Mt. SAC Introduces Simpler Enrollment Process with CCCStart

CCC Start
By Yen Mai

November 13, 2026 - 07:53 AM

New online system launches Dec. 3, making it easier for students to get started at Mt. SAC

Mt. San Antonio College will introduce CCCStart on Dec. 3, 2026, replacing CCCApply with a simpler online process for students getting started at the college.

The change is part of a statewide effort to make enrolling at California community colleges easier. Developed with input from students and colleges, CCCStart asks fewer, more relevant questions, works better on mobile devices and reduces the need to enter the same information multiple times. Stronger security measures also help protect student information.

WHAT STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW

The change primarily affects new students and returning students who have not attended Mt. SAC for a year or more.

CCCStart is the first step toward attending Mt. SAC. Students will still need to complete the remaining enrollment steps and register for classes.

  • If you started but haven't submitted a CCCApply application: Complete and submit it by Dec. 2. Your unfinished information will not transfer to CCCStart, and you will need to start again in the new system.
  • If you already submitted your application: Continue following the next steps provided by Mt. SAC. You do not need to start over because of this change.
  • If you are a current student: Continue using your Mt. SAC Portal to register for classes. You do not need to complete CCCStart just because the system is changing.
  • If you already have an OpenCCC account: Your existing account will work with CCCStart. You do not need to create a new one.

California community colleges are switching to CCCStart at different times. Students planning to attend more than one college may see both CCCApply and CCCStart. Visit each college's website to find the correct starting point.

A CLEARER FIRST STEP

Students will also notice new wording on Mt. SAC's website, including "Get Started" and "Enroll at Mt. SAC."

As an open-access community college, Mt. SAC welcomes students with a wide range of educational goals. For most students, getting started isn't about competing for admission. It's about taking the first step toward enrolling in classes.

The new wording reflects that approach and helps students understand where to begin. Students do not need to know which online system the college uses. They can simply visit Mt. SAC's home page and follow the steps to get started.

HOW EMPLOYEES CAN HELP

Faculty and staff can help students navigate the change by directing them to Mt. SAC's admissions website and reminding anyone with an unfinished CCCApply application to submit it by Dec. 2.

Employees who maintain webpages, outreach materials, presentations or student instructions should review references and links to CCCApply. Questions about coordinating updates can be directed to the college's web and marketing teams. Using consistent wording and current links will help students find the right starting point.

For enrollment information and next steps, visit Mt. SAC Admissions. For assistance, contact Admissions and Records at (909) 274-4415 or admissions@mtsac.edu.

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