Additional Online Orientation Information
Admissions & Records
Q. How do I enroll for classes?
A. Detailed registration instructions are in the credit schedule. Continuing students receive first priority registration, with units completed and graded at MCC determining the appointment time (students who attended MCC prior to summer 1983 should notify A&R). New and returning students receive second priority registration, after submitting an application.
Q. If I attended spring 2002 and dropped out, do I have to re-apply for the fall?
A. Probably not. Login to SURF (web registration, http://surf.miracosta.edu), and click on “my appointment” to see your assigned date and time. If you believe there is an error, call A&R at (760) 795-6620.
Q. If I attended prior semesters, but did not attend the current semester (not including summer), do I have to submit a new application?
A. Yes. New applications should be submitted to Admissions and Records, Building 3300 on the Oceanside campus or to the Administration Building at the San Elijo campus.
Q. What is the Academic School Code number for MiraCosta College?
A. Academic School Code is 004582. The Financial School Code is 001239.
Q. Do I need to have my transcripts on file from other schools before I can enroll?
A. No, however, if you are using previous course work to meet a prerequisite, you need to submit your transcript or grade report to A&R three days prior to enrolling. Unofficial transcripts or grade reports may be used to show proof of prerequisites met at other colleges.
Q. When do I need official transcripts?
A. Official transcripts from previously attended colleges are required for students who need evaluations for general education certification, transfer, AA degrees and/or certificates.
Q. If I change my address or major with Admissions and Records do I need to do it any place else?
A. No.
Q. I’ve enrolled for school and I just found out I can’t make it for the first day. Will my instructor drop me?
A. Most likely she/he will. You should contact the instructor and explain your situation. He or she may or may not make allowances.
Q. How do I drop a class?
A. You may drop a class online using SURF or you may fill out a drop card and submit it to the Admissions and Records Office by the appropriate deadline (listed in the credit class schedule). Check with A&R for deadlines of short-term classes.
Q. What is the last day to enroll/add classes?
A. There is a list of full semester length class deadlines in the credit class schedule. Check with A&R for deadline for short-term cases.
Q. Does my instructor have to sign my drop card?
A. No, however, students must submit drop cards by the appropriate deadline. Instructors have the right to set an earlier deadline than listed in the schedule of classes. Check your syllabus.
Q. Can I still get a refund?
A. Refunds are available only to students who officially drop by the drop deadline, or whose class is canceled. Look in the credit class schedule or contact the Admissions & Records office for deadline information. There is no refund for I.D. Card or Parking Permit.
Q. I requested a transcript and it has not arrived. Why not?
A. If you are referring to a transcript from MCC going to another college, refer to extension 6625, Admissions & Records, Oceanside. For Adult High School Program transcripts, refer to extension 8714 at the CLC. If you are referring to a transcript coming from another college, contact the Counseling Office at extension 6670.
Q. How do I order a transcript?
A. Transcripts are ordered through A&R, Building 3300. Inform us whether your attendance was in credit classes or in our Adult High School Diploma. You may also receive information by listening to our telephone message system at 757-2121, extension 6107. For the Adult High School program please call (760) 795-8714. Transcript release requires student signature.
Q. What is the cost of a transcript? How long does it take?
A. The first two ever requested are free; after that there is a $3.00 charge. It usually takes five to ten working days IF there are no problems (outstanding balance, etc).
Q. When will I get my semester grades?
A. Grades are available by phone by using the REGI line (795-REGI) until August 31, 2002, or online after June 15, 2002. You may also get a printout at the A&R Office by showing a picture I.D.
Q. Are there services for Veterans?
A. Yes, those services are available in the Admissions & Records Department, Building 3300, extension 6288 or 6285.
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Bookstore
Q. Where is the Bookstore?
A. Oceanside Campus: Building 3400, lower level. At SEC it is in Building 100, next to the Learning Resources Center.
Q. What are the hours of the Bookstore?
A. Usually, Monday through Thursday 7:30AM-7:30PM; Friday 7:30AM-1:00PM. During registration times, the hours vary and are longer. Call Ext. 6630 (OSD) or 7830 at SEC.
