First-Year Checklist

Congratulations! Start your path to Saint Mary’s by taking steps to complete your enrollment. Below is a checklist to help guide you in the process. You will need to manage most of these items through your application status page.

 

After You’ve Been Admitted 

 

  • Submit Your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

To be considered for financial aid, submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and ensure that Saint Mary’s College of California is listed in the school section with the code 001302. Financial aid award letters are typically mailed 3 - 4 weeks after your admissions decision has been released.  Contact your admission counselor with initial questions regarding your financial aid award. 
 

  • Submit Your Enrollment Deposit 

Secure your spot among the incoming class by submitting your non-refundable enrollment deposit of $400 for tuition and housing by May 1, or within two weeks after the date of acceptance (whichever is later). Campus housing is required for first-year students.

You may submit your deposit online through your Applicant Status Page. To pay by check, return the enrollment commitment form included in your acceptance packet via mail.

 

After You’ve Enrolled

 

  • Login to Your SMC Account

You will receive your official Saint Mary’s login information via email about a week after submitting your enrollment deposit. This information can also be found, along with your incoming student checklist, on the Applicant Status Page. You will need your official login information in order to complete tasks like applying for housing, completing medical requirements, checking your SMC email, and more.

Beginning in mid-March, you will also receive a Get Ready Packet in the mail with this information. If you are having any issues with your status page or login information, please contact the Office of Admissions.
 

  • Finalize Your Financial Aid

Make sure to accept or decline your financial aid award.  The free money (such as scholarships and/or grants) has already been marked as accepted! Contact your admission counselor with initial questions regarding your financial aid award. For students with questions about  loan counseling, the verification process, and signing the loan promissory notes, please contact the Financial Aid Office. For information regarding your student account balance, outstanding bills, and payment options, please contact the Business Office.
 

  • Register for Orientation by June 1

During your orientation session, our faculty, staff, and current students will provide you with helpful information for your successful transition into the Saint Mary’s community. Each session provides critical information including an introduction to our academic programs, resources, and student services. Students and guests will become better acquainted with campus resources and have opportunities to discuss the many facets of Saint Mary's life.
 

  • Submit Your Student ID Form by June 1

All new students are issued a photo ID card prior to the first day of the semester.  Instructions for submitting your photo and access to the submission form are available on the Student Identification Card website.
 

  • Apply for Campus Housing by the June 1 Priority Deadline

Saint Mary's strongly believes in the value of the on-campus residential experience for students and requires that first-year students live on campus. In order to apply for housing, you must submit your enrollment deposit. Enrolled students will receive their Saint Mary's College login information, along with information outlining the steps required to submit the housing application via your Applicant Status Page. If you have a medical circumstance that you believe may impact your room assignment, please contact our Student Disability Services office and they will assist you further. If additional questions arise about the housing application or living on campus, please contact our Campus Housing department.

  • Upload proof of vaccinations by July 1

Prior to starting classes at Saint Mary's, all undergraduate students must submit proof of vaccinations.  A list of full requirements is available on your Health & Wellness Portal.

  • Submit Your Pre-Enrollment Questionnaire by July 1

Once you have submitted your enrollment deposit, you will have access to your  Pre-Enrollment Questionnaire (PEQ) via email, and it will also be accessible via your Applicant Status Page. The Pre-Enrollment Questionnaire (PEQ) will allow us to get to know you, your major interests, and academic aspirations. Our team of faculty who facilitate registration will assist you with registering for fall courses, create an academic plan based on your academic interests, prior college-level coursework, placement tests, and program requirements. Don’t hold back when you complete the PEQ! Tell us everything you think will help us understand you as a student.

You will receive your class schedule the weekend prior to the start of classes. If there are schedule conflicts, you will be able to work with your first-year academic advisor to change your class time (depending on course availability).

  • Submit Completed Medical History Form by August 1

Prior to starting classes at Saint Mary's, all undergraduate students must submit a completed Medical Hisotry Form via the Health and Wellness Portal.

  • Complete Required Health Education Courses by August 1

Information for accessing the Health Education Courses will be sent to your SMC email in early July.  If you deposit after July 1, you will receive the link within a week of submitting the payment.
 

  • Opt-Out of SMC Health Insurance by August 1 (optional)

To ensure that all students have health insurance coverage, including basic sickness and accident insurance, the College has instituted a mandatory health insurance requirement for all full-time undergraduate students. Students are automatically enrolled in and billed for the College’s provided plan through Anthem Blue Cross.  If students have comparable coverage, they must file an annual opt-out waiver.  Information regarding health insurance and access to the waiver is available on the Health & Wellness Center website.
 

  • Submit Your Final Transcripts

Your acceptance is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of any courses in progress. Please have your final official transcript sent to the Office of Admissions as soon as it is available. Additionally, if you anticipate a significant change in grades, please notify the Office of Admissions immediately. Failure to submit your final official transcript will result in a class registration hold on your student account.
 

  • Take Your Placement Exams

Prior to class registration, all students must complete the necessary placement exam requirements. Learn more about the English, and Foreign Language placement requirements here.
 

  • Join the Community 

Follow @stmarysca on Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, and TikTok for the latest information about what’s happening on campus.