First Time in College

Steps to Enroll

High school (or equivalent) graduates who have not yet attended college. Students who earned college credit through high school dual enrollment at SF should follow these steps. Students who earned college credit through high school dual enrollment at another college or university should choose the Transfer student type.

Apply for Admission

1. Apply for admission to SF using our online application.
2. After you submit, log in to eSantaFe and go to "My Status" to check your progress throughout the admissions process. Please allow up to 2 hours before accessing trainings in Canvas and your SF email through Outlook. 

Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships (optional)

1. Apply for Financial Aid by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You will complete FAFSA according to your dependency status.

• SF School code: 001519
• For more information, please visit the Financial Aid site.

2. Complete College Scholarship and Foundation Scholarship applications.
3. Review the Waivers and Exemptions page to see if you qualify for a tuition waiver or exemption. 

Upon completion, check verification or awards status on your "My FA Status" in eSantaFe.

Complete Residency Declaration for Discounted Tuition

The tuition you pay is determined by your residency classification. Florida residents pay a much lower (discounted) tuition rate than out-of-state residents. All students who apply for admission will be admitted as non-Florida residents pending submission of the required forms and supporting documentation needed to prove Florida residency.

1. Login to your eSantaFe account and check your "My Status" for next steps to complete the residency process.
2. The residency declaration and all supporting documentation must be submitted prior to the first day of classes of your first term in order to receive discounted tuition.

Note: Returning students need to re-confirm proof of residency, even if you previously had Florida Residency when you were last enrolled at SF.

For more information on Florida Residency, visit the Discounted Tuition page.

Send Transcripts to SF

1. Submit final, official High School Transcript, HiSET, GED®, TASC, CHSPE or Homeschool Affidavit.
2. • High School Transcript: may be submitted via the State of Florida's electronic system, directly from the high school via the mail, or delivered in person to the Office of Admissions at our Northwest (main) campus or any of our Centers. Official transcripts cannot be faxed or scanned – they must be the original copy from the high school.
   • HiSET ®: must submit a copy of the HiSET certificate that was earned and/or a copy of the transcript showing that each section of the exam was passed.
   • GED®: must submit a copy of the diploma that was earned and/or a copy of the test scores which shows that all sections of the GED® test were passed.
   • TASC: must submit a copy of the TASC certificate that was earned an/or a copy of the transcript showing that each section of the exam was passed.
   • CHSPE: must submit a copy of the CHSPE score report or the certificate of proficiency showing that both sections of the exam were passed.
   • Homeschool Affidavit must be notarized prior to submission to the college.

2. Students who graduated from a high school outside of the U.S. must demonstrate proof of completion of a level of education that is equal to or higher than a U.S. high school diploma.
   
   To complete this step, send official high school transcripts to a NACES-accredited credential evaluation company for verification, translation and evaluation. Request to have evaluation reports sent directly to the Office of Admissions, Santa Fe College.
   
   Students requesting an evaluation of secondary or high school transcripts/diploma need to order a Document by Document (General) evaluation.

3. Submit any AP, IB or CLEP test scores to the Registrar's Office.

Review Placement Testing Requirements

Requirements for placement testing will be determined after your proof of high school completion (transcript, GED, HiSET, or homeschool affidavit) has been processed by the admissions office. Login to your eSantaFe account and check your “My Status” for next steps.

Submit any SAT, ACT and/or PERT scores taken within last two years to the admissions office.  

• Scores may be submitted via the mail, email or delivered in person to the Office of Admissions at our Northwest (main) campus or any of our Centers.
• SAT and ACT scores: Santa Fe accepts complete screen shots of the downloaded PDF score reports (includes name, date, and scores in one, single image).

Learn more about Placement Exams.

Complete Online Training Modules

Login to your eSantaFe account to access training modules in “My Status”

1. Online Orientation- required prior to registering for classes
2. Introduction to Advising- available to students once proof of high school completion has been processed by the admissions office. Required prior to registering for classes.
3. Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention Training and Campus Safety Training- completion will be required before registering for your second semester of classes. Personal Inventory training is optional.

Register for Classes

• Schedule an appointment with your Academic Advisor.
  • In-person, online and phone appointments available.
  • Login to eSantaFe, click on the Advisement tab, then select degree audit.
  • Click Schedule Advisor Appointment in the middle of the screen.
  • If you have more questions about the Advisement Center, go to sfcollege.edu/advisement.
• Meet with your Academic Advisor.
  • Note: Be sure to discuss your degree audit before registering for classes.
• Complete the Registration Agreement in “My Status”.
• Login to eSantaFe and navigate to "My Classes".
  • Select Term and search for classes. 
  • Choose classes – online or in-person. SF offers classes at various locations.
  • Register and pay for classes.
• View "My Schedule" for your complete list of classes for the semester.
  • Fees must be paid prior to the date posted on your “My Schedule” or you will be purged from your classes. Classes will not be purged for students whom have been awarded financial aid prior to the fees due date.

After you Register

• Login to your eSantaFe account and access “My Status” to schedule New Student Convocation (Student orientation event taking place during the first week of classes).
• After you have paid for classes, pick up your SFID card. Returning students may receive a new SFID card for free if it has been more than two years since you received your last card.