Early Start Program

High school students may be eligible for Orange Coast College’s Early Start Program.  The Early Start Program was designed for 11^th and 12^th grade high school students seeking advanced scholastic or vocational coursework not available at the high school.  Students, who have completed the 10^th grade, and have the approval of their parent/guardian and high school principal, may enroll in courses on a part-time basis.

Academic Requirements for Early Start Program (ESP) Students

Eligible students have the opportunity to enroll in a maximum of six units each semester (3 units max for summer and winter intersession) and earn college credit while still attending high school.  Students are expected to meet the same requirements as regular college students and coursework taken appears on the student's college transcript.

Things to consider:

• Students must apply for admission, turn in a Part-Time Early Start Program form signed by the parent/guardian and the high school principal), and meet the prerequisite before they will be permitted to register for classes.
• Enrolling in college courses creates a permanent record (college transcript).
• Students should plan to study a minimum of two hours each week for each hour of class time (unit).
• The University of California recognizes college semester-length courses of 3 semester units as equivalent to 10 credits earned in an eligible one-year high school course. (Exception: The first semester of a college level foreign language course is considered to be equivalent to the first two years of high school foreign language (20 credits).
• Students planning to apply coursework taken at OCC toward college or university admission or progress toward a degree should contact the respective institutions regarding policies involving prior coursework.

Students interested in attending Orange Coast College under the Early Start Program must submit a completed admissions application to the Admissions Office along with an Early Start Petition Form signed by both the high school principal and the parent/guardian.  Students who are enrolled in the Early Start Program and are designated as California residents (see residency information) are not required to pay the per unit enrollment fee but are required to pay all other required fees.

Students who have not completed the 10th grade may petition for exception to take a course only in the instructional departments/divisions listed below.  Call the appropriate Division office listed below for eligibility information, which is subject to the policy of the respective division, department, and/or faculty discipline. If the specific course in which you wish to enroll is eligible for petition, you will be permitted to enroll only if you are able to obtain all of the following: (1) The "Petition for Exception to the Early Start Program" from the respective Division Office and (2)The recommendations of (A) your parent and your school, (B) approval of the Division Dean, (C) approval from the instructor of the course and (D) completion of an interview/orientation with the Administrative Dean, Admissions and Records (by appointment only). Assessment may also be required as a condition of your petition. If the course is closed at the time of registration the student must also obtain a signed "Permit to Add a Closed Class" from the instructor.

Consumer & Health Science Division Career exploration courses only (AL H 010, CA/FSM/Hot 100, EC 105, FASH 115, NC/FN 100, and ID 120).  (714) 432-5702.

Visual & Performing Arts Division (MUS 116, MUS 120, MUS 129, MUS 132, MUS 133, MUS 141, MUS 142, MUS 145, MUS 146, MUS 148, MUS 149, MUS 151, MUS 152, MUS 241, MUS 242, MUS 244, MUS 248, MUS 249, MUS 271, & MUS 272 ) (714) 432-5716.

Mathematics & Science Division (mathematics courses only) (714) 432-5846

Technology Division (High Tech 100, 109, & 209 only) (714) 432-5194