Q. What are the dates of the book buy-back?
A. Book buy-back takes place all year, no specific dates.
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CalWORKS
Q. Can I get welfare and still go to college or vocational training?
A. Yes. CalWORKs, the welfare program that replaced AFDC, allows you to get an education that will help you get and keep a job. There are certain time limits and other rules, but you can keep going to school.
Q. Can the county make me quit school?
A. No. But if you cannot get your course of study approved, the county can assign you to other work activities that will make continuing in school very difficult. If you don't attend those assigned activities without a good reason, the county will start the sanction process. A sanction means your CalWORKs grant will be cut. See #30.
Q. What is a Self-Initiated Program?
A. A Self-Initiated Program is also called a "SIP." You are in a SIP when you are enrolled in a training or education program on your own, before you start job search or another assigned welfare-to-work activity for the new CalWORKs program. If your SIP is approved, it will help you meet your work requirements for CalWORKs.
Q. What is an approved SIP?
A. An "approved" SIP is one where:
P You will earn a degree or certificate, and
P You are making Asatisfactory progress", and
P Your program Aleads to employment
If you already have a four-year college degree, you can only be in a SIP if you are studying to earn a teaching credential.
Q. What is satisfactory progress?
A. The college decides what is satisfactory progress. Generally, it means you are in good standing and making progress toward your degree or certificate.
Q. When does a SIP lead to employment?
A. A SIP leads to employment if it is on the list of education and training programs the county and community colleges develop each year. The list is published in the class schedule in the back of the publication.
Q. What if my SIP is not on my county's list?
A. The list can be changed or added to an ongoing basis. If you think your program will lead to a job, ask the CalWORKs Coordinator for help in proving this to the county. Use want ads, newspaper articles, statements from employers or anything else that shows you program will lead to a job. If we cannot convince the county to approve your SIP, you may be allowed to change to a SIP that can be approved (see above).
Q. What if the county still doesn't want to approve my SIP?
A. If your program is not on the list and the county doesn't agree that you have proved it will lead to employment, ask for a "Third Party Assessment." Just write a note to your worker saying you want a "Third Party Assessment." This is a meeting with a different person (who is not involved in your case) to look at the matter again. If the county still won't approve it, ask for a state hearing. See #9
Q. How do I ask for a state hearing?
A. You can use a form on the back of your letters from the welfare department to ask for a hearing. You can also call the state (800) 952-5253 to ask for a hearing. If you ask for a hearing before the day the sanction takes effect, your cash aid will not be reduced while you are waiting for the decision.
Q. What about childcare?
A. CalWORKs will pay for childcare for your younger children 10 years old and younger.
Childcare is available:
-while you are in an approved SIP, or
-while you are in education, training or any other activity as part of you welfare-to-work plan, or
-if you need it as "post-employment" services.
Q. What about transportation?
A. SIP's are entitled to transportation assistance. Generally this means a bus pass.
Q. What about money for tools and uniforms?
A. These are covered by CalWORKs if needed to complete your SIP, and if they are not covered by some other source. See #14.
Q. Can I still get CalWORKs if I get financial aid?
A. Yes. Practically all college loans and grants are "excluded income." That means your CalWORKs should not be reduced or cut off because you get financial aid.
Q. Do I have to use my college financial aid for childcare or other expense that could be covered by CalWORKs?
A. No. If you are in an approved SIP, we can help you work with the county to make sure that your needs are met, but that payments cannot be duplicated. However, financial aid can pay for services in situations CalWORKs won't, such as optional books, etc.
Q. If I buy a computer for school will it affect my CalWORKs grant?
A. No. Families getting CalWORKs are allowed to own personal computers even if they are not used for school.
Q. Do I have to go to school full-time?
A. No, but for CalWORKs all your "work activities" (classroom, lab, internships, work-study and work) have to equal at least 32 hours per week. If you are not taking many classes, you will have to do more of those other activities. With the new time limits on getting welfare, you may want to take as many classes if you can.
