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Priority Enrollment Programs at Santa Monica College (SMC)
January 10, 2026 • 5 min read
Looking for priority enrollment programs at Santa Monica College (SMC)? This guide explains what priority enrollment is, how it works at SMC, and which SMC programs and categories may qualify you for earlier registration (often the easiest way to avoid seeing “FULL” during enrollment).
Official SMC reference: Priority Enrollment Programs (SMC).
Why this matters
“Priority enrollment” usually means you get an earlier registration appointment than general enrollment. That can be the difference between getting the section you need (Math, English, Chem, etc.) and spending the first week fighting waitlists and add codes.
It’s not a guarantee (popular classes can still fill), but it improves your odds significantly.
How priority enrollment works at SMC
SMC registration typically runs in waves. Students with priority enrollment get earlier access to enroll, which means:
- You can grab high-demand sections before they hit “FULL.”
- You’re more likely to get ideal times/professors (not just leftovers).
- You have an easier time staying on a transfer/prerequisite timeline.
Your actual appointment time is shown in Corsair Connect. If you qualify for priority enrollment through a program, you still need to remain eligible and complete any required steps the program asks for.
Quick check: do you qualify for priority enrollment at SMC?
Use this as a fast “do I have a shot?” checklist:
- Are you in (or eligible for) one of the programs listed below (EOPS, DSPS, Scholars, Veterans, etc.)?
- Are you a Santa Monica/Malibu resident or a qualifying local high school graduate/alumni? See: Priority Enrollment (Residents / Local Graduates).
- If you’re not eligible, you can still win by using timing + waitlists (this guide helps): How to Get Off the Waitlist (and Into the Class).
Priority enrollment programs at Santa Monica College (SMC)
The programs below are listed by SMC as offering priority enrollment. If you qualify, apply early and make sure you complete any required steps (orientation/education planning/etc.) so you don’t lose priority.
For student-athletes. Often includes counseling support + priority enrollment to keep you on track with eligibility and academic planning.
Searches: SMC athletics counseling • student athlete priority enrollment
Community + counseling + academic support. This is one of the programs listed by SMC that can come with priority enrollment.
Searches: black collegians SMC • SMC priority enrollment programs
Support for students receiving CalWORKs/TANF benefits. Can include priority enrollment and structured support services.
Searches: CalWORKs SMC • priority enrollment SMC
Center for Students with Disabilities (DSPS)
Accommodations + support for students with verified disabilities. DSPS is commonly associated with priority enrollment and counseling support.
Searches: DSPS SMC • accommodations SMC
EOPS (Extended Opportunities Programs & Services)
Support for eligible students facing educational/economic barriers. Often includes counseling, book support, and priority enrollment.
Searches: EOPS SMC • EOPS priority enrollment
Latino Center / Adelante Program
Support services, community, and academic guidance. Listed by SMC as a program that may provide priority enrollment.
Searches: Adelante SMC • Latino center SMC
A structured path for students interested in law/legal careers. Often includes mentoring + academic planning and may come with priority enrollment.
Searches: law pathway SMC • prelaw SMC
Support program tied to the Pico neighborhood partnership. Listed by SMC as eligible for priority enrollment.
Searches: pico partnership SMC • SMC priority
Transfer-focused support and counseling. Many students join Scholars specifically to improve registration odds and stay on a transfer timeline.
Searches: Scholars SMC • transfer priority enrollment SMC
Support for current/former foster youth. Often includes counseling + resources and is listed by SMC as priority enrollment eligible.
Searches: guardian scholars SMC • foster youth SMC
STEM / SRI (Science & Research Initiative)
For STEM students who want research/community and stronger transfer preparation. Listed by SMC as a program that can include priority enrollment.
Searches: STEM SMC • SRI SMC • research initiative SMC
Support and services for veterans and military-connected students. Often includes priority enrollment to help lock in required sections.
Searches: veterans SMC • military priority enrollment
Support for eligible students (often first-time college students) including guidance and resources. Listed by SMC for priority enrollment.
Searches: SMC Promise • Promise program SMC
Other SMC categories that can get priority enrollment
In addition to programs, SMC has priority categories that may apply even if you’re not in a special support program:
- Santa Monica & Malibu residents and local high school graduates/alumni (SMC explains eligibility details on this page)
- Student government elected officers (refer to SMC enrollment priority policy materials and student life resources if this applies to you)
How to keep priority enrollment (common mistakes)
A lot of students qualify, then lose priority because they miss a step. Requirements differ by program, but these are the most common “oops” moments:
- Not completing required onboarding steps (orientation, program intake, counseling appointment, etc.)
- Waiting too long to follow instructions from the program office (some programs have deadlines)
- Assuming priority enrollment guarantees a seat (it helps, but you still need to enroll on time)
Pro tip
Once your enrollment appointment is posted, set a phone reminder for the exact date/time. Treat it like a flight check-in: the earlier you act, the better your options.
FAQ: Priority enrollment at SMC
Does priority enrollment guarantee I get into every class?
No. It gives you earlier access, which improves your odds, but very popular sections can still fill. That’s why you should still have a backup plan and know how waitlists/adds work.
If I don’t qualify, what’s the next best strategy?
Use timing + persistence: get on notification lists early, jump on waitlists as soon as they open, show up day one, and be ready to enroll immediately when seats open. Start here: How to Get Off the Waitlist.
Where do I confirm my enrollment appointment time?
Check Corsair Connect for your registration appointment. If you’re in a program, also confirm with the program office that you’ve completed required steps and remain eligible.
Last note
Policies and program details can change. Always verify the current list and requirements on the official SMC page: Priority Enrollment Programs (SMC).
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