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San Diego City College

Counseling FAQ

1. Coach, can you help me make an appointment?

2. Coach, I need to drop a class, can you help figure out a new class to take?

3. Coach, what classes do I need to take?

4. I do not know what I want to major in. Why do they keep asking me?

5. Coach, I do not think I want to transfer to SDSU, but that is the plan they have me on. I want to keep my options open for any school that wants me. 

6. Coach, can you help me figure out if I am able to transfer to ____ University?

7. How do student-athletes sign up for Link/TAG Programs with UC's and State Universities?

8. Once students fill out application forms, when and from whom, will they receive their contract for the program?

9. Are student-athletes able to receive their complete 2-year educational/graduation program at their first counseling/meeting appointment?

10. How/When do I apply to San Diego City College?

11. How do I register for classes?

12. Where do I send official transcripts or test scores such as Advanced Placement and/or International Baccalaureate, etc?

13. What can I do after I schedule a meeting with a counselor and until our meeting?

 

1. Coach, can you help me make an appointment?

Answer: Please contact Irene Mello at imello@sdccd.edu or call and or text at (619) 572-8382 to help schedule an appointment to meet with a counselor.

 

2. Coach, I need to drop a class, can you help figure out a new class to take?

Answer: Please meet with a counselor to discuss this especially prior to dropping a class. There are many factors involved including if you are part of a program and also athletic eligibility. Some factors to consider are if you are a Veteran, receiving Financial Aid, and or part of the Promise Program. There are certain conditions for these particular programs. We can also recommend additional classes to take that align with your educational and career goals, but please meet with a counselor prior to dropping and make sure before the appropriate academic deadlines. It is also important to connect with Irene regarding athletic eligibility.

 

3. Coach, what classes do I need to take?

Answer: As a student-athlete, you want to make sure to enroll in your exercise class and/or intercollegiate class. You will connect with your coach about this specifically. As far as academic classes, you want to make sure to connect with a counselor to discuss the additional classes you will need to take. These classes will be focused on meeting your educational and career goals at San Diego City College.

 

4. I do not know what I want to major in. Why do the counselors keep asking me?

Answer: As counselors, we ask you your major because it is important to know this as this is how we plan your classes and complete your personalized roadmap, which is your educational plan. Your major determines on what classes you need specifically.

For example, in regards to math classes, your major will depend on what math class to take. In addition, you can also apply major classes towards a selection of general education classes, which can also help when designing your educational plan. If you are not sure of your major, we can help you determine your educational and career goals and are happy to meet with you!

 

5. Coach, I do not think I want to transfer to SDSU, but that is the plan they have me on. I want to keep my options open for any school who wants me.

Answer: As counselors, we are here to help and can design your educational plan towards your educational and career goals. Please tell your counselor this information as it is helpful to know when planning your classes. During the counseling appointment, we can research together additional schools you would want to apply to. It is important to go over what other schools you would like to apply to so we can ensure you are meeting requirements and most importantly, keeping your options open for other schools other than SDSU.

 

6. Coach, can you help me figure out if I am able to transfer to ____ University?

Answer: Please schedule an appointment with a counselor to ensure if you are able to transfer to a university. It is important to do this as soon as possible as the CSU application period ( for fall admissions) is Oct. 1- Nov. 30th and students need to apply in a year in advance. Select CSU’s have spring admissions and the application period is from Aug. 1-30th.

As far as UC, fall admissions occurs from Nov. 1- Nov. 30th and select campuses have spring/winter admissions and the time period to apply is July 1-31st. Also, within UC there is also Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) and the application period is from May 1-31st for spring/winter admission and Sept. 1-30th for fall admissions. As far as private colleges and universities, application periods will vary. Please schedule an appointment with counselor to discuss if eligible to apply to the university and to discuss important dates and deadlines.

 

7. How do student-athletes sign up for Link/TAG programs with UC's and State Universities?

Answer: It is important to meet with a counselor to go over link/TAG (Transfer Admission Guarantee) programs early on when starting your academic career. The earlier you meet with a counselor the better as it will allow you to be prepared and ensure you are not missing any deadlines as well as admission requirements.

