Information is also available in Spanish. See “Información en Español” in the Table of Contents.

Información en español también está disponible. Busque donde diga “Información en Español” en el índice de contenido.

Admission

Any person who is 18 years old and not currently enrolled in high school or any person possessing a high school diploma or its equivalent is eligible for admission to Cerritos College. If you are under 18 and still in college, refer to the information for dual enrollment.

Application to the College

Complete the admission application online. Online applications may be submitted at http://www.cerritos.edu by selecting, “Apply Now”. Transcripts from other institutions will be required to prove prerequisite eligibility which is strictly enforced at enrollment.

Upon receipt of the admission application, the Admissions and Records Office will issue a student identification number. A student identification number is necessary to complete orientation, counseling and enrollment. Additionally, the student identification number is necessary when utilizing MyCerritos as well as other student services.

Application assistance is provided by the Welcome Center and the Admissions & Records Office. To view the hours of operation please visit the website at www.cerritos.edu/admissions-and-records.

Residency Guidelines

Students entering any of the public community colleges of California are subject to the residence requirements as determined by the State of California. The Admissions & Records Office determines a student’s residency classification when they apply to the college. A student whose legal residence is within California is eligible to attend Cerritos College. Residents of any other state or foreign country may be subject to non-resident tuition.

The legal residence of any unmarried student under 18 years of age is considered to be that of the parent or guardian. The student should be prepared to present proof of residence.

Further inquiries may be directed to the Admissions and Records Office at (562) 860-2451, Ext. 2211, or the Cerritos College website at www.cerritos.edu/admissions-and-records.

Admission of International Students

The Office of International Student Services (OISS) welcomes “F-1” non-immigrant students to enroll at Cerritos College. The college is a Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved institution to admit F-1 students. The OISS provides assistance to international students with admissions, counseling, educational support, and cultural adjustment while pursuing their academic goals.

Assistance is also available for international students to submit a Change of Status Petition through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Interested students with other visa types (e.g., B-2, H-2, F-2, H-4, E-2, etc.) are encouraged to apply and receive assistance from the OISS with filing a change of status application. F-2 students attending high school should consult with the OISS before enrolling at Cerritos College for guidance on enrollment and change of status. Applicants with a B-2 visa, must apply for a change of status to F-1 status and receive approval before before enrolling in courses.

Medical insurance is mandatory and required for all F-1 students attending Cerritos College through the college-approved carrier.

Application Deadlines

Out-Of-Country Applicants

• Fall Semester: March 1 through June 1
• Spring Semester: August 1 through October 1
• Summer Semester: January 1 through March 1

Transfers Within United States Schools

• Fall Semester: March 1 through July 1
• Spring Semester: August 1 through November 1
• Summer Semester: January 1 through April 1

Required International Student Documentation

• International Student Application
• Fee of $50 for new students
• Statement of Financial Support
• Financial Document (bank statement or bank certification form) showing minimum available funds of USD $24,500
• Transcripts (proof of high school completion or secondary education)
• TOEFL 500 written/paper based or 61 internet based (IBT); IELTS overall band score of 4.5 to 5.0; iTEP 3.5 or higher; Eiken Test score of 2A or higher; Cambridge C1 Advanced Score of 180-199; Duolingo Score 85-90
• Copy of Passport, Visa, and I-94
• Copy of ALL I-20s (if applicable)
• Transfer Authorization (if applicable)

Intensive English Program

Cerritos College is proud to present an Intensive English Program (IEP). The IEP offers students the opportunity to acquire and improve their English skills, for beginners, intermediate, and advanced levels; while providing opportunities for immersion in the diverse cultures found in the United States.

Cost: Contact the Office of International Students Services for complete cost information.

