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Clark College - Home of the Penguin Nation

First-Time College Student

Steps to enroll for new students

Steps to Enroll

First-time college students are new students who have had no previous college experience. Though many first-time college students are students who have recently graduated from high school, any new student who has no college experience belongs in this category.

Apply for Admissions

To apply at Clark College please follow the link, which will take you to the state-wide application.

You will receive an email confirmation within 48 hours of applying that contains your ctcLink ID and your next enrollment steps.

Need help with your application?
Call 360-992-2078 or email start@clark.edu for help.

Apply for Financial Aid

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) online. More funding options can be found on our Financial Aid webpage.

Activate Your Online Student Account

Visit the MyClark@ctcLink webpage and follow the ctcLink account instructions to activate your account.

Meet with an Enrollment Navigator

Review your remaining enrollment requirements with an Entry Services staff member.

Visit their virtual Zoom support center or schedule an appointment by emailing start@clark.edu

Review and Complete Placement

Visit our Placement webpage for more information.

Attend an Orientation

Prepare for your first term at Clark College. View your options on the Orientation for New Students webpage.

Register for Classes

Register online through your MyClark@ctcLink student homepage or ctcLink Mobile App.


Not a first-time college student?

If you are not a first time college student, you may have different steps you need to follow. Review our options to determine what type of student you are and get the correct steps for you!

View Student Types

Help Videos


stylized illustration showing a building with the word 'application' written on it

Applying to Clark College

Submitting your state application
aeriel View of Clark College

Paying for College

Learn about financial aid resources
stylized illustration showing students in front of Gaiser Hall, with Welcome! written on the top of the image

The Welcome Center

Meet the Enrollment Navigators
aeriel View of Clark College

Math and English Placement

We have multiple assessment methods
image 3 students on campust

New Student User Accounts

Activate needed student accounts
stylized illustration showing a building with the word 'application' written on it

Explore Pathways

Identify your program

Virtual Support Center


Connect with our services through Zoom in our virtual support center. Here you will view a list of Clark College services and departments that have team members available during virtual office hours. Zoom can be used on a computer, tablet, or smartphone or you can call in.

icon for virtual support center Virtual Support Center