Q. If I am in a SIP, do I also have to work?
A. Maybe. All people in SIP's have to spend at least 32 hours per week in the classroom, labs, and internship programs, jobs and other welfare-to-work activities. If your classes, labs and internships don't add up to 32 hours, you will have to do some additional activities to reach the total. A part-time job would qualify. If you don't have a job, the county can assign you to other welfare-to-work activities such as community services (workfare), job club or job search, or additional education or training.
Q. Can work-study count toward my 32 hours per week?
A. Yes, here in San Diego County, your work-study does count toward your 32 hour engagement.
Q. Can my SIP be approved if I am enrolled in a school program but haven't started classes yet?
A. State law says that your SIP can be approved if you are enrolled. You don't have to be actually attending classes yet if school hasn't started.
Q. If my SIP is approved, how long can I stay in it?
A. Your SIP can count toward your required CalWORKs hours for up to 24 months if you were on aid when you're county implemented CalWORKs (April1998 in most counties). If you came on aid after your county started CalWORKs, you can be in your SIP for only 18 months unless you meet the county's criteria for an extension up to 24 months. After your 18 or 24 months are up you will have to do community service (workfare) to continue getting CalWORKs cash aid.
Q. Do I have to finish my program within the 18 or 24 months?
A. State law doesn't say you have to actually finish the degree or certificate within the 18 or 24 months, but the county may argue that doing only part of a degree won't lead to employment.
Q. What if I already had A SIP under the old GAIN program?
A. Any time you spent in a SIP (or any other activity) under the old GAIN program before CalWORKs began does not count against your CalWORKs time limits. Even if you completed a two-year SIP under GAIN, you can still be a CalWORKs SIP if you meet the requirements described here.
Q. What if I have to quit my SIP but want to go back later?
A. You can do this only if you had a "good cause" for quitting. Good cause includes lack of childcare or any other supportive services, domestic violence, and anything else the county agrees was a good reason, such as illness or a family crisis. Your SIP will still be limited to 18-24 months, not counting the time you weren't attending.
Q. What happens during the summer or school breaks?
A. This varies by county. The county can assign you to other activities during times you are not actually attending school, but can't require you to do anything that conflicts with your approved SIP. If the county sends you to job club, for example, you don't have to accept a job that would interfere with your SIP.
Q. What if I already signed a "welfare to work plan" because I didn't realize I could be an SIP?
A. State law says that you have the right to ask for a change within three days of signing a plan. Call your worker right away if you signed within the last three days. If you are beyond the three days, ask for a state hearing immediately so an Administrative Law Judge can decide if your SIP should be approved. See #9.
Q. Can I get education and training if I already have a job?
A. Yes. If you already have a job and you received aid within the past two years you are eligible to participate in the colleges post-employment activity.
Q. Can I get training or education if I am not already in a SIP?
A. Yes. During your assessment, you can ask to be assigned to a community college or other training course as part of your "welfare to work plan."
Q. Will I lose all of my family's aid if I get sanctioned?
A. No. Only the parent's share of the CalWORKs grant is cut if the parents don't do the CalWORKs work assignments. You will also lose all CalWORKs supportive services, such as childcare, transportation and books.
You can still get cash aid for your children even if you are sanctioned. Everyone in the family should still get Medi-Cal and Food Stamps. You will have to follow all the other rules for Food Stamps. Also your Food Stamps will not go up even though your CalWORKs grant has been cut.
Q. If I am sanctioned, will my children's CalWORKs check come to me?
A. Maybe not. If you are sanctioned and your sanction lasts for more than three months, the county may "vendor pay" your children's CalWORKs benefits. Vendor pay means they would write a check directly to your landlord for your rent and directly to the utility company for your utilities. You would receive anything left over. If the CalWORKs grant isn't enough to cover the rent and utilities, you would have to pay the remainder yourself.
Q. How does the sanction process work?
A. There are several steps in the sanction process. The county must send you a letter saying that you failed to participate in your assigned activity. The letter will give you an appointment to meet with the worker to talk about why you didn't do the work activity the county assigned you to.
