Graduating High School Senior

Selecting a Major/Program of Study

Before you start the CCC Apply application, decide which option below sounds most like you right now. This will help you choose your major. It's okay if you don't know and you can always change your mind later.

I know exactly what I want to study or the career I want to pursue.

Have a specific program of study in mind. Have a target transfer institution.

    • On the application select the Major Category you want:
      • Arts, Communication and Language
      • Information Technology, Business and Economics
      • Mathematics, Architecture, Construction and Engineering
      • Science and Health
      • Social Sciences
    • Then select your specific major.
    • The program codes are the specific subject area followed by the type of Degree or Certificate.   For example, DVC Biology for Transfer (AST) is an Associate of Science degree for Transfer.

      Here is each type of Degree or Certificate that DVC offers:
      • AST = Associate of Science degree for Transfer
      • AS = Associate of Science degree
      • AAT = Associate of Art degree for Transfer
      • AA = Associate of Art degree
      • CC = Certificate of Completion
      • CA = Certificate of Achievement
I have a specific career area identified.

Learning how specific programs of study relate to career goals

    • On the application select the Major Category you want:
      • Arts, Communication and Language
      • Information Technology, Business and Economics
      • Mathematics, Architecture, Construction and Engineering
      • Science and Health
      • Social Sciences
    • Select the Major Category you want to focus on and then select “Undecided” within that Major Category
I have a general idea of the major or career I want and I’m still exploring.

Curious about a Major Category, but not ready to pick a program or don’t see exactly what you are looking for?

    • On the application select the Major Category you want:
      • Arts, Communication and Language
      • Information Technology, Business and Economics
      • Mathematics, Architecture, Construction and Engineering
      • Science and Health
      • Social Sciences

    • Select the Major Category you want to focus on and then select “Undecided” within that Major Category

I'm learning about my skills and interests as well as the many major and career options available to me.

Select the Major Category of Undecided and then select either the CSU General Education Breadth, or the Intersegmental General Ed Transfer Curriculum option.

Step one: apply

Complete two (2) applications via CCCApply

You will complete two applications: 1) For spring semester as a high school student enrolling in a college course.  This will allow you to take our COUNS 095 (or COUNS 096 for athletes) class so that you can receive academic advising in preparation for fall semester (details are outlined in step four).  2) The second application will be for summer as a first-time college student.

After submitting your applications via CCCApply, two verification emails will be sent to the email account you enter on your application. Follow the instructions in that email so that your application can be processed. If you do not receive the verification email, check your spam/junk folder.  You must reply to both verification emails.

Within 24 business hours, you will be emailed your new DVC student ID number, registration date, important student account information. This information will be sent to the email address you provided on your application.

Learn about getting free tuition for your first year as a new college student.

Apply for financial aid

Students should also begin the financial aid process, along with their DVC application, since this process can take some time to complete.

If you are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify for aid such as grants, work-study, or loans.

If you are an undocumented student, who qualifies for AB-540 status, you should complete the California Dream Act Application to see if you are eligible for grants.

For more information about the financial aid process, tune into Financial Aid TV.

Step two: online orientation

After you receive your student ID number, you should complete the online orientation (también está disponible en español.) The orientation will provide you with important information about student services, the online student portal, programs, procedures and policies.

Please note:  Access to the online orientation is provided to students that did not complete the online orientation previously and are not currently enrolled in high school.  If you encounter access issues please contact the Assessment Center via e-mail at assessmentcenter@dvc.edu or chat from www.dvc.edu/assessment.  Please include your name, student ID, and a description of the problem or error message. 

Step three: assessment/placement process

Once you have completed the online orientation, it is time to get your English or English as a Second Language (ESL), and math placements. Use our online placement process to determine the correct courses for you. Visit www.dvc.edu/assessment and select the appropriate tab depending on when and where you graduated from high school.

Step four: Academic advising

As a new student, you will initially receive academic advising by taking a COUNS 095 (COUNS 096 for athletes) class which is taught by an academic counselor.  By the end of this class, you will have your first 2-semesters of courses planned.  It is highly advisable that you meet with a counselor during fall semester (and every semester after) to complete your educational plan.

COUNS 095/096 is taught online via Canvas (our Learning Management System).  You will access Canvas via your InSite portal account by selecting the Canvas tile.

For step-by-step directions on how to enroll in COUNS 095/096 view “How do I register for classes online”.

Step five: register for classes

Please see our How To library, which includes directions on registration. Check out the How to Search, Plan, and Register for Classes video for step-by-step directions. This will show you the steps to select your classes and be set up and ready for your assigned registration date. You can view your registration dates on InSite. Look for the Registration Dates tile.

Many classes fill up quickly so register on your registration date!

Resources for success