Frequently Asked Questions

• • Have Registration Questions?

    Q: I have applied to Mt. SAC, what's next?

    A: Great!  We’re so happy that you are continuing your education with us!  You should be receiving an email from our Admissions and Records office.  You will want to follow the New Student Registration Checklist found in your Student Portal, under the Student Success tab.  (You will see it in the upper, left-hand corner of your screen.)

    Q: As a new college student, is it really worth it to do a summer program?

    A: YES!!  If you are new to college, our summer programs are a great way to get a jump start on your education and learn about college life – all the while making new friends!  Not to mention that if you sign up for either our STEP or Summer Bridge Programs, you can qualify for benefits through Promise+Plus, which includes early registration for your first fall and spring semesters.  Check out this quick video on the benefits of doing either of our two summer programs.

    Q: How do I find my registration date and time?

    A:  Students can find their registration day and time in the Student Portal, under the Student tab, #8. Registration Appointment/ Hold one week before registration for that semester/intersession begins.  Please see this flyer for a visual.  You can also check out this quick video of how to check your registration date in your Student Portal.

    Q: Where can I find the list of classes that are available for the upcoming term?

    A: You can search for classes in your Mt. SAC Student Portal under the Student Tab, #14. Search for Classes, however the best tool to use is the online class schedule. Please see this flyer for a visual, or you can check out this quick video that shows you how to use the online class schedule.

    Q: How do I register for classes?

    A: You have the freedom of registering yourself for classes; no one else can do this for you.  To do this, log into your Student Portal, then click on the Student tab, #4. Register, Add/Drop Classes. Please see this flyer for a visual, or you can check out this quick video on how to register for classes.

    Q: I was able to waitlist a course. Now what do I do?

    A: Being on a waitlist for a course does not mean you are registered for that class.  Once you are on the waitlist, it is your responsibility to check your Mt. SAC email every day to see if you were sent a notification to add the class.  If a student drops out of the enrolled class, the first student on the waitlist will receive an email. You will be responsible for logging into your Mt. SAC Student Portal and adding the course within 72 hours of receiving the email notification. If you fail to add the class within the 72 hours, the system will no longer allow you to add, and then the next person on the waitlist will be sent a notification email.  Please see this flyer for a visual. You can only be on one waitlist CRN per class. For example, you cannot waitlist for multiple ENGL 1A courses.

    If you are still on the waitlist by the first day of class, you can attend the first day of class and ask your instructor for an add code. You will need the course CRN number and add code from the professor to add a class once the term has started.  Instructors will usually add from the waitlist based on seats available. If you are not on the waitlist, your chances of being added on the first day are lower.

    If you need help adding a course after the term has started, please check out this flyer for information on how to do this.

    Q: How do I find out where I am on the waitlist?

    A: You can check your waitlist status by checking your Student Portal, under the Student tab, #13. Waitlist Position.  

    Q: What do I do if the class I want to take is closed?

    A: Try registering for a different CRN that is open. You may also try to get on the waitlist. Lastly, you may attend the first class meeting. If there is space available in the class, the instructor may give you an add code to register on your student portal. Please keep in mind that instructors normally add students from the waitlist first before adding first day walk-ins.  Please see this flyer with a visual on how to register for a course after the term has started.

    Q: I have an add code, how do I use it?

    A: First, you will need to register for the class using the original CRN number in your Student Portal, under the Student tab, #4. Add/Drop Classes.  After this point, you will be asked for the add code or verification code.  Once you put in the code, please make sure to hit the Submit Changes button.  You will see the phrase, “Web Registered” when you are registered for the course.  Each CRN has its own add deadline. You can look up this deadline on the online schedule of classes by clicking on the course CRN in blue. The add code can only be used once, and it must be used before the last day to add for that specific CRN.

    Q: What is a prerequisite?

    A: A prerequisite is a requirement that you must meet/complete before enrolling in a class. For example, the prerequisite for the class Math 180 is Math 160, or placement based on the Assessment Questionnaire. To enroll in Math 180, you need to first pass Math 160 or place directly into the Math 180 through the Assessment Questionnaire.

