Becoming a MESA Student
*MESA Applications are currently OPEN for Fully Qualifed students and Friends of MESA. We will close applications the 2nd week of Fall semester OR when we reach student capacity.
To be considered a member of the MESA program, you will need to complete a MESA Application and meet the MESA Student minimum requirements (found below). We receive many applications, especially during the start of the fall and spring terms, so please allow at least 2-3 weeks for processing. Incomplete applications will not be processed. If you are eligible to be become a MESA student you will be invited to meet with the MESA Program Director for an intake interview where your application will be reviewed and the MESA program and our services will be discussed.
Qualifications and requirements to be a MESA Member:
Fully Qualified MESA Student
- STEM major (Calculus based)
- Minimum 3 semesters remaining at COC
- 2.2 or higher GPA
- Educationally disadvantaged (First generation college student)
- Financial need
- (receiving BOG fee waiver and/or grants)
- Plans to transfer to a 4 year college
- Be a U.S. Citizen, or resident
- Either have completed or enrolled in Math 070
Semester Requirements:
- GPA 2.2 or higher per semester
- Attend at least 2 activities/workshops
- 30+ hours in MESA center
- Complete Progress Report
Yearly Requirements
- Have an updated Educational Plan
- Apply for at least one scholarship or summer REU
Friend of MESA
- STEM major (Calculus based)
- Minimum 3 semester remaining at COC
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
Semester Requirements:
- Attend at least 1 activity /workshop
- 20+ hours in the center/semester
- Minimum 2.0 semester GPA
**Must not already hold a Bachelor's degree
*Applications will be available only to entering COC freshmen, students with no more than 30 units completed and those who have at least 3 semesters remaining at COC before transferring.