- If you ignore the letter, your aid will be reduced on the date mentioned in the letter, unless you ask for a fair hearing before the date the reduction is to happen.
-If you go to the meeting, you can argue again that your SIP should be approved. If that doesn't work, you can agree to a Aconciliation plan@, which would mean agreeing to do the activity the county wants you to. If you reach agreement either way, the county will cancel the planned sanctioned.
- If, after going to the meeting, you either don't agree or don't follow through on the conciliation plan, the county will send another letter telling you when and how much your grant will be cut. You can use the back of the letter to ask for a state hearing. If you ask for the hearing before the date your grant is set to be cut, your aid will continue until the hearing is resolved. See #9.
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Career Center
Q. Where is the Career Center and what services does it include?
A. Located in Building T-310 on the Oceanside campus, the Career Center offers on-and off-campus job referrals, a walk-in resource lab, and appointments with career counselors. Students use computers, software programs, and books/videos to research career opportunities; attend workshops to prepare resumes and for interviews; and take a career assessment to help plan and prepare for their future careers.
Q. Who gives a career interest test?
A. A variety of career assessments are available in the center and will be interpreted by a career counselor during individuals appointments.
Q. Where can students find information about on- or off-campus employment?
A. On-campus employment opportunities for students are available in Building T-310 on the Oceanside campus; off-campus job postings can be viewed on the web at MonsterTrak.com 24/7. See Lisa Montes for details.
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Counseling Department
Q. Can I make an appointment with a counselor, I don't know what classes to take.
A. You are welcome to make an appointment, although we highly recommend that new students attend an orientation and advisement session first. Drop-in counseling is also available during designated hours for quick questions and general information. Please call first for drop-in hours.
Q. What kind of help can I expect from a counselor?
A. During scheduled appointments, counselors help students with:
Course selection
Educational plans
Career planning
Transfer information
Unofficial evaluation of prior college credit
Personal counseling (can refer to Health Services for longer-term counseling)
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Disabled Students Programs & Services (DSPS)
Q. Do you have a Learning Disabilities program?
A. Yes, MiraCosta has a program for students who meet Title V eligibility guidelines. Please make an appointment for information. Services are provided at both the San Elijo and Oceanside campuses (Bldg. 3000 Oceanside; Administration Bldg. SEC).
Q. Is there is a waiting list for a learning disabilities assessment?
A. There is generally a waiting list, however, we suggest that you make an appointment to discuss the program. We can provide general advising, academic advising and study skills tips, until you can be assessed.
Q. How do I get extra time for exams?
A. You must have a verified disability and your educational functional limitations must clearly demonstrate that this would be an appropriate accommodation. Please make an appointment to discuss your situation with one of us.
Q. Are there economic benefits attached to being in the DSPS program?
A. We do not provide direct student monetary aide but can provide you with referral resources.
Q. Do I have to pay for any academic accommodations (i.e. interpreters, note takers, test proctors etc.) or the learning disabilities assessment?
A. No, there is no charge to the student.
Q. Will everyone in the world know that I am working with the DSPS office?
A. No, your information is confidential. If you receive an academic accommodation the instructor will know that you have been authorized to use a particular accommodation. In some cases it may be beneficial to discuss a particular educational disability related issue with an instructor but you would be involved in that decision.
Q. Do you provide services for evening classes?
A. Yes, for students with a verified disability and for students who have been authorized to receive an academic accommodation.
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Extended Opportunities Programs & Services(EOPS)
Q. What is the EOPS program?
A. EOPS is a recruitment and retention program for low income educationally disadvantaged students.
Q. I am low income do I qualify for EOPS?
A. To Qualify for EOPS you must qualify for BOGW A or B AND meet one of several educationally disadvantaged qualifications. It is best to apply and allow EOPS to screen for eligibility.
Q. I do not qualify for federal financial aid so am I still eligible for EOPS?
A. Maybe. EOPS is a state funded program and does not necessarily apply the federal guidelines. Apply and let us screen your application.
