How to Enroll as a Veteran
The steps to enroll as a veteran for education benefits and/or priority registration are:
Step 1 – Apply for Admission
A new application must be completed by all NEW and RETURNING students (those who have had a break in attendance of one or more semesters). Filings periods for Summer and Fall applications begins on March 1; Spring applications are accepted beginning October 1. After you have completed the admissions process, a registration reminder email will be sent with your registration date and time. Login to cccapply.org or click here on Apply Now.
Step 2 – Veteran Intake
To receive any Veteran Education Benefits you must complete an intake form at the Veteran Resource Center. Bring your DD-214, Certificate of Eligibility from the VA. If you have not filed for benefits with Veteran Affairs we can assist you with the process. Dependents filing for Ch35 educational benefits need to bring a copy of the certificate of eligibility from the VA once it has been received.
Step 3 – Assessment
Your skills for course success must be evaluated, particularly in reading, English, and mathematics. Go to the Assessment Center located on the second floor of the Student Center after you have completed your application. Please bring a photo ID with you for testing. If you have prior college/military credits or have taken assessment tests from another California college, please skip to Step 4.
Step 4 – Online Orientation
To access the online orientation, please log into your myGateway account, click on the “Student” tab, then click on “Cypress College Links,” then click the “Online Orientation” hyperlink.
Step 5 – Counseling with Dr. Juan Garcia
Continuing and returning students need to see a counselor prior to registration and complete a Veteran Enrollment Form before the next semester, in order to ensure that benefits are processed in a timely manner. You must also set up an appointment to fill out a Student Educational Plan with Juan, which is also required by Veteran Affairs. Please bring unofficial copies of any/all transcripts from other colleges or military transcripts. Counseling is available during the day by appointment or walk-in (when available) in each division on campus. Call (714) 484-7150 to make an appointment with Dr. Juan Garcia (Veterans Counselor).
Step 6 – Financial Aid
Many students qualify for financial assistance. Go to the Financial Aid Office to find out if you qualify; it is located on the first floor of the Cypress College Complex.
Step 7 – Registration
Registration, adds, and drops must be completed online using myGateway. Priority registration* is offered to all Veterans while attending Cypress College. To receive priority registration, please submit DD-214 before the set date. The set dates are available inside the course catalog.
*You may lose priority registration if
- you do not maintain good academic standing with at least a 2.0 GPA
- you accumulated more than 100 units of degree-applicable courses at Cypress College. To appeal, you must contact Admissions & Records, located on the first floor of the Student Center.