and begin the program at the next start date.
However, consider that:
- Applying as soon as possible ensures you get a spot in the classes you want.
- Financial aid deadlines are separate from admissions deadlines, so you should submit both in time to meet these deadlines.
Tip: Don't forget to check out your chosen program's webpage for any specific deadlines or admissions timelines.
Step 3: Request Transcripts
Your high school transcript or equivalent, such as a GED, is a required document that shows you completed your high school education. Your grades and GPA generally matter less than the fact that the transcript is completed. If you are still in your final year of high school, your transcript will show your expected date of graduation and your progress.
If you have questions about whether you have all of your high school credits, email the San Juan College Admissions Office at admissions@sanjuancollege.edu, who can introduce you to our experts in high school to community college transitions.
How do you request high school transcripts?
Reach out to your high school’s administrative office, specifically current guidance counselors, to request official transcripts.
- Find the contact information for the admissions office of the community college you are applying to, such as an email address.
- Call or email your high school or equivalent institution to inquire about their transcript request process.
- Give the community college contact information to the high school counselor.
Before completing this step, you can ask the community college admissions office if a better route is recommended.
Step 4: Take Placement Tests
Community college placement exams, also known as skills readiness exams, may be required but are not used for admission decisions, unlike the SAT or ACT. Instead, they help place you in the right classes by testing your skills in subjects like math and English. If your community college requires placement tests, they can save you time and money by potentially testing out of introductory courses.
Step 5: Create Account and Begin Application
Most community colleges allow you to apply online. Navigate to their online application portal, which is usually found on the Admissions webpage.
- Be sure to select the correct application type (first-time student, transfer, non-degree, etc.).
- In the portal, upload any required personal documents and fill out all blank fields.
Step 6: Add Documents and Information
Once you begin the online application, you will be prompted to submit or upload various documents and personal information. Some items will be submitted directly from other sources, such as your placement test and official transcripts. Items you are required to upload yourself or describe in writing include:
- Personal identification (ex., Driver’s license or state ID card, social security or alien registration number)
- Proof(s) of residency for in-state tuition status (Voter registration cards, utility bills, or pieces of mail are often acceptable formats, but check your specific application for requirements.)
- Biographical information
- Volunteer or extracurricular activities
- Health insurance information
- Potentially, documentation including visas, passports, or tribal membership cards
Step 7: Complete Application
Once all of your information has been entered and all necessary documents have been submitted, you will review your application for accuracy and submit it. At San Juan College, the application is free, and you can save your progress and return to it later. Your application will be processed within one or two business days, but it may take longer during peak times.
Step 8: Apply for Financial Aid
Applying for financial aid is a crucial step in the college admissions process. The main task is to fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines your eligibility for grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans. To learn more, read our complete guide to community college financial aid.
What Happens After Admission?
Once you submit your application, you may start receiving an admissions response from the school’s admissions office in just a few business days. After you are admitted, you can expect the following steps before you start classes.
- Review admissions and aid offers from each school you are admitted to.
- Attend orientation, where you will learn about campus resources and get your questions answered.
- Sign up for classes through the school’s online student portal, like MySJC. Your advisor can help you make the correct course selections for your program.
Why Apply to a Community College Before Transferring to a University
By starting at community college, you can save significantly on tuition before transferring, and in some states, like New Mexico, you may even qualify for programs that make your community college education free. Also, taking classes can increase your GPA to help you get admitted to a four-year university. In some states, community colleges have guaranteed transfer pathways to in-state four-year schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
A simple checklist for community college admissions includes:
- Finding a program and its requirements online
- Applying for admission online
- Discovering ways to pay for college and completing your FAFSA
- Submitting your official transcript
- Registering for classes with your advisor
Yes! If you want to complete certain prerequisite courses only, verify if there are any specific ways to apply to take classes without a degree. Otherwise, you can apply like everyone else and chat with a counselor about what you want to achieve.
Deciding on a major or program can be challenging, but thinking about your favorite subjects, identifying your strengths and weaknesses, and considering your career goals can help. You can also explore different programs and classes to help you decide.
Many colleges, including San Juan College, offer resources like advisors and career quizzes to help you match your interests with potential career paths.
The biggest difference is the admissions requirements. Most community colleges have an open admissions policy, which means completing high school or an equivalent is generally all you need to apply. They do not typically require SAT or ACT scores, personal essays, or letters of recommendation.
In general, community college admissions are more streamlined and have a quicker turnaround. They may have rolling admissions, instead of a specific application deadline.
Generally, if you meet the requirements of having completed high school and are eligible to attend college, you can apply and be admitted to a community college.
Not all community colleges offer housing. If so, you should find their specific housing information on their website. San Juan College does offer the convenience of living on campus in a dorm residence hall, with meal plans, workout facilities, laundry, and Wi-Fi. You can apply for housing through MySJC during the admissions process.
The processing time for a community college application varies, but you can typically expect a response within a few weeks. At San Juan College, applications are processed within one to two business days. It’s best to apply at least one to two months before the start of a term to ensure you have the best selection of classes.
Learn More About Community College Admissions
Applying to community college is a straightforward process designed to help you succeed, no matter where you are in life. This guide walks through how to prepare for and submit an application, applying for transfer or dual credit admissions, and more.
Have any more questions about transcripts, applications, or financial aid? Contact the admissions team at San Juan College today for assistance.