Admissions & Records

Becoming a Student at Cerro Coso

Individuals who meet one of the following criteria are eligible for admission to Cerro Coso Community College:

• graduates of accredited high schools
• individuals who have either the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) certificate or the General Education Development (GED) certificate
• persons 18 years of age or older who are able to benefit from the college's instructional programs

Student Success Video - Get the Basics

General Instructions

There are also specific instructions for:

• Athletes
• High School Students Still in High School
• International Students
• Military Veterans

1. Fill out the application form online.
   
   

   When you submit a new application to Cerro Coso through CCCApply, you may be asked to verify your identity. Completing this step helps us receive and process your application. 

   Start your application in CCCApply. Make sure you select Cerro Coso Community College. 

   Complete the identity verification step. Follow the prompts for ID.me or the California DMV option, if one is available to you. 

   Finish and submit your application. Watch for emails sent to the address on your CCCApply account. 

   If you selected “Verify Later” 

   Sign back in to your CCCApply account and complete the identity verification step. Cerro Coso may not receive your new application until you do. Check the email address on your CCCApply account for reminders or instructions. 

   Need help verifying? 

   Reach out to the ID.me Help Center to problem-solve any verification issues with your CCCApply Account, 

   or 

   If you cannot complete either online option, contact Cerro Coso Admissions & Records. Our team can help you understand your next steps and discuss another way to verify your identity. Please note that manual processing times may take up to two weeks.

2. Send us your transcripts, if we ask.
   Credit earned from other accredited colleges or universities may be transferred to Cerro Coso upon admission. Students will need to provide official transcripts showing satisfactory scholarship and an honorable dismissal. 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

   Phone: (760) 384-6374
   Fax: (760) 384-6377

3. Attend orientation.
4. Log into Navigate.
5. Meet with a counselor to determine your placement in math and English, and to develop a Student Education Plan (SEP).
6. Get Financial Aid by completing the FAFSA online at studentaid.gov.
   
   Cerro Coso's Federal School Code (010111) must be entered on your FAFSA so that your information will be transmitted to us electronically. You will also need a pin to sign the FAFSA electronically. Apply for a pin at fsaid.ed.gov. Parents of dependent students must also apply for a pin.
7. If you qualify, also apply for a California College Promise Grant (formerly known as the BOG Fee Waiver) on the Financial Aid webpage.
8. Register for classes.
9. Pay fees prior to the start of the semester. Students with outstanding balances will be contacted by the Admissions & Records Department and a hold may be placed on accounts with past-due balances. If you need assistance with paying for classes, be sure to apply for Financial Aid. Please contact Financial Aid with any questions.
10. Attend classes. Students who do not attend the first day of class will be dropped.
11. Meet with counseling each semester to further develop your SEP and discuss meeting your education and career goals.