Q. I only need help purchasing my books. Should I apply for EOPS?
A. EOPS is not a financial aid program but does provide some financial assistance for books, child care, transportation. EOPS is a comprehensive retention program and the student is expected to sign up for the entire program, which includes counseling and priority registration and the services described on the Mutual Responsibility Contract. You may not sign up for partial or limited services. .
Q. What if all I want is help purchasing books?
A. This is not the purpose of EOPS. We suggest that you apply for federal financial aid for assistance.
Q. If I apply now can I get my book voucher right away?
A. Applying is part of the process. Once your application has been screened for eligibility, we will schedule you for an EOPS orientation. At the end of the orientation and advising a Student Education Plan will be developed for you and you will be issued a voucher for a book service.
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Financial Aid
Q. Can I get help with the registration fees?
A. If you are not eligible for a Board of Governors Fee Waiver, a short-term Enrollment Fee Deferment is available for first‑time semester attendance at MCC. Contact the Financial Aid Office if you meet this criteria.
If you are a Non‑Resident and are lacking funds to cover the non‑resident tuition, a short-term deferment of tuition is available. You do not have to be a first‑time semester attendee. Contact the Financial Aid Office for information on non‑resident tuition deferment.
Q. How do I apply for financial aid?
A. Apply for federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The application is available on both campuses: in the Financial Aid Office, Building 3000 on the Oceanside campus and in the Administration building on the San Elijo campus.
Other ways to apply:
If you have Internet access, you can apply electronically at the following Web Site: http:// www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Q. If my Pell Grant eligibility has been established, how can I use it to buy books?
A. Pell Advancements are available at the beginning of each term. They are good for credit in the bookstore only; no cash. Contact the financial aid office to apply for it.
Q. Since I am not eligible for a Pell advancement, is there a Book Loan available?
A. Book Loans are available through the Financial Aid Office during the late add period for each semester for students who meet certain criteria. They are good for credit in the bookstore only; no cash.
Q. Can you help me complete my application for financial aid?
A. Refer to the instruction packet for each item in your application as you complete it. For help with the application process, call the Federal Processor at 1‑800‑4FED‑AID (800‑433‑3243). If you still have individual concerns in completing the application, contact the Financial Aid Office at MCC.
Q. What is the Title IV school code for MiraCosta College?
A. 001239
Q. When do I reapply for next year’s financial aid?
A. The new year’s FAFSA is available each January. Renewal Applications will automatically be sent to prior year applicants if they meet certain conditions. If you do not receive one by the end of December, you must apply by using one of the methods mentioned above.
Q. Can I receive financial aid at two schools at the same time?
A. No. You can receive federal financial aid at only one college at a time. If you will be taking classes at two different schools at the same time, you will need to decide which school you want to receive aid from. This does not apply to the Board of Governors Fee Waiver.
Q. What happens if I get Financial Aid and then drop some or all of my classes?
A. The answer to this question varies on a case‑by‑case basis. You may be required to pay back all or part of your financial aid. Please notify the Financial Aid Office in writing if you drop classes after you have already received payment.
Q. What if my financial circumstances have changed dramatically?
A. Complete the FAFSA as indicated in the instructions . When you receive your Student Aid Report, contact the Financial Aid Office. You may be able to file a special circumstances form.
Q. Can I get enough financial aid so I can quit my job?
A. No. Funds are intended to supplement, not supplant resources needed to meet the cost of education.
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Institute for International Perspectives (IIP)
Q. What does an international student need to be admitted at MiraCosta College?
A. International students seeking F-1 student status are required to complete an international student application and provide supporting documents before they will be considered for admission to MiraCosta College. Applications and a list of required documents are available at the Institute for International Perspectives: www.miracosta.edu/iip
Q. What are the deadlines for application?
A. Priority application deadlines are June 15 for fall; November 1st for spring and May 15 for summer. Once the application has been received the Institute for International Perspectives will notify international students on the deadline for all supporting documents required for the international student application.