    Q: What is a corequisite?

    A: A corequisite is a class you must take together with the class you intend to take. For example, the class MUS 2 has a corequisite of MUS 5A, so to enroll in MUS 2, you must also enroll in MUS 5A during the same term. If you don't enroll in MUS 5A, you won't be able to enroll in MUS 2. You can choose any CRN of the MUS 2 course offerings and it does not need to be with the same instructor as in MUS 5A.  If a course has a corequisite, this is indicated with a chain symbol next to the course CRN on the online schedule of classes, as shown here.

    Q: How do I prove that I have satisfied a course prerequisite?

    A: If you've already passed the prerequisite course at Mt. SAC, or have been placed at a level where you do not need the perquisite with the Assessment Questionnaire, you will automatically be cleared for the next course sequence.

    If you are coming from another university or college and have taken the prerequisite course there, you will need to get a prerequisite clearance.  There are several ways in which you can connect with a counselor for this.  Please see this flyer for a visual.

    • You can submit a prerequisite clearance form through the Counseling Website.
    • You can meet with a counselor during Express Zoom Counseling (EZC) during Mondays and Fridays during the fall/spring semesters.
    • You can email a counselor (please make sure to include a copy of your unofficial transcripts).
    • You can call (909) 274-4380 and speak with a counselor for Quick Question Sessions. Phone lines are open from 8am to 7:00pm.  We are closed on Fridays during the summer intersession.
  • What classes do I take?

    Q: Which do I take first, my major or my general education (GE) classes?

    A:  Although it is recommended that students begin taking GE classes first, student’s can mix their schedules to include both: a few GE’s and a few major classes.  To see the suggested course sequencing for a certificate or degrees at Mt. SAC, please refer to our online catalog.  (You can see an example of this with our Associate Degree for Transfer in Psychology.)

    If you are undecided on your major, it is recommended you focus on GE classes first to see what you are interested in, and then add on your major class requirements once you do decide on a major.  While you are taking your GE courses, you can attend an Undecided Major Workshop where you can work with a counselor on deciding on a major, or you can take COUN 5: Career & Life Planning, where you can learn about yourself and different careers while connecting with a counselor.

    Q:  How do I know what general education (GE) pattern to follow?

    A:  If you are interested in an Associate of Arts (AA) degree or an Associate of Science (AS) degree, you will follow the Associates Degree General Education requirements.  If you are interested in transferring to a California State University (CSU) campus, you will follow the CSU General Education requirements.  If you are interested in transferring to a University of California (UC) campus or a CSU campus, you will follow the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC).  If you are thinking of transferring to an out-of-state school or a private school, please consult with a counselor for further assistance. 

  • How Do I Transfer?

    Q:  How do I know what classes to take if I am planning to transfer to a university?

    A:  Students thinking of transferring to a CSU, UC, or Private University need to follow the General Education Requirements for that particular system along with the major prep courses needed for the program at that university.  It is recommended that you meet with a counselor and/or take COUN 7: Introduction to the Transfer Process to make sure you understand these requirements.  Mt. SAC also has a Transfer Center that offers workshops on the different stages of transfer.

    Q:  When do I apply for transfer?

    A:  There are different application deadlines for the CSUs, UCs, and private schools.  Students need to submit the application based on the term they want to transfer, but usually students need to apply a whole year before they plan to be at their transfer school.  Please see a Transfer Specialist at the Transfer Center or a counselor for more information.

    Q:  Can I transfer to a university without an Associate’s Degree?

    A:  Yes, you can transfer to a 4 year university without obtaining an Associate’s Degree from Mt. SAC.  If you wanted to complete an Associate’s Degree or Certificate from Mt. SAC before transferring, you could do that as well.  We have Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADTs) that are geared towards students that would like to get a degree and complete transfer requirements at the same time.  For more information, please see the section “What are Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADTs)?” under the Frequently Asked Question page.

