CCCStart Quick Start Guide and FAQs

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What is CCCStart?

The California Community Colleges Centralized Application Service (CCCStart) simplifies the process of applying to colleges. You start by selecting the colleges you wish to apply to, then you submit one application that includes all necessary materials. Once received by CCCStart, your application and materials are transmitted to all of your selected colleges.

Start your 2026-2027 application at https://cccstart.cas.myliaison.com/.

What are my next steps?

To help make the application process as simple and seamless as possible, follow the steps below to create and submit your CCCStart application.


Step	Key Actions	More Information
1	Create an OpenCCC account.	You'll start your journey in OpenCCC, the California Community Colleges' main site to learn about everything related to the CCCs.
2	Verify your OpenCCC account.	You can verify your account using a driver's license or an alternate method. We recommend you do this now, as it can alleviate potential issues for your colleges as they review your submitted application.
3	Use your OpenCCC account to prefill the CCCStart application.	You'll get a jumpstart on your application by pulling forward data like contact information, etc., into CCCStart.
4	Research colleges you wish to apply to.	Pay special attention to: Cycle dates and deadline requirements. Minimum requirements, including supplemental applications, etc.
5	Complete and submit your application.	Be sure to complete the My Journey section accurately; the questions you answer here affect the questions you see in the rest of the CCCStart application.
6	Download a copy of your application for your records.	While you can always access your CCCStart application, it's a good idea to keep an extra copy saved for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

OpenCCC Common Questions	CCCStart Colleges and Statuses
	How do I remove a college? Your application must always have at least one college selected. To remove a college, click the checkmark next to the college name on the Add College page or from the My Colleges page, click the three dots next to the college, and select Remove College. Can I apply to more colleges after I submit my application? Yes, if the college's deadline date has not yet passed and the application cycle is open. I submitted my application to the wrong college. What do I do? If you would like your application to be considered for a different college, contact the school to determine if they can change your college. Will CCCStart update me on the status of my application? Your application status for each college is listed on the My Colleges page. Additionally, you can view your overall application status from the CAS Status section at the top of the application. When will I learn about admissions decisions? Did I get in!? You must reach out to your college(s) to learn about a school's admissions decisions.

OpenCCC Common Questions

CCCStart Colleges and Statuses

How do I remove a college?: Your application must always have at least one college selected. To remove a college, click the checkmark next to the college name on the Add College page or from the My Colleges page, click the three dots next to the college, and select Remove College.

Can I apply to more colleges after I submit my application?: Yes, if the college's deadline date has not yet passed and the application cycle is open.

I submitted my application to the wrong college. What do I do?: If you would like your application to be considered for a different college, contact the school to determine if they can change your college.

Will CCCStart update me on the status of my application?: Your application status for each college is listed on the My Colleges page. Additionally, you can view your overall application status from the CAS Status section at the top of the application.

When will I learn about admissions decisions? Did I get in!?: You must reach out to your college(s) to learn about a school's admissions decisions.