Prospective FYE Students
El Camino provided me with many opportunities to grow as a leader and as an individual. I feel very empowered and confident that I am prepared for the bigger world!”.
Read Blossom's Story
The First Year Experience Program is designed to prepare you for academic success and to help you in selecting the career path that's right for you. Whether you are transitioning from high school or just beginning your college education, the rigors of college life can present even the best students with challenges that require major adjustments. Sometimes getting started may seem overwhelming, as there are many decisions to make. That's why we have created a supportive environment here at El Camino College where there are people and programs to assist you with your college career.
Through FYE you will learn more about how to be a successful student. You will gain knowledge of how to study and learn in groups; have access to vital campus and college resources; be able to explore a chosen major and create a career plan; interact in a multicultural environment; develop important study skills; and learn how to access and manage electronic information, such as e-mail, Internet, and library databases.
What You’ll Get
- Priority registration for all ECC classes to help ensure enrollment in desired courses.
- Special orientation events focused on your transition to college.
- A dedicated advisor to help you with academic planning, career development, personal counseling, and more.
- A team of professional, caring and committed faculty dedicated to supporting the success of first year students.
- Learning Community Courses that meet general education and elective graduation requirements. You can also take additional classes, outside the cluster, to reach full-time status.
- Strategies for Success in College course to kick off your college life and help you manage expectations.
- Other special activities, including field trips to area universities and private colleges.
Getting Started with FYE
Follow these easy steps to join the First Year Experience community:
| Step 1 | Complete your El Camino College application |
| Step 2 | Submit the FYE interest form (NOW OPEN FOR THE CLASS OF 2025) |
| Step 3 | Attend the next FYE information session (You will receive a link to RSVP after submitting interest form) |
| Step 4 | Complete FYE Application. You'll receive an application to join FYE after completing an FYE information session. |
| Step 5 | Complete a Counseling appointment with an FYE Counselor. If you're admitted, we'll contact you via email or phone to schedule your first FYE Counseling Appointment |
Admitted Student Checklist
If you were contacted by our office with an admission offer, you will be required to complete additional steps. The following steps are required once you're admitted to the FYE Program.
- Book an FYE appointment
- Attend a Registration Workshop
- Attend a Financial Aid & Academic Student Training (FAAST) Workshop
- Attend the FYE Admitted Student Reception
Family Orientation
A special event to learn how to help your new college student succeed.
Contact Us
Discuss the application process, chat with an advisor, and more.
Fast Facts about FYE
Students participating in the FYE program:
- Need fewer courses in English and math to successfully complete transfer-level English and college-level math than students
- Reach the 30-unit threshold nearly one term faster
- Are twice as likely to earn their associate degrees within a three-year time period
- Are more likely to persist into their second year at El Camino
- Are more likely to transfer to 4-year universities
Frequently Asked Questions
Every year, more than 1000 students take part in the First Year Experience Program! We make every effort to thoroughly review every application we receive. Only students who complete all steps to joining the program will be considered for review.
Although we don’t use your high school grades as acceptance criteria, we do use them to see which FYE learning community/cohort to place you into.
For example, if you are eligible to take English 1A at El Camino College, then you would be placed into a cohort with English 1A.
Yes – you’ll be placed in one of our learning communities, which is usually a combination of an English class and a CSU and or UC transferable course (both courses would be required if admitted).
Although FYE expands every year we cannot accept every student that applies. The sooner you complete all required steps the better your chances of getting into the program.
Please note that if you are accepted we will contact you via email. If you do not respond then your spot is given to the next student on the list.
Not necessarily – admission is based on the available learning communities/cohorts. We offer a large variety of cohorts across different math and English levels, so being admitted is largely based on whether the level that placed into still has available spaces.
Please note that English 1A learning communities/cohorts tend to fill the quickest so the earlier you complete all required steps the better the chances of being admitted.
Yes – all FYE students must be enrolled as a full-time student (minimum of 12 units).
Absolutely! For example, you can also participate in EOPS, MESA, HTP, and more.
There are a few exceptions though. Other Learning Community/Cohort programs may require specific courses that could interfere or overlap with FYE classes. Your FYE advisor can help you map out the best plan.