Counseling Frequently Asked Questions

How do I clear a prerequiste so I can register for my class? (A prerequisite is a required preparatory course that must be completed prior to enrolling in a course)

If you completed the prerequistie at another college or with AP scores, visit the Counseling Lobby. A counselor will be happy to clear the prerequisite.

You will be required to share unofficial copies of a transcript from the other college or AP score that can show proof that you completed the prerequisite.

Can I attend MSJC if I did not graduate from high school?

Yes, you can attend MSJC if you meet any one of the following criteria:

Have graduated from high school or
Have passed the California High School Proficiency Exam or
Have passed the GED examination or
Did not graduate from high school but are 18 years of age or older
Are an eligible high school student who has satisfied concurrent enrollment admissions requirements
Are an international student who has satisfied specific international student admissions requirements.

Do I need an appointment to see a counselor?

No, you don't need an appointment to meet with a counselor. The virtal Counseling Lobby has counselors available to help students with quick questions and is available daily Monday - Thursday 8:00am to 5:00pm and Friday from 8:00am - noon. (During the summer semester we are closed on Friday).

Yes, you do need an appointment if you need to make a comprehensive educational plan or assistance with a Satisfactory Academic Petition (SAP -Financial Aid document). Counseling appointments can be scheduled up to two weeks in advance and new appointment slots open up every morning.

What is a Student Educational Plan (SEP)?

Student Education Plan is a semester by semester plan that includes the courses need for a student to complete their educational goal at MSJC. To create an SEP, a student will need to make an appointment with a counselor.

How long will it take me to complete an AS Degree?

The length of time will depend on how many units a student completes each semester. A degree requires general education requirements, major course requirements and a total of 60 degree applicable or transferable units. A counselor can help determine how long it will take to complete a students educational goal.

Do I need to send my other college official transcripts to MSJC?

Yes, after a student has completed a MSJC online application, they should request official electronic transcripts from their other college to be sent to MSJC. All other college transcripts will need to be on file before a student receives financial aid assistance and/or become eligible for a degree.

Do I need to send my high school official transcripts to MSJC?

Yes, high school transcripts are required for the following reasons ...

Verifying graduation-diploma or GED if you're under the age of 18
Show proof that a student completed a foreign language in high school
If a student completed a class that will meet a prerequisite

What is a full-time academic student (not for financial aid purposes)?

For fall and spring semesters, it is 12 units. For summer, is 6 units (not for financial aid purposes)

How many units must I take each term?

You are not required by the college to take a minimum number of units each term. The number of units you take will depend on several factors; such as:

The number of hours you are employed each week
Your degree/certificate objectives
Your own timetable for graduation and/or transfer.

There are also eligibility requirements if you are receiving financial aid, veteran benefits, or other kinds of benefits. Counselors are available to help you decide how many units to take or are required.

How do I add an open class?

You may register online via Self-Service. If the class is closed or has already started, you must get an add authorization from the instructor.

How do I send Advanced Placement Scores (AP) to MSJC?

You will need to go to apstudents.collegeboard.org and log in to have the scores mailed directly to one of our Mt. San Jacinto College campuses (San Jacinto Campus, Menifee Valley Campus, Temecula Valley Campus).

After you complete 12 units with a 2.0 GPA, then you will want to submit a General Student Petition to msjc.edu/hub under Enrollment Services - secure documents.

If you need a pre-requisite clearance, you need to provide a copy of your AP scores to a Counselor. You will need to go to msjc.edu/hub and then click on Counseling and then enter the virtual lobby. A Counselor will be able to assist you in getting the hold cleared.

What is the procedure for dropping a class?

You are responsible to drop your class(es) on Self-Service. Print a copy of the withdrawal for your records. Do not assume that instructors will automatically drop you for non-attendance. Check the schedule for withdrawal dates.