Printer Friendly

Counseling FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

1. If I get an associates degree can I automatically transfer to a four-year college?
Yes and No. If you complete all the lower division general education courses necessary to transfer to a CSU or UC, and complete 60 units, you will earn a transfer studies associate degree. Two year college vocational degree programs leading to associate of science degrees are designed to prepare for employment and, generally, do not lead to transfer. It is a good idea to speak with a counselor in order to determine which degree program is best for you.

2. Do I have to see a counselor to register for classes?
Counselors do not register students for classes or "sign-off" on a student's program. You will meet with a counselor during the orientation process. At that time, the counselor will assist you in selecting classes. It is recommended that you consult with a counselor on a regular basis to develop an educational plan and to select appropriate classes.

3. Are there certain classes in which I can't enroll?
There are required prerequisites for some classes. A prerequisite is previous background or course completion that is required before entry into another class. You must have completed the prerequisite at a SDCCD campus or submit evidence of meeting the prerequisite in order to register for the class.

4. Can I get help filling out an application for transfer to a four-year school?
Yes. The Transfer Center holds application workshops each Fall to review the application process and timelines. It is also possible to get assistance on completing a college application with an individual counseling appointment. For quick questions, it is possible to see a counselor on a drop-in basis.

5. Do I have to have an assessment before I enroll in any classes?
It depends. There are some courses that have prerequisites; you cannot register for them unless you are able to demonstrate that you are at the skill level necessary to complete the course. At this campus, many of the math and English courses have prerequisites. The assessment score is one way to demonstrate readiness for those courses.

6. Am I assigned a particular counselor?
A student may request to have an appointment with any counselor. Once you have seen a counselor you may wish to continue with that counselor, or you may request to see another counselor if you wish.

Some students are required to see counselors if they are in particular programs, receiving financial aid or on probation.

7. Do I need to see a counselor every term?
It is not required unless you are involved in a particular program or receiving financial aid. It is a good idea to check in with a counselor on a regular basis to see that things are going smoothly for you.

8. How many units must I be enrolled in to be considered full-time?
A student must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 units in fall or spring term to be considered a full-time student. Fifteen units is the usual load for students who wish to complete the AA degree in two years (four semesters).

9. Where do I go to get verification of being enrolled at the college?
The Admissions & Records Office is the place to get verification that you are enrolled in college. If you have a form that needs to be filled out verifying enrollment in college for insurance, for example, please take it with you to the Admissions & Records Office which is located next to Counseling in C-303.

10. If I get my associate in arts degree or a certificate of achievement, will I have to pay more for my classes?
No--currently, registration fees for students who have completed any type of degree or certificate program are the same as those for students who have not. The only difference in fees applies to non-residents of California. You may continue to take classes at Miramar if you have received an A.A.or A.S. degree or certificate of achievement.

11. If you have a brief question, you may e-mail it to Rick Cassar