With less than a month to go before classes start it is time for all you procrastinators (you know who you are!) to get in gear and get enrolled. Here is a step by step process for starting college at Central Arizona College:
Admissions - You can obtain an Admissions Form at any Central Arizon College location or apply online at www.centralaz.edu and click on on Apply Now.
On-Campus Housing - The Signal Peak Campus between Casa Grande and Coolidge offers on-campus housing. Please call 520-494-5470 for more information.
Financial Aid - Apply for Financial Aid by visiting www.fafsa.ed.gov. Central’s Financial Aid Department can assist you with filing your FAFSA, contact them at 520-494-5425
Student ID - Get your Student ID at the Signal Peak, Superstition Mountain, or Aravaipa Campus.
Placment Testing and Advising - Students seeking a Degree or Certificate are required to take a placement test and meet with an Advisor before their first semester of enrollment. You can walk in or make an appointment at a campus near you.
Orientation - Reserve a spot for an orientation by visitng www.centralaz.edu/orientation.
Register for Classes - Register online by visiting www.centralaz.edu and click on Register for
Classes or register in person at any Central Arizona College campus or educational center.
Payment - Pay online at www.centralaz.edu, by phone by calling 520-494-5240, in person at any campus location, or by mail: Central Arizona College, Cashier’s Office, 8470 North Overfield Rd., Coolidge, AZ 85228 (Note: Be sure to include your student ID number on all correspondence)
Monday, July 20, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
to Orientation or not to Orientation?
Do I need to attend an Orientation?
The short answer is "No, it is not mandatory". But why would you deprive yourself of the opportunity to get a head start on your college experience? Orientations give students (and parents) the opportunity to get a feel for college life before the first day of class, which I can tell you from personal experience can be both hurried and a little terrifying. Students will have the opportunity to find out where their classes are, where they can buy their books, how to get around the campus, who to ask for help, and even where the bathrooms are (trust me, that is important). In addition to getting familiar with the campus students will have a chance to meet staff and faculty from different departments in the college and ask questions that can help students make the decision of what they want to focus on.
Orientations also give students a chance to be around other students coming to college for the first time. They get to see that they are not the only one who has no idea where room 0216 is. Friendships are often forged at orientation that can last through the college experience and beyond. Orientations also mark an important step toward independence for most college students. While parents often attend orientations, it is also a first step for many students into a more independent world.
What to bring to Orientation:
Paper and pen – there will be a lot of information that is covered during the orientation and there will always be something that was mentioned that you may need later. Rather than try to remember all that information you can write it down and have it for later.
Questions – One of the purposes of the orientation is to answer questions before the semester actually starts. If you think of some questions you have about College write them down on the paper you will be bringing (see its paying off already) so you don’t forget them. Oh, and don’t be afraid to ask your questions. If you have them there are probably many people who have the same question.
A good mood – Sure, one of the purposes of orientations is to get information to students but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun doing it. So show up in a good mood and have fun during your orientation, save the grump for finals.
…and if you haven’t signed up for an orientation yet, what are you waiting for? Visit http://www.centralaz.edu/Home/Admissions/Orientation_To_College.htm to reserve your seat.
The short answer is "No, it is not mandatory". But why would you deprive yourself of the opportunity to get a head start on your college experience? Orientations give students (and parents) the opportunity to get a feel for college life before the first day of class, which I can tell you from personal experience can be both hurried and a little terrifying. Students will have the opportunity to find out where their classes are, where they can buy their books, how to get around the campus, who to ask for help, and even where the bathrooms are (trust me, that is important). In addition to getting familiar with the campus students will have a chance to meet staff and faculty from different departments in the college and ask questions that can help students make the decision of what they want to focus on.
Orientations also give students a chance to be around other students coming to college for the first time. They get to see that they are not the only one who has no idea where room 0216 is. Friendships are often forged at orientation that can last through the college experience and beyond. Orientations also mark an important step toward independence for most college students. While parents often attend orientations, it is also a first step for many students into a more independent world.
What to bring to Orientation:
Paper and pen – there will be a lot of information that is covered during the orientation and there will always be something that was mentioned that you may need later. Rather than try to remember all that information you can write it down and have it for later.
Questions – One of the purposes of the orientation is to answer questions before the semester actually starts. If you think of some questions you have about College write them down on the paper you will be bringing (see its paying off already) so you don’t forget them. Oh, and don’t be afraid to ask your questions. If you have them there are probably many people who have the same question.
A good mood – Sure, one of the purposes of orientations is to get information to students but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun doing it. So show up in a good mood and have fun during your orientation, save the grump for finals.
…and if you haven’t signed up for an orientation yet, what are you waiting for? Visit http://www.centralaz.edu/Home/Admissions/Orientation_To_College.htm to reserve your seat.
Monday, June 8, 2009
The next step
What do I do next?!
It is the second most common question I get here in Admissions and at Central the next step is almost always placement testing. But have no fear, there is no failing this test, it is simply used to help determine the best level of classes for you to begin with. Because we are an open enrollment college we do not require incoming students take college board exams such as the ACT or SAT. We do however require new students take the COMPASS placement exam to help determine the best level of classes for their first semester. There are exceptions to this, for example: if you have attended a college or university in the recent past and are transfering credits to Central, you may not have to take a placement test.
After placement testing, Advising is the next step in the enrollment process. It is an Advisor who will help you make sense of your COMPASS scores and how to reach you educational goals. Advisors can also help with the ins and outs of choosing a program and they have ways of helping you solve the question: what you want to be? Once you have chosen a program Advisors will also help you choose classes the fit your program and your life.
