Steps to Enroll for New Students

*If you would like to come to DVC as an F-1 international student, visit our steps to enroll for international students.

If you have never taken a college class before and you are not currently in high school, click on these steps below:

Step one: apply

Complete an online application at CCCApply.

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

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.

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

If you complete online orientation, assessment, and academic advising, you will be given an earlier registration date and have a better chance of getting into your preferred classes. This is called priority registration.

Step two: online orientation

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

Step three: assessment/placement process

Once you have completed the online orientation, it is time to get your English and math placements. If you are a graduating high school senior, or you graduated from a regionally accredited high school in the United States within the past ten years, you can use our Multiple Measures online tool for placement. If not, you can schedule an appointment online at our Assessment Center. Please note that some students may not be required to assess/place, please review our do I need to take an assessment page for more information.

Step four: academic advising

After completing the assessment, you should register for Counseling 095. This is a six hour academic advising class where you will meet with a counselor and develop an education plan. You will also learn about transferring and potential degree pathways. 

Please note that you are required to complete orientation and assessment before you can register for Counseling 095. 

Step five: register for classes
  • Within 24 business hours of completing the application, you will receive a registration date in your InSite email. If you complete the requirements for priority registration, you will receive an improved registration date in your InSite portal.
  • You may register for classes through InSite or go to the Enrollment Lab for help from a staff member.

Please note that some classes require a prerequisite. These can be found in the class schedule.