Before Registration

Take your Placement Test (Accuplacer): You will need to complete the Reading and Math portion of the Accuplacer if you plan to take an English writing course, a math course, and certain science courses. Walk-In testing is available on both campuses.  

Complete this Online Orientation: Completing the Quiz at the end of online orientation will remove the hold from your account allowing you to register for courses online. This will take approximately one business day.  

Are you considering online classes? Complete the SmarterMeasure Online Learning Readiness Assessment to gauge the likelihood of success in online classes. We strongly recommend you complete this assessment before registering for an online class. Username: student Password: arcc Expect to spend 30 minutes on this assessment.

Sign up for a Registration Planning Session (RPS)

What is RPS?

A 4 hour on-campus experience on campus where

• You will receive new student information 
• Your family/support system will attend an information session
• You will register for classes with an academic advisor
• You will go on an interactive tour
• You will receive your college photo ID

We highly recommend all new incoming students attend an RPS to get registered for their 1st semester at ARCC.

• PSEO MUST attend an RPS their first semester
• Transfer students should NOT attend an RPS, please schedule an appointment with an Academic Advisor

Remember to bring your photo ID and placement scores with you to your RPS!

Online Registration

    Online registration is the most convenient way to register for courses but not everyone can register online. Please note the following students must register in person after meeting with an academic advisor:

                -International Students       -Students returning after suspension      -Students with any other academic holds   -First semester PSEO students

    In order to complete online registration you will need to have your Star ID and Password, which can be activated here. Registration should be done as soon as possible for the best selection of courses. Your registration window is the time and date you may register for courses and is based on the number of completed credits you have. Registration dates can be found on the Important Dates and Deadlines page.

What to consider when choosing your courses:

It is best to work with an advisor, but if you choose not to please consider the following:

• First Year Experience
  • Familiarize yourself with ARCC and the resources available to you
  • 2 credits, satisfying part of Goal 2 of the MnTC
  • Learn to be successful in college and beyond
• Time Management
• 12 credits a semester is full time, 6 credits is half time
• What other commitments and responsibilities do you have outside of school (family or work)
• 1 hour/credit in class each week (12 credits=12 hours) and 2 hour/credit out of class each week (12 credits =24 hours), so a 12 credit course load is about 36 hours a week
• Is there a reason you need to be full time? (International Students, Vets or Athletes)
• Where are your classes located
• Cambridge, Coon Rapds or College on Your Corner (Off-site locations)
• Financial Situation
• Tuition, fees, books & transportation to and from campus
• Course Delivery
• On-campus, Online or Hybrid

Attending an RPS and working with advisors will ensure you're on the right track!

I've registered, now what?

• Print a copy of your schedule and be sure to check your schedule before classes start to note any changes.
• Pay Tuition before the deadline
• The tuition deadline is found on the Important Dates & Deadlines page of the ARCC website. If you are applying for financial aid do so early and make certain the financial aid office has all the information they need to process your award letter. Tuition invoices are not mailed. Monitor your account through e-services online using your Star ID and password. Warning: Students may be dropped for non-payment after the tuition deadline.
• Know the Deadline for Drop/Add
• Students enrolled in a full semester course may add or drop classes until the fifth day of the semester.
• For an accelerated course, the drop/add period will be different, refer to the notes section of the registration page for the correct drop/add day.
• Students are allowed to withdraw from a course through approximately 80% of the term (courses that are shorter than the full term have an adjusted schedule) check the course schedule and Important Dates & Deadlines
• What is the difference between Drop and Withdraw
• Drop: Full Refund, NOT on transcript, DOES NOT impact academic Standing
• Withdraw: No refunds for partial withdrawals, full withdrawals during the first 4 weeks of the semester COULD result in partial refunds see Important Dates and Deadlines, possible financial aid implications, DOES appear on transcripts, DOES have a DIRECT IMPACT on academic standing
• If you are considering dropping or withdrawing from a course(s) please stop in to speak with an academic advisor to discuss your options. 
• Buy Your Textbooks Textbooks are available at both the Cambridge and Coon Rapids campuses or online.
• Setup Your Technology Information: All students have access to several information technology systems. Each system is in place to help students with different aspects of their academic career and each will require your Star Id and password. The Star Id and password is a single login for E-services, the College Network, and Desire2Learn. You can activate your Star Id here.
  • E-services online (student registration): e-Services Online is an application used to facilitate in the registration of courses, applying for financial aid, monitoring student grades, and academic progress.
  • Network Account (for utilizing on campus computers and wireless networks) :A network account is necessary to log in to campus computers and our wireless network. With a network account, students have access on and off campus. 
  • Student Email:Students are assigned an email account which is the official form of communication from the college. It is your responsibility to initialize this email account. Your college email is the official form of communication to all students.
  • Desire2Learn (D2L) (student community for online learning): Desire2Learn (D2L) is an online application used to host online courses.