First Year Milestones
What are First Year Milestones and why are they important?
Milestones are important goals you should complete in your first year to take you one step closer to reaching your educational goals. There are four milestones you should complete within your first year.
Milestone 1: Complete or Renew your Financial Aid Application
Don't let the cost of a college education stop you from reaching your educational goals.
Did You Know?
Most Community College students receive some form of financial aid.
How do I complete this Milestone?
If you are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is the application you would fill out for most federal and state financial aid opportunities, including fee waivers, grants, work-study, loans, and scholarships.
If you are not a U.S. Citizen, then you may be eligible for the California Dream Act Application. You can submit the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) if you meet the non-resident exemption requirements under AB 540, AB 2000, or SB 68, and any of the following are true:
- You are undocumented
- You have a valid or expired DACA status
- You are a U Visa holder
- You have Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
- Set a calendar reminder for October 1 to complete your application. Remember, you need to apply for financial aid each academic year!
- Need help? The CRC Financial Aid Office offers assistance in multiple formats. Visit CRC Financial Aid for more information.
- The earlier you submit your application, the more forms of aid you may be able to access. The priority deadline is March 2.
Milestone 2: Take Math and English
Taking transfer-level Math and English courses in your first year will set you up for success.
How do I complete this Milestone?
Enroll in and successfully complete transfer-level Math and English during your first year. Think “ME First” (Math and English first).
Did You Know?
- Students who take transfer-level math and English in their first year reach their educational goals faster.
- Students who take transfer-level math and English in their first year have higher rates of graduation and transfer.
Helpful Tips
- Not sure which Math and English course to begin with?
- Check out on campus, online, and after-hours tutoring options through our Math Center and Reading and Writing Center for support with your Math and English course.
Milestone 3: Plan for 15
The majority of CRC's associate degrees require a minimum of 60.0 units. Taking 15 units each semester will help you achieve 60 units in two years. Get Through in Two!
How do I complete this Milestone?
Are you a first-time new student? After attending Orientation, follow your first-year CAC Education Plan. Not sure where your CAC Education Plan is?
Did You Know?
- Students who take 15 or more units each semester are more likely to complete their coursework within two years.
- Students who take 15 or more units each semester may qualify for additional financial aid grants.
- Some courses can also be taken during the summer to get ahead or catch up.
- Plan out your schedule early, as some courses fill up quickly. You can preview class schedules when they’re posted. Visit Enroll in Classes to see when the next class schedules will be posted.
- As soon as you’re notified of your enrollment appointment in eServices, set a reminder.
Milestone 4: Get a Comprehensive Student Education Plan
A comprehensive student education plan (compSEP) lays out all the classes you’ll need to take to reach your educational goals. Meet with your Counselor to get your compSEP.
How do I complete this Milestone?
Did You Know?
- Students who receive a student education plan in their first semester are more likely to complete a Math or English course.
- A compSEP guides students to take the appropriate courses for their major.
- The best time to meet with a counselor to get a compSEP is mid-September or October during fall semester and mid-February or March during spring semester, when Counseling has more availability.
- Things may not always go according to plan. If anything comes up (i.e. you couldn’t get into a class, you changed your major, or didn’t get the grade you were expecting) meet with a counselor to update your compSEP.
- Success Coaches can book an appointment for you with your counselor, just email us with your availability.