Required Intensive English Program Documentation

• International Student Application
• Fee of $50 for new students
• Statement of Support
• Bank Certification (verification on bank letterhead signed by a bank official showing $12,000 USD or more available to the student or equivalent)
• Tuberculin (TB) skin test results (signed by medical professional and dated within two years)
• Transcripts (proof of secondary school or high school diploma)
• Cerritos College Assessment result (administered upon arrival)
• Copy of Passport, Visa, and I-94
• Copy of ALL I-20s (if applicable)
• Transfer Authorization (if applicable)
• Proof of Medical Insurance Coverage (https://www.cerritos.edu/oiss/medical-insurance-requirement-1.htm)

SEVIS Fee (Form I-901): Once a new initial I-20 is issued, a Form I-901 along with a payment of $350 SEVIS fee must be completed before applying for an F-1 student visa at the U.S. Embassy in your country. For information on paying the SEVIS fee, go to www.FMJfee.com.

For information regarding Admission of International Students at Cerritos College, please visit the website at https://www.cerritos.edu/international/ or call us at (562) 860-2451, Ext. 2133.

Admission of Dual Enrollment Students

Dual enrollment allows K-12 students to take college credit courses.

1. The K-12 school principal or designee must recommend and give consent with signature on the Dual Enrollment Application that the student would benefit from college instruction.
2. A parent/guardian must approve the student’s participation and give consent by signing the Dual Enrollment Application. Signature of the parent/guardian also acknowledges that the student will conform to all College policies and procedures.

Academic Eligibility

For all courses attempted, students must complete the appropriate College placement process and meet the stated prerequisite and/or co-requisite for the desired course.

Academic Accommodations

Students who require accommodation due to a disability should make arrangements through their K-12 school district, in consultation with the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) office at Cerritos College. Please call (562) 860-2451, Ext. 2335, for assistance. For more information, visit www.cerritos.edu/sas/.

Limitations on Enrollment

• Students are able to take up to 11 units in the fall and spring semesters. Students may only take up to 11 units in the summer.  If students wish to take units in excess of these amounts approval must be obtained by the Dean of Admissions. Students may not enroll in pre-collegiate courses.
• Students will not receive priority enrollment status and will be charged all applicable fees, unless they are CCAP.

Attending Cerritos College As A Dual Enrollment Student

To attend Cerritos College as a dual enrollment student, please complete the Cerritos College online admissions application and the Dual Enrollment form, which can be found on the Dual Enrollment webpage.

It is recommended that Dual Enrollment students meet with a Cerritos College Dual Enrollment counselor and participate in Falcon Edge Orientation. For more information, please call (562) 860-2451, Ext. 2212.

Placement

Placement is the process of gathering information about an individual student to facilitate his or her success and provide them a recommended college-level placement for English/English as a Second Language (ESL), math, and reading. It is recommended that you have a copy of your high school transcripts when you apply to the college.

Placement recommendations will be provided via a personalized Welcome Letter.

If you have questions about your placement results, you may speak to a counselor. 

Placement Exemptions

Students who already possess an Associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited college are not required to complete the placement process, but will be required to verify the degree by presenting official documents to the Admissions and Records Office at least 10 working days prior to their enrollment appointment date. To successfully enroll into a course that has an English or math pre-requisite a Requisite Clearance form must be submitted to the Admissions & Records Office with transcripts demonstrating successful completion of the pre-requisite course.

Accommodations for English as a Second Language

Based upon your experience, skills and confidence using English in your work and daily life, you will receive your placement recommendation for instruction in the appropriate English or ESL course.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Any student with a verified disability may arrange accommodations for the placement process. A current Cerritos College application must be on file to receive accommodations. Accommodation requests should be made at least 7 days in advance to Student Accessibility Services (SAS). For more information or an appointment, call (562) 860-2451, ext. 2335; (562) 274-7164 (VP); or visit our website at www.cerritos.edu/sas/. Academic Accommodations may include, but are not limited to: readers, writers, or the use of assistive technology.

Transcripts

It may be necessary to submit official transcripts from previous schools, colleges and universities for the establishment of prerequisite eligibility. Official transcripts verifying units from other institutions may be used to complete CSU General Education requirements, IGETC requirements, Certificates of Achievement and Associate of Arts or Science Degrees.