Freshman Advantage gives first-time college students the opportunity to receive an early registration date at Saddleback College by completing the steps below.
Fall 2026 Semester
Mandatory Steps
- Apply - Submit your Fall 2026 application online. The Fall 2026 Freshman Advantage application is open from October 1, 2025 - January 31, 2026. The general Fall 2026 application opens February 1st.
- First-time college students are invited to apply for Fall 2026 during the early application period but can also apply after February 1st.
- Complete all steps of the Pre-registration Checklist beginning February 1, 2026 - This process consists of four steps:
- Step 1: New Student Orientation
- Step 2: Math and English Guided Self Placement (GSP)
- Step 3: Student Advisement
- Step 4: First Semester Plan
- Review your Permit to Register email for instructions and your MySite login credentials.
- Check your Pre-registration Checklist card - Completed steps have a green check-mark. Be sure you have completed all four steps by the deadline. (Deadline TBD.)
- Register - All eligible first-time college students will be assigned a Fall 2026 Freshman Advantage Early Registration Date. Freshman Advantage Early Registration continues for the following semester, Spring 2027.
Need Help Completing Your Pre-registration Checklist Steps?
Attend an in-person workshop. You can schedule a Freshman Advantage Workshop by calling (949) 582-4572. A schedule of workshops is forthcoming.
Recommended Next Steps
- Apply for Financial Aid - Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act application (CADAA) online.
- Speak with a Counselor - Counseling Open Labs for first-time college students will be offered leading up to Freshman Advantage registration in early May. Academic counselors will be available to help students plan out their first semester of classes and create an academic plan.