Getting Started Checklist
Starting college is a big step, but we're here to help. The CCA website and following pages of this catalog include details on how to get started.
Step 1: Apply for Admission - If you are new to CCA or have been away from CCA for a year or more, you need to complete the online application for admission. There is no deadline or fee to apply.
Step 2: If you are a Colorado resident for tuition purposes and did not sign-up for COF through your admissions application, you can sign-up online. The COF application is free and can save you hundreds of dollars each semester on your tuition. This is a onetime application but you need to authorize COF each semester.
Step 3: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov to see if you are eligible for any kind of aid (grants, loans, work study and scholarships). The application process can take 6-8 weeks to complete, so apply early! CCA has three priority consideration dates during the year. Fall Semester-May 1, Spring Semester-November 1, Summer Semester-April 1. Your financial aid file is not complete until you receive an award letter. CCA’s Federal School Code is 016058. Need help completing the FAFSA? Please call 303 340-7093 for more information.
Please Note : Step 4 is different for New Students and Transfer/Readmit Students. Be sure to follow the step 4 that applies to you.
Step 4 - New Students: If you have never attended college after High School, you are required to participate in CCA Express, a one-day, fast track orientation that includes all important elements of starting at CCA. You will have a hold placed on your account to prevent registration until you have participated. During orientation you will:
- Meet the Assessment Requirement In order to register for classes, all students must meet assessment requirements in the areas of math, reading and English. You must do one of the following:
- Take the placement test to assess your current academic skill level. It is important to be prepared for the test so that you can be placed into the appropriate courses. Before you take the test, you are strongly encouraged to review the assessment workbook and attend an assessment prep workshop.
- Provide a copy of ACT or SAT scores (no more than five years old) prior to your orientation date with the following minimum scores: ACT: Reading 17, English 18, Math 19 SAT: 440 Critical Reading/Verbal, Math 460
- See an Academic Advisor & Register for Classes - During Orientation you will meet individually with an Academic Advisor who will be able to guide you in selecting the right courses to complete a degree or certificate at CCA and/ or to transfer to the 4-year institution of your choice. The Advisor will also assist you in registering for classes during your orientation meeting.
Step 4 - Transfer or Readmit Students:
- Transfer to CCA - CCA awards credit for prior learning. Students who have previously attended another college or who have ACE, AP, CLEP, DANTES, IB, or other college-level learning are encouraged to visit the Transferring to CCA page for more information.
- Meet the Assessment Requirement - All students must meet assessment requirements in the areas of math, reading and English to register for courses. You must do one of the following:
- Take the placement test to assess your current academic skill level. It is important to be prepared for the test so that you can be placed into the appropriate courses. Before you take the test, you are strongly encouraged to review the assessment workbook and attend an assessment prep workshop.
- Provide a copy of ACT or SAT scores (no more than five years old) with the following minimum scores: ACT: Reading 17, English 18, Math 19 or SAT: 440 Critical Reading/Verbal, Math 460
- Provide your Academic Advisor with an unofficial copy of college transcripts from a regionally accredited institution showing successful completion of math and English coursework. Please note that English courses taken outside of the United States do not meet Assessment or Transfer guidelines.
- See an Academic Advisor - After meeting assessment requirements, you are ready to meet with an Academic Advisor. Your Advisor will be able to help you select the right courses to complete a degree or certificate at CCA and/or to transfer to the 4-year institution of your choice.
- Register for Courses - Complete the Student Account Payment Agreement from the Add/Drop Classes link in MyCCA and register for courses through your MyCCA account (link available from CCA’s website). Remember to print your schedule a few days before the semester begins to get current room information.
Step 5 : Don’t lose your spot in your classes! Each semester, CCA publishes a tuition due-date. You must have your payment arrangements FINALIZED by this deadline to hold your spot in classes. CCA recommends that you complete a payment plan as soon as you register. Signing up early allows you a small (or zero) down payment and spreads out your payments over several months. Financial Aid will only hold your spot in classes if you have received an award letter.
Step 6 : Take your schedule to the bookstore to purchase your books. Buy your books before classes begin to be prepared.
Step 7 : Stop by the Welcome Center at the CentreTech Campus or Lowry Student Services office with government issued photo ID to get your CCA Student ID card.
Step 8 : Your college email account is the official method of communication at CCA, so it is extremely important that you activate your account and check it frequently. To activate your account, login to your MyCCA account and click the “Student Email” link at the top of the page. Your initial password is your date of birth spelled out (for example: February141992).
Step 9 : A little more than a week after you register for classes, your Higher One Debit card will arrive in the mail (look for the bright green envelope). This card will be used to apply your financial aid or any other refund so it is important that you look for the card and activate it when it arrives!