Apply to Cuesta: New Student, Transfer Student, and Returning Student

Step 1: Apply to Cuesta

Credit Admission Application

After You Submit Your Application

  • Be sure to check your email regularly. You will get a welcome email confirmation after you submit your application containing very important information. This message will be sent to the email address you provided when you applied for admission. If you do not receive an email confirmation with your student identification number from Cuesta with 72 hours, please contact the main Admissions and Registration office: admit@cuesta.edu or Phone:(805) 546-3140 or (805) 591-6225.
  • Once you have been assigned a Cuesta Identification number and username (provided in your Welcome Email), you will need to log into myCuesta portal in order to enroll for classes and view other important information.

  • Before you can register for classes, you must complete the entire enrollment steps.  

    If you have questions about your application, contact our Admissions and Registration office at (805) 546-3140 or (805) 591-6225 or admit@cuesta.edu.

Step 2: Apply for financial aid

Cuesta offers a variety of Federal and State financial aid programs; including grants, fee waivers, work-study, scholarships, and loans.

Step 3: Attend a new student orientation

The new student online orientation will familiarize you with Cuesta policies and resources and will assist you in planning your first semester classes. The online orientation also includes (optional) Math and English placement information.

The Online Orientation can be accessed through your myCuesta student portal, following these steps:

  1. Login to your myCuesta account
  2. Locate the "Online Orientation"  button on your myCuesta Portal access the orientation now here: New Student Orientation

OPTIONAL VIRTUAL OR In-PERSON NEW STUDENT ORIENTATIONS

Virtual and In-Person Orientations are designed for students who would like a more interactive experience. Attending a virtual or In-Person orientation will satisfy a students orientation requirement for priority registration. 

Fast Track Registration (sessions available throughout the year!)

COUGAR WELCOME DAYS (First-Time College Students Only. Only available in May)

Step 4: Plan your schedule and register for classes

How to Register

You will be assigned a registration date and time. On or after that date, you can add classes for the upcoming semester in your myCuesta portal.

Please refer to the Registration Page for instructions on Registration using the myCuesta Portal.

Step 5: Create a Student Education Plan with an academic counselor

  1. Schedule a counseling appointment or drop-in session with Counseling Services
    • Academic Counseling Services
  2. During the counseling session, you will create a Student Education Plan (SEP). A Student Education Plan (SEP) is a semester by semester map of the course you need to complete in order to achieve your educational goal at Cuesta.
  3. Transferring coursework from another college you attended prior to Cuesta? If yes, submit official copies of your transcripts to the Evaluations office for review.

Step 6: Pay fees

Fee payments can be made through your myCuesta portal under Student Account. Fees may be paid by credit or debit card immediately following online registration transactions or by cash, check or money order at the Student Accounts Cashiers Offices at either campus. There is a $2 convenience fee for credit/debit card payments.

Step 7: Send official transcripts from other universities/colleges or AP test scores

Please send any previous official college or university credits towards your Cuesta degree. If you want any previous coursework to apply to your Cuesta degree, please complete the Transcript Evaluation request here. 

Step 8: Connect with additional resources

Student Success and Support Programs are here to help you reach your academic and personal goals! 

  • ASCC Get involved and make a difference with your student government, Associated Students of Cuesta College (ASCC).
  • Basic Needs and Food Pantry At Cuesta, we are here to provide essential resources that impact your holistic health, belonging, persistence, and overall well-being.  It is an interconnected ecosystem that includes: Housing resources, transportation, financial sustainability and more!
  • Clubs and Organizations Join a club to get involved, meet new friends, and share your interests. Choose from the variety of established clubs or start one of your own!
  • Explore more opportunities to get involved and discover our resources here. 
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