Eight common reasons students are not able to register for a class:
Do you have a current application on file? (for returning students)
If you are trying to register for classes but you have been gone (not registered)
for two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring or Spring/Fall) you will need to reapply.
If you log into SURF and check the ‘Tasks’ tile you will see this as a ‘To Do’ item:

Are you trying to register for the correct term?
If there are multiple terms available make sure that you have selected the term you
really wanted to register for!
Does the class have a prerequisite that needs to be cleared?
To see if a class has a prerequisite, click on the Class number link:

Our SURF registration system always enforces all prerequisites. If you have taken the prerequisite at a school other than MiraCosta College you can ask for your prerequisite to be cleared by submitting our Prerequisite/Priority Registration form and attaching the transcripts to the form (unofficial transcripts are fine). Clearing your prerequisite takes up to 5 business days so please plan ahead!
Our SURF registration system always enforces all prerequisites. If you have taken the prerequisite at a school other than MiraCosta College you can ask for your prerequisite to be cleared by submitting our Prerequisite/Priority Registration form and attaching the transcripts to the form (unofficial transcripts are fine). Clearing your prerequisite takes up to 5 business days so please plan ahead!
Is it a linked course?
Some of our courses are ‘linked’ which just means that there are two courses that
go together (like peanutbutter and jelly!). You can tell if a class is ‘linked’ by
reading the class notes. Here’s what it will look like when you search in SURF:

In the case of linked courses you will need to register for both courses at the same time by putting the linked courses into your shopping cart, selecting both classes and then clicking ‘enroll’.
In the case of linked courses you will need to register for both courses at the same time by putting the linked courses into your shopping cart, selecting both classes and then clicking ‘enroll’.
Are you maxed out on your units for the semester?
Students are able to register for a maximum of 18 units during the Fall and Spring
and a maximum of 8 units in the summer. (NOTE: if you are on a waitlist for a course that course will count in your total!) If you need to register for more than the set maximum during a given semester you
will need to consult with one of our Counselors to see if they will authorize it.
Is there a time conflict somewhere in your schedule?
SURF will not allow a student to enroll in two classes that are offered at the same
time.
(NOTE: if you are waitlisted for a class, that class will also count in your time conflicts. This is a common error. If you want to register for a class for which you are also waitlisted, you will need to drop the waitlisted course before being able to add the new class).
(NOTE: if you are waitlisted for a class, that class will also count in your time conflicts. This is a common error. If you want to register for a class for which you are also waitlisted, you will need to drop the waitlisted course before being able to add the new class).
Has the course been taken previously?
You are allowed to take most classes only once, however, there are some instances where you can repeat a course:
- If you earn a grade of F, D, or NP you are allowed to repeat the course.
- The Maximum number of times (including W grades) you may take a course is 3.
- Once you earn a C or better in the course you are not permitted to take it again.
- If the course is designated as repeatable you may be able to take the course again.
Are you a high school student?
If you are currently a high school student we will need a completed Concurrent Registration permit with 3 different signatures each semester. Once you fill out and submit the form on the website an actual real human has to
customize the form with the information you have provided (so this process, while
efficient is not instantaneous). Once the e-signature form is created all of the signatures
can be captured via computer or smart phone and the form will be routed to the next
person on the form!

After the Principal/Designee for the high school signs the e-signature form it will be forwarded to A&R for processing. This may take a few days depending upon the time of year. Once we have processed the form in A&R all of the people who signed the form will receive a copy of the completed form.
After the Principal/Designee for the high school signs the e-signature form it will be forwarded to A&R for processing. This may take a few days depending upon the time of year. Once we have processed the form in A&R all of the people who signed the form will receive a copy of the completed form.