First Time In College

For students with no prior college experience seeking a certificate, career training or transfer degree. You are considered a first-time college student if you are a current high school senior, have a GED or haven't attended college since graduating from high school.

Always check program pages for specific enrollment steps.

Special Enrollment Steps 

If you identify as one of the student types below, click through to follow the necessary enrollment steps. 

• Seattle Promise Scholarship Recipient 
• Running Start Student
• Underage Admissions (under 18 years of age) 
• Veterans & Dependents

We're here to support you! If you have questions or need guidance on where to start, please contact our Welcome Center at sscnew@seattlecolleges.edu and we will help you find the right path. 

1. Admissions

Complete our free online admissions application. Once your application has been processed, you will receive your ctcLink ID (EMPLID) via email with the steps required to activate your account. 

2. Plan Your Funding 

Apply for financial aid by submitting your FAFSA or WASFA application as early as possible. Connect with our Financial Aid Department for additional support.

Use Federal School Code for South Seattle College: 009706

Watch the video below to learn more about how to apply for financial aid:

Additionally, if you are pursuing Professional & Technical Career Training apply for Workforce Education funding. Visit our Financial Resources page to learn about program specific funding resources, as well as the cost of tuition and important deadlines.

3. Placement

Visit the Student Assessment Services homepage to determine which placement documents to provide for English and Math placement.

Placement options include:

• Placement Test
• High School Transcripts for English and Math
• SBAC, ACT, or SAT

4. Orientation 

Go to the START: New Student Orientation homepage to complete your orientation online.

5. Register

Once your orientation is complete, make an appointment with the Advising Office and register for classes. Be sure to bring all applicable placement documents as these are required for registration.

6. Pay

Ensure that your classes and fees are paid for by the Tuition Due Dates. Learn about our numerous Payment Options.

7. Prepare 

GET FAMILIAR WITH YOUR CTCLINK ACCOUNT 
Your ctcLink account stores information about your student accounts, financial balances, class registration, enrollment, and transcripts. Watch this short video to learn more. 

Visit our student ctcLink Resource Page to learn more. 

SET UP STUDENT EMAIL ACCOUNT 
Go to tools.seattlecolleges.edu and select “Get My Credentials” to activate your Seattle Colleges email address. You will be provided with your email and login credentials. After this, you will set your password by selecting “Set/Reset Password.”

ACTIVATE YOUR STARFISH ACCOUNT
Starfish is your online portal to schedule appointments with your Success Network, as well as give you access to other important online resources. To activate your account, go to the Starfish login page and enter your email login credentials.

BY YOUR BOOKS
You can buy your books from the South Seattle College Bookstore after determining your class schedule for the upcoming quarter.

STUDENT ID CARD
Student ID cards can be purchased at the Cashier’s Office, located in Student Services lobby (RSB). Student ID’s are $7.50 each. After payment, bring your receipt to the Information Desk to obtain your card. Student Identification Cards are issued to all new students taking 3 or more credits.

TRANSPORTATION 
Learn about Parking and Transportation options to get you to class!