    Q:  Do I have to take a foreign language class to transfer? Can I use my foreign language classes from high school?

    A:

    1. A foreign language class is not required to transfer to a CSU, but it is a graduation requirement for UC campuses.  Thus, for students who have taken a foreign language in High School for two years and received a ‘C’ grade or higher, that would fulfill the requirement. Whether or not a foreign language is required to transfer will depend on the university and your major.  
    2. If you have taken a foreign language class in high school, it is possible that you have satisfied the requirement.  Please consult with a counselor for further explanation.  
    3. If you attended a high school in another country where the primary language of instruction was something other than English, it is possible that the foreign language requirement may also be met.  Please consult with a counselor.   
    4. If you are interested in applying to a private school or out-of-state school, please consult with a counselor.

    Q: What is an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT)?

    A:  An ADT is a designation for the degrees offered by California Community Colleges in partnership with California State Universities (for selected programs of study or majors).  The purpose of the degree is to allow a student to prepare for both the general education and the major of interest (lower-division requirements) at the Community College level.

    Q:  What types of Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT) are there?

    A:  Associate of Science Degrees for Transfer (AS-T):  These degrees are offered in technical-based disciplines (or subjects) such as Biology, Math, Business and so on.  Associate of Arts Degrees for Transfer (AA-T):  These degrees are offered in “theory-based” disciplines (or subjects) such as Art History, Psychology, Sociology, and so on.  To see a list of Mt. SAC’s current Associate Degrees for Transfer, please visit the ADT Website or connect with a counselor.  You can also find ADTs in the online Mt. SAC catalog.

    Q:  Are there any incentive(s) related to earning an ADT?

    A:  Yes!

    • Priority Consideration for admittance to California State University (CSU)
    • Grade point average (GPA) bump for admittance purposes to California State University (CSU) 

    • In some majors, a student who earned an ADT at the Community College will take no more than 60 units after transfer (at the University) – thus the ADT degree is a “pathway” for a rapid completion of a Baccalaureate Degree (Bachelor's Degree).

    Please speak to a Transfer Specialist or counselor for more details.

     

  • How do I get the credit for AP/IB scores, foreign language, or classes I have taken at another school?

    Q:  How do I receive credit for coursework taken at another college?

    A:  Please submit an official transcript to the Admissions and Records office.  Currently, Admissions & Records are accepting E-transcripts and hard copies through mail.  After completing 12 units at Mt. SAC, you may request a transcript evaluation through your Student Portal.  Click on the Student Tab, and then click on Transcript Evaluation found underneath the Admissions & Records Forms section.

    Q:  How do I receive credit for AP (Advanced Placement) test scores?

    A:  To receive credit for AP scores, students will need to submit their AP or IB Scores to Admissions and Records:

    You can earn college credit if in high school you took an Advanced Placement (AP) Course and passed the AP test with a score of 3, 4, or 5. You can also earn college credit if you took an International Baccalaureate (IB) Class and passed the IB test with a score of 5, 6, or 7.  Mt. SAC can use these scores to grant credit toward Mt. SAC degrees and certificates, to clear prerequisites, and use them towards GE certification for transfer, as applicable.

    UC and CSU schools each have their own way of counting AP/IB scores. For further explanation, please connect with a counselor.

    Q:  Do I have to take a foreign language class to transfer? Can I use my foreign language classes from high school?

    A:

    1. A foreign language class is not required to transfer to a CSU, but it is a graduation requirement for UC campuses.  Thus, for students who have taken a foreign language in High School for two years and received a ‘C’ grade or higher, that would fulfill the requirement. Whether or not a foreign language is required to transfer will depend on the university and your major.  
    2. If you have taken a foreign language class in high school, it is possible that you have satisfied the requirement.  Please consult with a counselor for further explanation.  
    3. If you attended a high school in another country where the primary language of instruction was something other than English, it is possible that the foreign language requirement may also be met.  Please consult with a counselor.   
    4. If you are interested in applying to a private school or out-of-state school, please consult with a counselor.