Prospective Students...Step-by-Step Guide to Enrollment

Applying for college doesn't have to be a chore. Follow these steps and you'll be on your way to college success in no time.

If you need help at any time, contact our Student Assistance Center.

• Download a .pdf version of this guide.

Step One: Apply

Check important dates on the academic calendar

• Academic calendar.

Apply Online

• Online application site. 

• International Students follow a different procedure

• Admissions advisors.

Apply for financial aid and scholarships

• Financial aid office.

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

• FAFSA workshops.

Set up your student e-mail account. In an attempt to save trees, Columbus State sends out most information to students via e-mail

• Student e-mail passwords here.

• Student e-mail access.

Submit required documents

• If required for your program of study and/or to verify you have met a science course prerequisite, have your high school (or State GED Office, if applicable) mail your final official transcript/GED score report to: Columbus State Community College, Records and Registration Office, Madison Hall 201, 550 E. Spring St., P.O. Box 1609, Columbus, OH 43216-1609.

• Have all colleges you have attended mail an official transcript to Records and Registration.
  When meeting with advisors, bring a copy of your transcript or other documentation of completed courses so they will be able to
  recommend appropriate courses and next steps.

• Non-U.S. Citizens: Submit documentation (copy of both sides of permanent resident card, I-94 Departure/Arrival card, passport stamp, or letter from Immigration Office verifying status) to the Admissions Office in the lower level of Madison Hall.
  
  See International students for more information. 

Step Two: Get oriented

Complete new student orientation. Choose the format that works best for you – online, in-person, or a combination of both. Click here for options. We also offer sessions covering financial aid. Note: Please complete this step before Placement Testing and Academic Advising.

• Orientation Sessions.

• Getting Started 101 (.pdf)

Familiarize yourself with CougarWeb. You’ll use CougarWeb to register for classes, pay fees and monitor your class schedule.

• CougarWeb.

• Manual for using CougarWeb.
   

Step Three: Test and Get Advised

Take placement tests. Complete COMPASS Placement  Test in the Testing Center. (Walk-in basis, photo ID required.) For sample tests, go to the website at www.cscc.edu, click “Testing Center” under “Student Quick Links” and click the “COMPASS/ESL” link.

• COMPASS/ESL placement test.

Meet with an academic advisor. Meet with an academic advisor in Advising Services to review test results and select appropriate classes for your program of study.

• Advising Services.

Step Four: Register and Pay Fees

Browse for classes. Write down what classes you want to take, then register for them over CougarWeb.

• Online Course Offerings.

• Enrollment Guides. Each quarter's Enrollment Guide gives specific dates, deadlines and details on ways to register.

• Academic Calendar/Dates & Deadlines

Register for classes: Once you know which classes you want to take, visit CougarWeb to sign up.

• CougarWeb.

Pay tuition and fees. You can do that online through CougarWeb, also. This step reminds you why we included Step 3.

• CougarWeb.

• Parking Permit and Student IDs: Once you've paid your fees through CougarWeb, get an ID and permit at the Public Safety office in Union Hall.

Arrive on campus: Our downtown campus offers convenient parking and hours, as do our branch campuses. Get your parking pass and ID card at the Public Safety Department.

• Public Safety Department .

• Online map.

• Off-campus centers.

• Disability Services: Franklin Hall 223, or call (614) 287-2570 (voice/TTY)

• Bookstore