Where Do I Begin?

Your Path Starts Here
Whether you're coming to college for the first time, returning after time away, transferring from another college, building new career skills, or continuing your education, we're here to help you get started.

Matriculation is the process that connects you with the services and resources you need to begin your Southwestern College journey. Support starts before your first day of class and continues throughout your time at Southwestern.

Apply to Southwestern College

Applying to Southwestern College is free. Start your journey by completing the online application for admission. 

  • New students: Complete an online application to Southwestern College.
  • Returning students: If you haven't attended Southwestern College in a year, you may need to submit a new application. Former students will use the same SWC ID number.
  • Students who have attended another college or university: Submit official transcripts if you would like previous coursework evaluated toward a degree, certificate, prerequisite, or transfer goal.
  • Current high school students: You may have opportunities to take Southwestern College courses while you're still in high school. See your high school counselor for further details or contact the Southwestern College Outreach Office.
  • Current high school seniors: You may have the option of participating in the Early Admissions Program. 

Complete Orientation & Advisement

Once you’ve applied to Southwestern College, your next step is getting ready for your first semester.

Complete the Online Orientation to learn about:

Course placement and prerequisites
General education and major requirements
Registering for classes
Student services and college resources
Career and transfer opportunities
Planning your educational journey

Understand Your Placement and Prerequisites
Your educational background and previous coursework can help determine your English, math and other course placement.

If you’ve attended another college or earned qualifying AP or IB credit, your previous coursework may help meet placement or prerequisite requirements. Submit the appropriate transcripts or documentation for review.

Create Your Educational Plan
Connect with Southwestern College Counseling and Career Advisement to meet with a counselor and discuss your academic, career or transfer goals, and develop a Student Education Plan (SEP). Your plan can help you identify the courses you need and stay on track toward your goal.

Explore Financial Aid

Don’t let the cost of college stop you from getting started.

Financial aid may be available to eligible Southwestern College students to help cover educational expenses.
Depending on your eligibility, assistance may include:

California College Promise Grant
Federal and state grants
Federal Work-Study
Scholarships
Student loans
Other forms of financial assistance

The Financial Aid Office can help you explore your options, understand eligibility requirements and navigate the financial aid process.

Apply for Financial Aid | Explore Financial Aid Resources

Register for Classes

Once you’re ready to register, use your assigned registration date to begin building your schedule.

Before registering:

Check your registration date.
Review your Student Education Plan or recommended courses.
Make sure you’ve met course prerequisites.
Clear any outstanding holds, if applicable.
Check your SWC email for important information and updates.
Review available classes and choose a schedule that works for you.

Not sure which classes to take? Connect with the Southwestern College Counseling and Career Advisement and meet with a counselor for guidance.

After You Register:

Check your course information to see which textbooks, materials, or supplies are required for your classes. Visit the Southwestern College Bookstore to find and purchase the materials you need.

Connect with Student Support

You don’t have to navigate college alone.

Southwestern College offers resources to help you succeed in and outside the classroom. Whether you need help planning your courses, preparing for a career, transferring, accessing accommodations or managing challenges outside of school, support is available.

Resources include:

Pay Fees

After you register, review your account in MySWC to understand your balance, payment options and important deadlines.

Financial aid may help eligible students pay for some educational expenses. Be sure to complete your financial aid application and regularly check your SWC email and MySWC account for updates.

  • Students are responsible for paying required fees by applicable deadlines. Failure to pay fees may affect enrollment in accordance with Southwestern College policies. Review Important Dates for current payment and enrollment deadlines.
  • If you have an outstanding balance, check your MySWC account or contact the Cashier's Office for information about your balance and available next steps.

Take a Tour of Southwestern College

Get comfortable with your college before your first day. Take a virtual tour or schedule an in-person tour with the Outreach Department and familiarize yourself with the places and resources you may use throughout the semester, including:

Campus locations and classrooms
Library
Counseling and Career Advisement
Student Support Services
Academic Tutoring
Admissions & Records
Financial Aid
Student Life

Planning a visit for a school or community group? Contact the Southwestern College Outreach Office for information about group tours.

Start Your Semester

You’re ready to get started!

Attend your classes beginning on the first day, check your SWC email regularly and review your course materials so you know what you’ll need.

Most importantly, ask for help when you need it. Your professors, counselors and Southwestern College student support teams are here to help you make progress toward your goals.

Welcome to Southwestern College. Your journey starts here.

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