College of the Canyons opened up applications for their fall semester on Jan. 1, and school officials are encouraging first time students to apply early to ensure that they receive priority registration.

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The California Community College Chancellor’s Office will implement new registration guidelines starting in the fall of this year for each of its 112 colleges, including COC.

The new regulations will continue to reward to students who are making progress toward their degree or career goals, while also granting priority registration status to some first-time students.

Incoming freshman, and other first-time students, will be eligible to sign up for classes during the college’s initial registration period, provided they complete the college’s mandatory matriculation process before June 30.

Potential students must complete an application for admission, online orientation, math and English assessments and develop a one-semester education plan using the college’s online student virtual advisor.

“First-time students who complete these steps and qualify for priority registration will better position themselves to experience a successful first semester at COC,” said Kari Soffa, director of outreach and school relations at the college. “By registering early, students will also have a better chance of enrolling in the key courses they need to fulfill their general education requirements, satisfy course prerequisites and quickly complete their degree and/or transfer to a four-year school.”

Demand for classes is expected to be high in 2014, and current high school seniors, incoming freshman and other first-time students interested in attending COC for the fall 2014 semester are encouraged to begin the matriculation process as early as possible, even if they are considering attending another college or university.

“Completing the matriculation process does not commit a student to attending COC,” Soffa said. “But if they do end up wanting to enroll in classes at the college, those students will already have their spot secured, instead of having to scramble to enroll and register at the last minute.”

The online student virtual advisor will be available to students beginning April 1.

New students who complete the mandatory matriculation steps by June 30 will receive a priority registration date.

Details about these steps, as well as additional enrollment information, are available here.

Registration dates for the fall 2014 semester will be assigned beginning July 1, 2014 for those students who have completed all of the required steps.

For more information about College of the Canyons or to become a student click here.

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