Matriculation (assessment & orientation)
The matriculation process includes services that help students navigate through the education process, including:
- Admissions
- Orientation
- Assessment (testing)
- Academic advisement
- Counseling
Click here to view the orientation presentation and learn what you need to know about campus resources and services.
8 Steps to Becoming a LA Southwest Student
STEP 1
Submit an application for admissions
Submit your application and supplemental form to the Admissions Office. Apply online or in-person at the Student Services Building, #102. Click here for Admissions & Records
STEP 2
Attend new student orientation
Learn about student support services, our campus and programs. See the schedule for the New student Orientation dates.
Questions about orientation? Contact the Assessment/Matriculation office at 323-241-5419.
STEP 3
Assessment
Take your computerized English or ESL, reading comprehension, and math placement tests in the Student Services Building, #204.
NOTE: All students must have a current application on file and a valid student ID number before they can test.
When taking the Assessment Test, students:
- Should attend New Student Orientation and present proof of attendance prior to taking the assessment test
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- Exceptions include students who have attended another educational institution within the past year and can provide proof of their transcripts
- Exceptions include students who have attended another educational institution within the past year and can provide proof of their transcripts
- Have a current Southwest application on file
- Must show a photo ID
- Should prepare to test for approximately two hours. Students must complete their test in one session.
- The English and math assessment tests are administered at the same time (with the exception of K-12 students)
Exceptions
If you are not a first-time college student or if you are taking only one class (not Math or English), you may be eligible for an exemption from the Assessment Test. Please click here for exemption criteria.
STEP 4
Counseling
You must see a counselor for assistance with completing your student educational plan. The counselor will assist you with selecting the appropriate classes that meet your educational goals.
IMPORTANT: All financial aid recipients must declare a major and have a student educational plan on file.
Counselors are available in the following locations:
- General Counseling, SSB 227
- EOPS, SSB 218
- DSPS, SSB 117
- CalWORKs SSB 217
- International Student Services, SSB 116
- TRIO Scholars and TRIO STEM, SSB 228
Click here for more information about Counseling
STEP 5
Register for classes
You may register online (click here) or in-person at the Admissions & Records office (SSB #102). Registration instructions are also posted inside the Schedule of Classes.
STEP 6
Financial Aid
Apply for a fee waiver in the Financial Aid office located in SSB #104. If you qualify, the waiver can be used to pay your fees for the entire academic year.
IMPORTANT: The waiver cannot be used to pay your $11 health fee. Visit the Financial Aid Office for more information.
STEP 7
Pay your Fees
Go to the Business Office (SSB #103) to pay your health fees, purchase a parking permit and pick up your fee receipt.
IMPORTANT: You must bring a copy of your fee receipt (which lists your classes) and a photo I.D. (driver's license or California ID) to get your Student I.D.
STEP 8
Take your Student ID Photo
Once you have registered for classes, you can pick up your free student I.D. You must bring a copy of your fee receipt and a photo I.D. to the Matriculation office located in SSB #204.