Q. What is the TOEFL requirement?
A. 133 on the Computer-Based test/450 on the written test
Q. What places can we travel/study abroad?
A. MiraCosta offers full-time study abroad program each academic semester. Locations and course offerings vary. In addition, MiraCosta also supports short-term intensive study opportunities periodically. All study abroad applicants must be at least 18 years old. Contact the Institute for International Perspectives for applications and eligibility criteria for each program: www.miracosta.edu/iip
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Testing Department
Q. I don’t need to take English or math classes. Do I still need to test?
A. New-to-college students should matriculate. Matriculation consists of math and English testing, orientation and advisement.
Q. Should I go to Orientation and Advisement?
A. If you are new to college or returning after a long absence and plan to transfer, earn an associate degree, earn a vocational certificate, improve basic skills, or if you are undecided on a goal, you will benefit from matriculation. Remember that you need to have attended orientation, and been assessed in both English and math, before attending an advisement session to complete this process. See the schedule of classes if you need to know about alternatives to taking the MiraCosta College math and English tests.
Q. Where can I go to take MiraCosta College English and math placement tests?
A. The English Assessment is offered in the Testing Office on the Oceanside campus, and in the Tutoring Center on the San Elijo campus. The Math Competency Exam is offered at the same locations, and is also available during limited dates and times in the Math Learning Centers on both campuses.
Q. When are the tests offered? Do I need a reservation?
A. Both tests are offered year round on a walk-in basis. Check the class schedule or call the Testing Office for current hours. No reservation is required for testing or Orientation, however you DO need a reservation for Advisement.
Q. What are the tests like?
A. Both tests are computerized. The English Assessment is an untimed test with two parts: Reading and Writing Skills. The Math Competency Exam is a timed test that has four levels. You will read guidelines and select the appropriate level before you begin the test.
Q. What do I need to do before taking the tests? What should I bring with me?
A. You need to be a current student, or to have turned in an application for the next semester. You will need to bring appropriate photo ID with you to take the test(s). Calculators and other aids are not permitted.
Q. What if I don’t get the course recommendation I want when I test?
A. You may retest, although reviewing first is recommended. If you believe you have met the prerequisite, contact the Admissions and Records office on either campus for a challenge form.
Q. After I go to an Advisement session, how long will it take before I can use SURF?
A. You will be given credit for attending Orientation and Advisement immediately at the end of each session. You will be assigned a time for registration if you have completed matriculation within the first priority time frame.
Q. How can I get more information about testing and matriculation?
A. See the class schedule for complete testing and matriculation information, or call (760) 795-6685 (Oceanside campus) or (760) 944-4449, ext. 7748 (San Elijo campus).
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Tutorial Services
Q. Where are you located and what is your extension?
A. The Oceanside Tutoring Center is located in Bldg. T-110, just west of the Library. Our phone extension is 6682. The San Elijo Tutoring Center is located in the Library Room 105. The San Elijo phone extension is 7748.
Q. What are your hours?
A. At Oceanside, the Tutoring Center is open Monday –Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The San Elijo Tutoring Center is open Monday –Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please note: The SEC appointment desk closes at 4:30 p.m. daily.
Q. When are appointments available?
A. Each tutor has a different schedule based upon his/her own availability. We will try to schedule an appointment for you at a mutually convenient time. Fifty-minute appointments are available during day and evening hours.
Walk-in tutoring is also available in various locations. Walk-in tutoring is on a first come first serve basis, and tutors have a limited time that they can spend with each student. Walk-in hours vary from semester to semester, so call the Tutoring Center for hours and locations.
Q. How do I arrange to see a tutor?
A. You may either call or come in to the Tutoring Center to schedule an appointment. Appointments must be made a minimum of 24 hours in advance.
Q. For which courses can I get a tutor?
A. A list of these courses is posted in each tutoring center and on the Tutoring Center web site. We have tutors for over 150 courses.
Q. Is there a limit to the number of times that I can come for tutoring?
A. No, but you must wait 48 hours between appointments.
Q. How much does it cost to see a tutor?
A. There is no charge for tutoring as long as you are currently taking the course at MiraCosta for which you want tutoring.
Q. Can I see the same tutor every time I make an appointment?
A. Yes, you may request the same tutor when you come in to schedule an appointment. We do not, however, make standing appointments.