For example, there are certain qualifications for programs such as applying within your first year, such as U-Link for UCSD and also TAG programs. Please note this information is to be used in addition, with meeting with a counselor and important to meet with one to discuss programs and transfer options. As far as completion of applications, you can visit the San Diego City College Transfer Center, as they assist and help students with the transfer application process.

 

8. Once students fill out application forms, when and from whom, will they receive their contract for the program?

Answer: Students will hear from universities usually in the spring months, and this is if they applied for fall admissions. If students apply for spring admission they will hear in the fall months. Students will receive this information directly from the universities. In regards to assistance in applications, the San Diego City College Transfer Center, helps support students in the application process.

SDCC Transfer Center: http://sdcity.edu/academics/transfer.aspx

 

9. Are student-athletes able to receive their complete 2-year educational/graduation program at their first counseling/meeting appointment?

Answer: This answer varies as there are many factors to this question. If students know their major, transfer university, and/or goals this can be completed. However, if students are undecided of major and transfer university and/or educational goal this may not be completed as it is important to provide career counseling to help students decide on career. Also, in the first appointment it is important that students understand the various pathways, and different components such as general education and major preparation so they can make an informed decision on what they want to pursue.

 

10. How/When do I apply to San Diego City College?

Answer: In your first steps as a student and in order to take classes at San Diego City College, you will want to first apply. It is important to note that you cannot register for classes until you complete an application. Also, if you are thinking of starting in the fall 2021 term you would want to apply now. It is important to note the application is free and there are no fees.

Steps to Apply: http://sdcity.edu/future-students/apply.aspx

Application: https://www.sdccd.edu/apply/
How to Apply Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pUtTPKfpp0&t=8s

 

11. How do I register for classes?

Answer: Prior to registration you will want to make sure to be familiar with your San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) Portal account. Once comfortable with navigating your SDCCD Portal, you can go over the steps for registration and how to register for classes. It is important to note you want to ensure you are familiar with this process prior to your registration appointment.

How to Create your SDCCD Portal: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fdiBxmBHKWk

How to Register for Classes: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oQotB295L7o

 

12. Where do I send official transcripts or test scores such as Advanced Placement and/or International Baccalaureate, etc?

Answer: If you have attended other colleges prior to San Diego Community College District and/or if you have Advanced Placement and/or International Baccalaureate, you will need to send all official transcripts and test scores to our District. Once you send transcripts, you would want to see if your transcripts have arrived. You would be able to ask a counselor and or call number (619) 894-6118 if your transcripts have arrived. Also, once all transcripts have arrived, you need to make sure to complete a transcript evaluation form. This is important as there are two steps to this process, the first being all transcripts are sent to the District and second a Transcript Evaluation request form to be turned in. The transcript evaluation form should be consulted with a counselor as you have to determine how you would want your transcripts evaluated and this depends on your educational goals at San Diego City College.

Transcripts: https://www.sdccd.edu/students/evaluations/transcripts-information.aspx

 

13. What can I do after I schedule a meeting with a counselor and until our meeting?

Answer: Prior to your counseling meeting, you will want to make sure to complete first steps as a student to San Diego City College. In order to take classes at San Diego City College, you will want to first apply. It is important to note to also apply to Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and or California Dream Act to help pay for classes.

Also, prior to your meeting with a counselor, you want to make sure to have unofficial transcripts accessible if you have attended any previous colleges so that you can inform the counselor during your meeting. If you also have any Advanced Placement, and or International Baccalaureate scores it is also important to inform the counselor and have your scores accessible as well. This can help the Counselor view what you have taken and or completed in the meantime.

However, you would want to make sure to send all official transcripts and test scores to the District. Once arrived, the counselor will then go over the next steps in having your transcripts evaluated as there is a Transcript Evaluation Form that needs to be competed. This is important as transcript evaluation is a two- step process. Lastly, please make sure to list all your questions you have prior to your appointment to ensure all your questions are answered during your meeting with a counselor.