Early Admissions Frequently Asked Questions
- What tests are given and why do I need to take them?
- What classes do I need to take in college?
- What do I do if I haven't decided exactly why I'm going to college or what my goals are?
- How many classes or college units should I take during my first semester?
- Can I take classes at Las Positas College and Chabot College?
- Why do I need to meet with a counselor?
- How can I get involved with student activities at Las Positas College?
- Who can I talk to if I am confused or need information?
- What happens after I apply for Early Admission?
- What other classes will I need in college?
- What if I don't have a major?
- When can I meet with a counselor?
What tests are given and why do I need to take them?
Las Positas College requires all new students to take English, Mathematics, (and Chemistry 1A, if applicable) placement tests to identify their skill level for appropriate class placement and academic success. The SAT or ACT tests are not required for admission to Las Positas College.
What classes do I need to take in college?
Required classes vary depending upon a student’s educational goals. College differs from high school in that there are numerous options for students, e.g., earning an Associates Degree, transferring to a four-year institution, learning skills to enter the job market, attending full or part-time, etc. Each of these options has unique requirements, and each student will be required to consider his or her goals and obtain information about the requirements which lead to the desired goals.
What do I do if I haven't decided exactly why I'm going to college or what my goals are?
This is normal for many high school graduates. The best thing to do is to become well informed about what college has to offer you:
- read the college catalog
- ask questions
- talk to other students, your parents, and high school teachers
- use the Career Center information
- make appointments with counselors
At Las Positas College, we offer classes to help students learn about college, the world of work, and themselves. You can take Psychology-Counseling 15, Study Skills and/or Psychology-Counseling 10, Career and Educational Planning.
For your first semester in college, we suggested you choose classes that will ensure your success. These could be classes that are of interest to you or that you enjoyed in high school. Other suggestions for beginning classes:
- A class for meeting general education requirements. The information you will receive at the Orientation/Program Planning Session will list these requirements, such as English and mathematics.
- A typing or computer class to develop skills for your other classes.
Remember! Each college student is unique. You need to choose classes that fit your educational/career plans. This process of researching and choosing is an important part of going to college. Counselors will help you.
How many classes or college units should I take during my first semester?
This will depend on you. You need to ask yourself:
- Am I going to college and working too?
- What kind of student am I?
- Will it take me longer to complete college assignments?
- Will my other responsibilities, social activities, etc. take more of my time?
In planning your time, you need to keep this in mind: for every hour in class, plan to study two hours outside of class. A full-time student (12-15 units) would have 12-15 hours in class each week plus 24-30 hours of study for a total of 36-45 hours of school work each week. That is like a full-time job. You have only 168 hours per week, so plan the number of classes accordingly. It is best to take fewer classes your first semester.
Can I take classes at Las Positas College and Chabot College?
Yes. You may take your classes at either or both campuses: at Las Positas or Chabot, day or evening or Saturday, part-time or full-time...whatever best fits your schedule.
Why do I need to meet with a counselor?
Your counselor is the person who can help you understand the procedures of college, the requirements needed to meet your goals and how to be successful in school. Bring your ideas, and the Las Positas College Catalog with you to the Orientation/Program Planning Session. Remember: in college you choose your classes to fit your unique plans. Your counselor is available to assist you in your decision-making.
How can I get involved with student activities at Las Positas College?
Las Positas College has many athletic events, student groups, clubs, social events, and a student lounge/center where students enjoy meeting. At the Club Day held each semester, students present their clubs and activities and you get a chance to join in and meet new friends.
Who can I talk to if I am confused or need information?
The staff in the Counseling Center (Building 700), Career/Transfer Center (Building 900) and Support Services Center (Building 1500) are here to help. You will find information on careers, college majors, other colleges, and you can make appointments with counselors in the Counseling Center at 925.424.1422. Information on financial aid, scholarships, and student support services (Disabled Student programs, Learning Disabilities programs, etc.) is available at 925.424.1510.
What happens after I apply for Early Admission?
You will receive an Acceptance Letter from Admissions & Records sometime in March. Then, you need to complete the new student online orientation. Important: You must login with your "W" number (student ID number) to receive credit for this orientation. To retrieve your "W" number, click here. After completing the online orientation, you are then required to assess for English and Math (and for some, Chemistry) before registering for your classes. Assessments MAY be held at your high school - check with your high school counselor - otherwise you will assess here at the college. Go to the Assessment Center to make your appointment. After you've completed your assessment, you will attend LPC's Mega Day on Saturday, May 12, 2012 where LPC counselors will help you choose your first semester classes based on your assessment results and interests and help you register for classes.
What other classes will I need in college?
During your program planning session, counselors will explain some of the most common questions students have including "What other classes will I need?". The answer will depend on your educational goal: associate degree, certificate, or transfer. During your first semester you are encouraged to make an additional appointment with a counselor to develop a Student Educational Plan (SEP) with you. Please indicate this when making your appointment. An SEP will help you choose the correct classes for your future semesters.
What if I don't have a major?
Most students are undecided about their major when they come to community college. All of our counselors are career counselors who are more than happy to help you figure out your future goals. There are also classes available such as PSCN 10 - Career and Educational Planning, to assist you. Further information is available in software form in our Career and Transfer Center in Bldg. 900.
When can I meet with a counselor?
Graduating seniors who completed their online application to LPC can meet with a counselor after Mega Day, 5/12/2012, for a drop-in visit (about 10-15 minutes). The counseling office hours are posted on our website (click here). Our counselors are professionals trained in academic, personal, and career counseling. We also have counselors who speak Spanish and Korean. The LPC Counseling faculty welcome you and look forward to meeting you.
