International Students
Welcome to Cerro Coso!
We are excited that you have chosen Cerro Coso for your academic journey. There are several steps you must complete before taking classes with us. Whether you are a first-time student in the States, a transferred student, or an athlete, we have a dedicated team of professionals who can support you at any time.
Meet Our Team
Katie Bachman
Amanda Barry
Jessica Kawelmacher
Email: internationalstudent@cerrocoso.edu
Becoming a Student at Cerro Coso
- Fill out the application form online.
- Apply by April 15 for the fall semester that starts in August.
- Apply by October 15 for the spring Semester that starts in January.
- Please read the International Student Welcome Packet and then fill out and return the International Student I-20 Application to our International Student Team at internationalstudent@cerrocoso.edu.
- Send us your high school and college transcripts.
Credit earned from other accredited colleges or universities may be transferred to Cerro Coso upon admission. Students must submit official transcripts that demonstrate they are in good academic standing and have been honorably dismissed. Transcripts from all previously attended colleges must be mailed directly to Admissions and Records:
Admissions & Records
Cerro Coso Community College
3000 College Heights Blvd
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
cc_ar@cerrocoso.edu
Phone: (760) 384-6374
Fax: (760) 384-6377 - Attend orientation.
- Meet with a counselor/advisor for placement in math and English.
- Meet with a counselor once you have completed your orientation and placement to develop a Student Education Plan (SEP) for your first semester at Cerro Coso. The SEP must be completed within the first academic term.
- Register for classes. Or check out our "How to" library for additional resources.
- Attend classes. Students who do not attend the first day of class will be dropped.
- Meet with Counseling each semester to keep your I-20 up to date, further develop your SEP, and discuss meeting your education and career goals. Please make an appointment in late March/early April for summer and fall registration and in late October/early November for spring registration.
- Reminder: If you have changed your residence address, major, and or any other information about your F-1/M-1 status, please contact your Designated School Official (DSO) immediately.
Required Documents Checklist
☐ Copy of passport biographical page
☐ Financial documentation (bank statement, affidavit of support, scholarship letter,
etc.)
☐ Proof of English proficiency
☐ Academic transcripts/certificates from previous schools
☐ Cerro Coso Community College admission application
** All documents not in English must be translated before submission.
Academic Calendar and Application Deadlines
The academic year is divided into two main terms called semesters: Fall and Spring.
International students are required to arrive on campus approximately two weeks before classes begin. During this time, you will participate in orientation, meet with an advisor, and meet with your DSO.
- Fall Semester: Mid-August through late December
- Spring Semester: Mid-January through late May
A summer session may also be offered, typically running from early June through late July. This excludes first-time, first-semester students.
Deadline for International Students
| Semester | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester (August-December) | June 15 |
| Spring Semester (January-May) | November 1 |
| Semester | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester | July 15 |
| Spring Semester | December 10 |
English Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency according to Cerro Coso requirements. The applicant must be able to read, speak, and write English sufficiently well to pursue a full-time program of study. An International Test of English as a Second Language (TOEFL) is required of all international applicants whose native language is not English. The TOEFL is administered in most countries by the Educational Testing Service.
- Internet-Based Test (IBT) Scores between 1-6, but Cerro Coso’s set standard is a minimum of 4 to pass. Anything below needs to be evaluated by the International Student Team.
Resources for International Students
- Student Process Steps: How to Navigate the U.S. Immigration System
- International Student & Scholar Health Insurance
- 2025 Recommended Immunizations for Adults
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