How Do I Become A Student at PC?
1. Admissions
New, returning, and continuing students must complete the admission or update process on the web. Admission and update forms are available online at www.portervillecollege.edu. For information call 791-2220.
2. Assessment
Assessment is a process of gathering information about an individual to facilitate student success. Testing is used to measure writing, reading, and mathematics skills in order to assist you in selecting program goals and specific courses. Test results, along with other assessment criteria, provide counselors with important information to assist them in providing guidance to you. Assessment sessions usually last about 2 1/2 - 4 hours depending on which assessment is taken and if there are special accommodations. First-time students are administered the ACCUPLACER/Companion instrument developed by the College Board. It is strongly recommended that students whose primary language is not English attend an English as a Foreign Language session and are administered the CELSA instrument. Students who have a learning disability should take the “special accommodation” assessment session since the student receives extra time on the exam and/or larger printed exam materials. New students who do not possess a high school diploma or GED must take the ACCUPLACER-computerized assessment to qualify for Ability to Benefit. They must have passing scores on all three exams: writing, reading, and numerical skills. Please ask for the Assessment Calendar and Preparation Packet for Non-High School Graduates or Equivalent.
Students can make an appointment for the assessment AFTER they submit the admissions or update form. Appointments are made in AC-126 and by calling 791-2329 or 791-2446.
3. Orientation / On-Site Advising
Students must take the assessment session prior to attending an orientation. Orientation is a one-hour session filled with important information about Porterville College. Time-consuming problems can be avoided by being informed from day one about registration procedures, deadlines, financial aid, on-campus resources, and transfer requirements. During the orientation students will also be given their assessment scores and explanation on how to interpret their scores. “On-Site Advising” is available where students are provided with group advising after orientation. Counselors and faculty advisors will be able to work with groups of students or advise individually.
4. Academic Advising
A counselor or faculty advisor will help you develop an Educational Study Plan (ESP) to achieve your academic goals. The counselor will assist you with scheduling courses and will recommend placement in English, reading, and math courses. It is strongly recommended for students to bring their unofficial high school transcript to the advising appointments. Students wanting to register in a transferable-level math course must bring in high school transcripts to their counseling session to verify they have completed two years of Algebra with a “C” or better to meet the prerequisite. PC counselors and faculty advisors must clear all students to register in a transfer-level math course as well as non-transfer sequential math courses starting with Math P053 (Geometry) and up to Math P051 (Intermediate Algebra).
Walk-in Advising
Walk-in advising days and times are available by calling 791-2329. Students can be seen by a counselor, without an appointment, on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you desire an appointment to see a counselor for an Educational Study Plan (ESP) or other assistance, please make an advising appointment by calling 791-2329 or go online to the PC counseling menu, “counseling appointments”.