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Priority Enrollment Programs at Santa Monica College (SMC)

April 6, 2026 • 15 min read

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The Ultimate Guide to Securing Priority Enrollment at Santa Monica College (SMC)

Registration day at SMC can be a bloodbath. High-demand classes like English 1, Math 2, and Computer Science 1 fill up within minutes. If you don't have priority enrollment, your transfer timeline can easily stretch from two years to four. This guide explains how to jump to the front of the line.

Why Priority Registration is Essential for Transfer

At Santa Monica College, enrollment dates are assigned in "waves." The earliest wave (Wave 1) consists of specialized groups like Veterans, Foster Youth, and DSPS students. Wave 2 includes high-performing students in programs like Scholars and EOPS.

By the time Wave 3 (standard continuing students) or Wave 4 (new students) get access to the Corsair portal, the most popular professors—the ones with the high "A" distributions you see on Guyde—are already gone. You are left with the professors who have 2.0 averages and 8:00 AM lab times.

1. The SMC Scholars Program (UCLA TAP)

This is arguably the most prestigious way to get priority registration at SMC. The Scholars Program is specifically designed for students intending to transfer to competitive four-year universities.

Program Benefits:

  • Priority Registration: You enroll weeks before the general population.
  • UCLA TAP Certification: Completion of the program gives you priority admission to UCLA's College of Letters and Science.
  • Specialized Counselors: Access to the best transfer counselors on campus.

How to Apply:

You need a 3.0 cumulative GPA and must have completed English 1. You also need to submit an application that includes a personal statement. Visit the SMC Scholars Website for the current application cycle.

2. EOPS (Extended Opportunity Programs and Services)

EOPS is a state-funded program designed to support students who have experienced economic or educational disadvantages. It is one of the most supportive communities on campus.

Why join EOPS?

  • Book Vouchers: Direct financial aid for textbooks (often $300 - $500 per semester).
  • Priority Registration: EOPS students are among the first to enroll each semester.
  • Meal Vouchers: Sometimes available for use at the campus cafeteria.

To qualify, you must be a California resident, be enrolled in at least 12 units (full-time), and qualify for the California College Promise Grant (formerly BOG Waiver).

3. DSPS (Center for Students with Disabilities)

If you have a documented disability—including ADHD, anxiety, depression, or physical impairments—you are legally entitled to priority registration under California Law (Title 5).

The reason for this is to ensure that students with medical or psychological needs can build a schedule that accommodates their treatment, therapy, or physical accessibility needs.

The Process:

  1. Obtain medical documentation from your doctor or high school IEP.
  2. Schedule an intake appointment with an SMC DSPS counselor.
  3. Once approved, your priority registration status is automatically updated in the portal.

4. Veterans and Foster Youth

Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces and students who are currently or formerly in foster care are granted the absolute highest priority at SMC. This is "Wave 1" priority, meaning you often register earlier than any other group.

If you fall into either category, make sure your specific status is recorded with the Admissions & Records office. For veterans, you will need to submit your DD-214 to the Veterans Success Center.

5. Black Collegians & Adelante Program

The Black Collegians and Adelante (Latino Center) programs are learning communities that offer specialized counseling, transfer workshops, and social support.

While "membership" alone doesn't always grant Wave 1 priority, active participation in these cohorts often provides earlier registration windows and access to specialized sections of classes.

How You Lose Priority Status

It is surprisingly easy to lose your priority status. Do not let this happen to you!

1. The 90 Unit Rule

California state law mandates that once you have completed 90 degree-applicable units, you lose priority registration. The state wants to encourage students to transfer quickly. If you take too many elective classes, you will spend your final years at SMC at the back of the line.

2. Academic Probation

If your cumulative GPA falls below a 2.0 for two consecutive semesters, your priority registration is revoked by the college. You must then file a petition to have it reinstated.

Strategy: The "First Day" Hack

Even with priority, you must be prepared. Set an alarm for 12:00 AM (or whatever your specific portal time is). Log in 10 minutes early. Have your section numbers (CRNs) ready in a notepad.

Use the Guyde Search to identify your top 3 professors for every class. If your #1 choice is full, have your #2 choice's section number ready to input immediately. Do not waste time reading descriptions on registration day.

Search High-GPA Professors Now

For official SMC enrollment dates, always check the Enrollment Dates Calendar.