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Steps to Success
First-time student enrollment process
First-time college students should complete the Pre-Enrollment Process (orientation, assessment, and counseling). To be eligible for Priority 1 registration (you will be assigned an early registration appointment date and time, so you can get the classes you want), you must complete this process.
For personal assistance regarding any of the following steps, please call (916) 608-6589 or email Sarah Aldea at the Folsom Campus. For information about the El Dorado Center, call (530) 642-5623 or email Von Bielefield.
Step 1: Application
Your first step to becoming a student at Folsom Lake College is completing our college application. You may do so online or in person. Complete the application online by clicking here. You may fill out a paper application at the Admissions and Records counter at the Folsom campus, EDC, or RCC. After you complete the application you will receive a Student ID number, which will serve as your personal identification number to all campus services.
Step 2: Assessment
After you have applied to Folsom Lake College, you are eligible to take the assessment test. The purpose of this placement test is to determine your present skill level in reading, writing, and math. The assessment tests are administered at all locations, Folsom Main Campus, El Dorado Center, and Rancho Cordova Center. Allow 2-3 hours for completion of the math and English assessments. You may obtain a list of dates and times by clicking here. You will need to bring your student identification number, photo ID, and $1.00 in change for parking.
Step 3: Orientation
Orientation is an important start for any first-time student; you will receive information about Folsom Lake College, a campus tour, and information to help you succeed. Folsom Lake College offers both online and in-person orientation sessions. No pre-registration is required for assessment or orientation. You will want to purchase a college catalog, class schedule, and receive a copy of our student planner at your orientation session. For more information, click here.
Step 4: Counseling
Folsom Lake College offers a variety of counseling services to best suit your needs. Please bring any previous college or high school transcripts and assessment results with you. Contact Counseling for hours and appointments at 916-608-6510 (Folsom campus), 530-642-5645 (El Dorado Center), or 916-255-0717 (Rancho Cordova Center- RCC not open in the summer). For more details about the services we provide, visit the counseling website here.
Step 5: Registration
Once you have met with a counselor, you are now ready to register for your classes. During the priority registration period, students will receive a randomly assigned registration date and time. This is your first opportunity to register for classes. During open registration (following priority registration), students are free to register at any time. You have the following registration options:
Online: 7am to l0pm, seven days a week. Go to eServices by clicking here.
In Person: Visit the Admissions and Records Offices at any of our three locations.
Step 6: Financial Aid
Financial Aid services at Folsom Lake College can help with financing college for students that are eligible to receive grants, loans, and scholarships. You may begin by applying for the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at our Financial Aid offices in Student Services or online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The process takes between four to six weeks, so begin as early as possible. Check out other Financial Aid options, by clicking here.
Step 7: Follow-up
Prior to or during your second semester, it is helpful to meet with a counselor again to review your progress and update your educational plan. It is highly recommended that you meet with a counselor at least once a semester thereafter. For more information on counseling, click here.
