What If You Can't Get Into Classes?

The following post was made for the fall 2012 semester, but the info is just as relevant for spring 2013. The add deadline was August 31^st for full-term fall classes, and if you had a hard time getting the classes you needed, you’re not alone. Many students found it difficult to crash classes this semester. Due to California budget issues, we had to cut courses. Because of the economy, more people are going back to school. Fewer classes being offered and more people needing to take them means that it’s challenging to find classes – and given that reality -- you may not be able to get into school this semester. However, you can still be productive.

New students:  

• Contact First Year Services in Oct. or Nov. for spring semester (L-206   619-388-3998)
• Assessment test
• New student orientation and online new student orientation
• Financial aid referral
• Career and educational guidance
• Peer mentoring

If you’re new to college, check into First Year Services to see if you can receive counseling and support for next semester. They can help you sign up for an assessment test and new student orientation, part of the matriculation process that gives students a better registration priority. Career planning, educational guidance, referral to financial aid, and peer mentoring are part of the comprehensive services available to many first-time students. This will prepare you for next semester.

Continuing students who don’t know their careers:

• Counseling Center (A-110   619-388-3540) or E-Counseling 
• Prioritize life goals
• Explore careers
• Values, skills, interest, and personality assessment
• Discover a rewarding career path



Argonne National Lab

 Whether you’re taking classes or not, do you have a career goal? Is it solid? One question I like to ask my students: “On a scale of one to ten, one being that you don’t know what career you want because there are literally thousands of careers to choose from, and ten being you have found your ideal career, the one you were put on this earth to do, what number would you assign the career you’ve chosen?”

If you’re floundering in the dark about your career, why not spend some time discovering the purpose of why you want to go to school? In September and October, schedule an hour appointment with a counselor to explore your interests, values, skills, and personality. Identify your life priorities and what you want out of a career. Brainstorm a list of careers that peak your interest. Research the duties, outlook, education, and salary in the Career Center. Info interview people. Initiate a job shadow. Volunteer in a setting to gain some practical experience. This kind of career research is a lot of work and it takes time. When you have a clear vision of a career that makes you light up with hope, purpose, and excitement, one in which you can’t wait to get to class, you’ll know the time and effort have paid off.

Continuing students who have identified their career path:

• Counseling Center (A-110   619-388-3540) or E-Counseling 
• Educational planning
• Petition for certificates and degrees
• Transfer planning

What if you’re solid on your career? If you want to earn a bachelor’s degree, research transfer schools. Check out the school’s website, look at its catalog, and tour the campus. You’re going to spend at least two years after you leave City at the transfer university. Make sure it’s a good fit. If your path is to earn a certificate, an AA degree, or transfer, schedule an appointment with a counselor to develop your educational plan – the roadmap to your goal. You’ll find out what classes to enroll in, how long it will take to reach your destination, when to petition for a certificate or degree, the timeframe to apply to the university, whether there’s a guaranteed admission and how to make use of it, the GPA requirement to be competitive, and I would suggest having a backup plan in case you don’t get accepted by your first-choice university.

As you can see, there are ways to be productive even if you’re not in class. Be proactive and take ownership of your education. Find the path you want to travel. Register for classes on your scheduled day and time. Earn your certificate or degree. Then go forward and make a difference.