To schedule an appointment for placement testing or to see an Advisor please contact an Central Arizona College Advising center:
It is the second most common question I get here in Admissions and at Central the next step is almost always placement testing. But have no fear, there is no failing this test, it is simply used to help determine the best level of classes for you to begin with. Because we are an open enrollment college we do not require incoming students take college board exams such as the ACT or SAT. We do however require new students take the COMPASS placement exam to help determine the best level of classes for their first semester. There are exceptions to this, for example: if you have attended a college or university in the recent past and are transfering credits to Central, you may not have to take a placement test.
After placement testing, Advising is the next step in the enrollment process. It is an Advisor who will help you make sense of your COMPASS scores and how to reach you educational goals. Advisors can also help with the ins and outs of choosing a program and they have ways of helping you solve the question: what you want to be? Once you have chosen a program Advisors will also help you choose classes the fit your program and your life.
To schedule an appointment for placement testing or to see an Advisor please contact an Central Arizona College Advising center:
Aravaipa 520-357-2808
Florence Center 520-494-6801
Maricopa Center 520-494-6400
Signal Peak 520-494-5410
Superstition Mountain 480-677-7740
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Paying for College
Paying for college is often the largest obstacle a person will face when making the decision to attend a college or university. When looking at the amount of money that tuition, books, room and board, transportation and other costs can add up too it is easy to become dismayed. But there is good news, Central Arizona College has a multitude of ways to help students afford the cost of an education.
Most Financial Aid starts out with the filing of a Free Application For Student Aid or FAFSA which can be found at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. Filing your FAFSA is what determines your eligibility for most financial and is a good tool to estimating your cost of attendance. Financial Aid comes in many forms; the major types are listed below:
Most Financial Aid starts out with the filing of a Free Application For Student Aid or FAFSA which can be found at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. Filing your FAFSA is what determines your eligibility for most financial and is a good tool to estimating your cost of attendance. Financial Aid comes in many forms; the major types are listed below:
- Scholarships - Central Arizona College offers a variety of scholarship programs to recognize students for their academic performance as well as for participation in athletics and other activities. Scholarships do not have to be repaid.
- Grants – Like scholarships grants do not have to be repaid and thus are often preferred over student loans. The most common grant at Central is the Pell grant.
- Loans – Student Loans are loans made with the purpose of funding a student’s education. Student Loans do have to be repaid but often have low interest rates or other favorable terms. A Stafford loan is a common type of Loan for Central.
- Student Employment – Students can seek employment with Central to help with their college expenses. Central Student Employment office can help you out with finding a position.
- Veterans Benefits – If you are a veteran of the United States Armed Forces you may qualify for Financial assistance through the Veteran Benefits Administration. Payment Plan – Central also offers a payment plan that can “stretch out” some of your educational costs across the semester. For Information about the Central’s payment plan please visit e-Cashier
The Financial Aid office is always a great resource for finding out ways to help pay for your education. They can be reached at 520-494-5425 or you can visit the Financial Aid website
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Choosing a College
There are some important things to consider when you decide where to apply for and enroll in college. Many people don't spend much time thinking about them and sometimes end up unhappy as a result. By taking the time to think about these things now, you'll be able to home on in what really matters to you and find the fit that's right.
Click here to find more information about choosing a college
- Size - Central has approximately 15,000 students on 3 campuses and 6 educational centers.
- Type - Central is a rural community college which specializes in community based learning
- Location & Distance from Home - Central has 3 campuses and 6 centers located throughout Pinal County. Locations include Coolidge, Casa Grande, Winkleman, and Johnson Ranch. We also offer many classes online making your home a Central location as well
- Cost & Financial Aid - Because Central is a community college the tuition is kept low. The 08-09 Tuition and fees can found here. Central also has a full financial aid department to help students pay for their college expenses.
- Student Population - Central’s population is as diverse as Arizona itself. We have students from all walks of life, and with our online classes we have students throughout the world
- Majors and Requirements - From Nursing to Diesel Technologies Centrals programs run a wide gamut of interests. A list of majors can be found here.
- Athletics and Events - Central Athletics is home to 35 National Championships and our Public Events office hosts dozens of events all year around
- Activities and Special Programs - Most of Central’s programs have activities and special opportunities related to their field of study. Central also has many programs for travel and lifelong learning opportunities.
- Your Gut Feeling - If Central fits your needs, come visit us you could be well on your way to finding the college that's right for you. For a tour of one of Central’s campuses please contact us at 520-494-5266
Click here to find more information about choosing a college
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Taking the First Step
The first step is often the most difficult step in the admissions process. Once you have decided which college or university you would like to attend, how do you go about applying to that Institution? At Central the first step can be accomplished in two easy ways:
1) The first way would be to visit a Central Arizona College location and visit the student services area at that location. For example: Student Services is located in the M Building on the Signal Peak campus and in Building 200 on the Superstition Mountain Campus. When Visiting a Central Arizona College Center, such as the San Tan Center, simply ask about admission at the front desk. Once you get there ask for a Student Information form. This will serve as your admissions application. Be sure to fill out all parts of the form and give it back admissions.
2) The second way to apply to Central is online. Our online application can be accessed at https://banportal1.centralaz.edu/bannerp/bwskalog.P_DispLoginNon. The online application will take you through a series of questions to establish the type of application, residency, and previous education. Once completed you will be given a message regarding the status of your application.
If you require assistance with your application please call the Customer Service and Technical Support Desk at 520-494-5111 or email the desk at centralhelpdesk@centralaz.edu.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Welcome to the Central Arizona College Admissions blog
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