New Student Guide

Admission Applications are now being accepted for:

Fall      2011                    Late start courses
Spring 2012

International Students should follow the International registration guidelines.

NOTE: This step-by-step process should be followed in order. It may take more than one day to complete the process.

STEP ONE

Complete Online Application

Online Application for Admission Read the directions and then click on "Begin Application for College of the Desert" Complete each screen, a RED notice will pop-up if the information is incomplete.  You will need to fill in the data before moving on. When the form is complete, click "Submit" Your College of the Desert Student Identification Number will be sent to the e-mail account you specified on the admission application, usually the same day.  You do not need your Student Identification Number to register for classes.

STEP TWO

Assessment

Assessment tests for basic academic skills are used to determine recommended placement in English, math, reading, or English as a Second Language (ESL).  All non-exempt students must have their skills evaluated prior to a counseling appointment or registration.  If you have submitted the Online Application and have received your College of the Desert Student ID number,  you can click the Assessment Tests link to schedule an Assessment Appointment.  You will need your College of the Desert Student ID number in order to make your appointment to take the assessment test.

STEP THREE

For more information on Orientation, please click here

The orientation sessions introduce and familiarize you to the to the college, its polices and expectations and assists you with assessment test interpretations, first semester planning and hands on instruction on how to register for classes. Orientation participation is mandatory for all first time students.  Some new students may be exempt from this requirement if they completed an AA/AS degree or higher or those students who have participated in orientation at another college or university.  If you feel you have met this requirement, please proceed to the counseling office to file a Matriculation waiver.  Documentation will be required to waive your participation. Orientation Exemption Information: New COD students who plan to take less than six semester units, have completed orientation at another college, or who have already attained an AA degree or higher may be exempt from attending orientation. If you feel you qualify for an exemption, please visit the COD  Counseling Center to complete a Matriculation Waiver Form. If you would like more information about the exemption criteria, please call the COD Counseling Center at 760-773-2521. If you are found to be exempt from attending orientation please note** this does not preclude you from meeting the prerequisites in place for many courses.   You will be required to provide transcripts as proof you have met a prerequisite by meeting with an advisor or counselor.If you would like more information to determine your eligibility for an exemption, please contact the counseling center.  Only the counseling center may exempt students from orientation.

STEP FOUR

Counseling/Advisement

All new students should schedule an appointment to meet with a counselor to discuss academic goals and develop and Educational plan.  Call (760-773-2521) to schedule an appointment. Counseling hours.   If you have completed prerequisites for a class at another college or university, take a copy of your transcript(s) to the counseling office for verification that the previous class meets the prerequisite requirement.. (760) 773-2521.

STEP FIVE

Financial Aid

Apply for Financial Aid.

STEP SIX

Register For Classes

Students may register for class only after the assessment test and the orientation have been completed. Register online at WebAdvisor.  Classes fill quickly so register as early as possible. Payment of Fees Pay all registration fees by MasterCard or Visa online using WebAdvisor.  Fees must be paid within 3 days or you may be dropped from all classes.