Frequently Asked Questions

Mission College recognizes how challenging the move to online instruction and the personal impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been.  Counselors remain available to help. Students can chat with counselors, submit a question or request an appointment, call (408) 855-5034, or schedule online.

Getting Started at Mission College

Counseling Department

8. Do I have to make an appointment to talk to a Counselor?
9. Do I need to be registered as a Mission College student to speak with a Counselor?
10. Do Counselors have special areas of expertise? Am I assigned a Counselor? What if I would rather meet with a different Counselor?
11. How do I get an Educational Plan?
12. What kinds of concerns can a Counselor help me with?
13. I want to get a 4-year college degree someday. What do I need to do? What courses do I need to take at Mission College?

Academic Difficulties and Solutions

14. Why am I on probation? How do I get off probation?
15. What is Dismissal? Does it mean I have to drop out of school?
16. Are You on Course?

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Frequently Asked Questions Below

Getting Started at Mission College

1. I want to attend Mission College. What do I need to do?Complete these steps for new students.

2. I attended another college and now want to come to Mission. How do I begin?
   Start by applying to Mission, then request that copies of transcripts from colleges you have attended be sent to the Admissions and Records Office.

   Mission College
   Admissions & Records Office
   3000 Mission College Boulevard
   Santa Clara, CA 95054

   If you would like your transcripts officially evaluated, you need to see a counselor. Schedule a counseling appointment to create a Comprehensive Educational Plan (CEP).top

3. How can I speak with a counselor?
   You can call our main number 408-855-5034, and either set up an appointment or leave a message for a counselor to call you back. You can also submit a question using our online contact form, or come by our drop-in Counseling Office during our regular business hours.Please check the rest of our counseling website for more information and answers to questions.

4. Am I eligible for Financial Aid?
   Read the Financial Aid Key Applicant Eligibility Requirements.

5. How do I know what classes I need to take?
   Schedule an appointment with a counselor to identify your goals and review any courses you have already completed.Bring to your appointment copies of any previous college transcripts and any placement scores for English, reading and math unless you have already taken classes in those areas.top

6. Do I have to take an assessment or placement test before I can register for classes at Mission?
   Mission College does not utilize assessment or placement tests. Mission College uses your high school performance data to determine placement in English and Math, and offers a guided self-placement option for those unable to provide this data or for those who wish to explore the range of course offerings.  Students can upload high school transcripts or use our Placement Assistance Tool.

7. What degrees and certificates are offered at Mission?
   Here's the list of degrees and certificates.

Counseling Department

8. Do I have to make an appointment to speak with a counselor?
   No, we are available on a walk-in basis. However, walk-in counseling is for short, general questions. Appointments are required for creating Educational Plans, completing Financial Aid appeals, and more complex concerns.

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9. Do I need to be registered as a Mission College student to speak with a counselor?
   In order to see a counselor, you must first apply to the college and obtain a Student ID Number.

10. Am I assigned a counselor?
    You aren't assigned a counselor and you are always free to ask for a specific counselor.

11. How do I get an Educational Plan?
    Ed plans are created by appointment only. You can schedule an appointment online, over the phone, or in our office.

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12. What kinds of concerns can a counselor help me with?
    The goal of counseling is to help you clarify and reach your goals and to succeed in school. Counselors can assist you in learning more about your interests and skills, setting effective goals, and dealing with obstacles that may be interfering with your progress. Personal counseling is also available through Student Health Services.

    In addition to individual counseling sessions, the Counseling Department offers a number of classes that can contribute to your success.

13. I want to transfer to a 4-year college. What courses do I need to take at Mission College?
    Because you plan to transfer to a 4-year university, it is especially important to contact the Counseling Office and schedule an appointment. A counselor will review what you need in order to meet general education and major requirements. They will make a detailed Educational Plan to insure you take the necessary courses.

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Academic Difficulties, and Solutions

14. Why am I on probation? How do I get off probation?
    There are 2 kinds of probation, 'progress', and 'academic'.
    
    Progress Probation: Students are placed on progress probation when you complete fewer than 50% of the units you attempted in a semester. Students get off probation by successfully completing at least 51% of cumulative units attempted.
    

    Academic Probation: Students are placed on academic probation when their cumulative or semester grade point average (GPA) drops below a 2.0, or C average. Students get off academic probation by getting a GPA above a C average.

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15. What is Dismissal? Does it mean I have to drop out of school?
    No, you don't have to drop out of school, but you will need to speak with a Counselor and submit a Petition For Reinstatement. Dismissal results when you have been on probation for 3 semesters or more. It is crucial to speak with a Counselor and develop a plan for succeeding in your courses.

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