Q. How can I become a tutor?
A. Qualifications to become a tutor include earning a grade of B or A in the course(s) you wish to tutor, recommendation by your instructor(s), and student status. If you are interested in applying for a tutorial position, you should file an application the Tutoring Center at either campus.
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University Transfer Center
Q. Where is the University Transfer Center?
A. The UTC is located on the north side of the 3300 Building. The Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Fridays.
Q. What are the services provided by the University Transfer Center?
A. Advising sessions with university representatives, transfer workshops, and trips to college and university Transfer Days are some of the services provided. Although the staff in the University Transfer Center coordinates all transfer admission guarantee programs, contracts may be signed with any counselor in the Counseling Offices, EOPS, DSPS, or the University Transfer Center. In addition, advising is provided to special programs such as UniversityLink, Honors Scholar Program, and Oceanside Unified School District’s Paraprofessional Teacher Education Program. The University Transfer Center makes many resource materials available for students such as college/university catalogs, applications for admission, articulation agreements, reference books, videos, computer software programs, and brochures.
Q. Which courses at MiraCosta College are transferable?
A. As a prospective transfer student, it is important to make sure that the courses you take at MiraCosta College are acceptable to the university for transfer credit. The class schedule and the catalog both indicate if a course is transferable to CSU and UC. Private and out-of-state universities act autonomously in setting transfer credit policies. In most cases, course work accepted by UC are accepted by independent and out-of-state universities.
Q. What is meant by “marticulation pending”?
A. Often decisions regarding the transferability of course work to the CSU or UC systems are not reached until after the MiraCosta catalog is published. Students may check with the Director of Transfer & Articulation Programs regarding the status of these courses. In general, it is not advisable for you to use these courses as part of the number of units needed for admission (CSU = 56, UC = 60) until a decision has been reached. You may, however, count the courses within the 56 to 70-unit range of community college units acceptable for transfer.
Q. Which should I concentrate on first: general education or preparation for the major?
A. Generally it is best to complete both requirements. Some majors require very few “preparatory” courses in which case you will be able to complete all G.E. requirements prior to transfer. However, some majors, particularly in business and science, require many preparatory courses. In this case you should concentrate on completing these and filling in with general education.
Q. Where can I find which classes to take for my major?
A. Preparation for the major articulation agreements are available for UC and many CSU’s on ASSIST or in the University Transfer Center. ASSIST (Articulation System Stimulating Inter-institutional Student Transfer) is California’s statewide repository of transfer information, offering easy access to a single database. ASSIST can help you determine if you will receive credit for courses you’ve already taken, or plan to take, and how those courses will apply to specific academic goals. The website is: www.assist.org. Independent university information is available in the University Transfer Center.
Q. How can I improve my chances of being accepted into a competitive or “impacted” university or major?
A. At competitive or impacted universities (or majors), you will need to meet requirements beyond the minimum. Previous course work is usually the most important factor in transfer admissions. Selection criteria will include the level of difficulty of the courses you have taken, your grades, and if you have completed lower division preparation course work in your intended major. Some specialized schools or majors (e.g. creative arts) will also require auditions or portfolios.
Q. As a community college transfer student, what California universities can I transfer to?
A. There are 8 UC campuses, 23 CSU campuses, and about 70 independent colleges that offer majors in more than 70 subjects. Many university representatives visit the MiraCosta College campus to meet with students. In addition, the UTC sponsors campus visits to several Southern California universities.
Q. What are TAG Programs?
A. Transfer admission agreements. These are contracts between MiraCosta College and four-year universities. By signing a contract students are guaranteed admission to the university, and in some cases to the major, if certain criteria are met. Check with the University Transfer Center for list of TAG programs.
Q. What factors should I consider when making plans to transfer to a university?
A. There are several factors to consider when making plans to transfer to a university. Each choice you make will affect your options, and it is crucial that you get input from a counselor before making final decisions. Some things you should consider are:
- The university you plan to attend
- The major or degree-emphasis you plan to pursue
- The general education requirements you plan to complete
- The financial implications your decision will have on your academic goal
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