Freshman Advantage gives first-time college students the opportunity to receive an early registration date at Saddleback College by completing the steps below.

Fall 2026 Semester

Mandatory Steps

  • Apply - Submit your Fall 2026 application online. The Fall 2026 Freshman Advantage application is open from October 1, 2025 - January 31, 2026. The general Fall 2026 application opens February 1st. 
    • First-time college students are invited to apply for Fall 2026 during the early application period but can also apply after February 1st.
    • Be sure to select a qualifying Educational Goal on your application:
      • Obtain an associate degree and transfer to a 4-year institution
      • Transfer to a 4-year institution without an associate degree
      • Obtain a 2-year degree without transfer
      • Earn a career technical certificate without transfer
         
  • Complete all steps of the Pre-Registration Checklist as soon as possible - This process consists of four steps:
    • Step 1: New Student Orientation
    • Step 2:  Math and English Guided Self Placement (GSP)
    • Step 3: Student Advisement
    • Step 4: First Semester Plan
    • Review your Permit to Register email for instructions and your MySite login credentials.
  • Check your Pre-registration Checklist card - Completed steps will have a green check-mark. Be sure you have completed all four steps by the deadline: May 5, 2026.
  • Your Fall 2026 registration Time Ticket will not be assigned until after you complete all Pre-Registration steps. Do not wait until the deadline to complete these steps as this will result in delays to your registration access.
  • Register - All eligible first-time college students will be assigned a Fall 2026 Freshman Advantage Registration Date (Time Ticket). Freshman Advantage Registration continues for the following semester, Spring 2027.

Need Help Completing Your Pre-registration Checklist Steps?

Attend an in-person workshop. You can schedule a Freshman Advantage Workshop by calling (949) 582-4572. A schedule of workshops is forthcoming.

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