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How to Apply for MESA

Important

The Spring 2025 student application now closed. Please check back in the middle of Spring semester for Fall 2025 applications. 

MESA accepts applications from entering Mt. SAC freshmen, and current Mt. SAC students who have no more than 70 units completed and at least two semesters remaining at Mt. SAC before transferring.

    • 1 Check Eligibility & Requirements
      Student Eligibility: 
      • Have a 2.4 or higher overall GPA (not applicable to new Mt. SAC students).
      • Enrolled in at least 6 units at Mt. SAC.
      • Plan to transfer to a four-year institution (must not already hold a bachelor's degree).
      • Be a first-generation college student (i.e. your parents do not have bachelor's degrees).
      • Receive financial aid (e.g. you receive a Pell grant, CA Promise grant, Cal grant, Federal Work Study, Cal Fresh, CA Dream Act, GI Bill, OR you are an EOPS/CARE/CalWorks participant, OR you are a TRIO participant, OR you or your guardian is a TANF/welfare recipient.)
      • Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or AB 540/DACA student. Unfortunately,  International/F1 Visa students are not eligible.

      Student Requirements:
      Each semester:
      • Enroll and stay enrolled in at least 6 units each semester at Mt. SAC, including at least one STEM course each semester.
      • Attend one counseling session with the MESA counselor.
      • Submit a mid-semester academic progress report.
      • Participate in any 2 of the following MESA events:  guest speaker, fieldtrip, workshop, social event, etc.
      • Participate in any 2 of the following academic MESA events: tutoring session, study group session, or academic workshop, etc.
      • Maintain a minimum 2.4 GPA.
      Each year:
      • Attend the Fall MESA Orientation (new students) or MESA Kickoff (returning students).
      • Apply for at least one STEM internship, research, scholarship, or professional development opportunity.
    • 2 Submit an Application

      Student application form is linked here. Please allow 2-3 weeks for review of your application.

    • 3 Meet with the Director

      If you meet eligibility requirements, you will be contacted via your Mt. SAC student email to schedule an introductory meeting with the MESA Director. Contacted students who do not sign up to meet with the Director, or who miss their meeting, will be placed on a waitlist for the following semester or year.

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