Academic Counseling

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    Discover your pathway to success with Academic Counseling at Monterey Peninsula College. Our counselors help you create an education plan, evaluate transcripts, explore careers, and support your success. Let's map out your MPC journey together!

    Counseling  

    Student Services Building - 2nd Floor

    Monday - Thursday: 8 AM - 5:30 PM

    Friday: 8 AM - 12 PM

    Contact Us

    Counseling Resources - Your Comprehensive Guide

    Make an appointment to meet with an Academic Counselor at either the Monterey or Marina Campus by phone, Zoom, or in-person – or try a drop-in session for quick questions. Schedule now by clicking the appropriate button below!
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    In-Person

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    In-Person

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    Zoom / Phone

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    Zoom / Phone

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    Drop-in

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    Drop-in

    Get Ready for Your Appointment

    In order to have questions answered and needs met within the allotted appointment time, students can prepare for their counseling meeting by reviewing the following information and recommendations.

    General Tips

    It is important to give your full attention to the counselor

    • Do not answer phone calls or texts during the session
    • Limit interruptions, when possible

     

    Have the following items:

    • List of questions to ask the counselor
    • Notepad to take notes of the session.
    • Previous educational plans
    • Transcripts from other institutions
    • Test scores such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

     

    Phone Appointments

    • The student's phone number in WebReg will be called unless otherwise requested
    • When counselors call, the phone number may show as a blocked number, unidentified caller, or spam
    • Use earphones and limit background noise if possible
    • Have access to email, WebReg, and internet during the appointment

     

    Online Video Appointment

    • An email confirmation with a Zoom link will be sent after scheduling
    • Login a few minutes early to ensure camera and microphone work properly
    • Use earphones and limit background noise if possible

     

    On-Campus Appointments

    • Please read the Campus Status/Re-opening Guide before coming to campus
    • It is recommended to arrive a few minutes before your appointment to check-in with the front desk

     

    Phone or Online Video Drop-in Meetings

    • Counselors are available for limited drop-in meetings
    • These meetings are for quick questions, immediate needs, and are short in duration
    • Students will be advised to schedule an appointment if more detailed questions or needs are not covered during the allotted time

    Create Your Academic Roadmap

    Meet with a counselor at least once a semester for education planning. By completing an education plan, you will know which courses are needed to accomplish your academic, career, or transfer goals. If you wish to satisfy the education plan requirement for priority registration without meeting with a counselor, complete the Student Education Plan Form and email it to counseling@mpc.edu for approval.

    New Students

    If you are new to MPC, schedule an appointment with a counselor for assistance in selecting courses. A completed education plan is one of the requirements for receiving priority registration as a new, fully matriculated student. 

    Transfer students can have their outside transcripts evaluated by a counselor to determine how their courses transfer to MPC. Counselors can evaluate unofficial transcripts, but eventually you will need to submit official transcripts to Admissions & Records if your goal is to earn a degree.

    Continuing and Returning Students

    If you have completed coursework at MPC, a counselor can evaluate your coursework and update your education plan. The counselor will also provide information about degree and transfer requirements and important dates and deadlines.

    Veterans

    All students receiving veteran’s benefits must meet with a counselor to complete an education plan. For veteran students who need a comprehensive education plan, all official transcripts from outside institutions must be on file at Admissions & Records, and you will need to schedule a one-hour counseling appointment.

    Student-Athletes

    Participating in intercollegiate sports requires completing a three-semester education plan during the first semester of competition. The education plan ensures that you maintain your eligibility. 

    "I am so grateful for the opportunity to begin my non-traditional entry into college at MPC. The faculty has given me the confidence, materials, and time necessary for me to be encouraged about my future career as a nurse. From my first counseling appointment to one-on-ones with my teachers, I have felt empowered to achieve my educational goals."
    Krisandra Diaz Mendez
    Nursing Student

    Non-MPC Courses

    Prerequisite Courses

    If you've completed a prerequisite course elsewhere, please fill out the Prerequisite Verification Form and submit it, along with the required documentation, via mail or email at counseling@mpc.edu. Processing takes 1-3 business days. No counseling appointment is needed for this verification.

     

    Outside Transcript Evaluation

    Current and/or prospective MPC students who are planning to graduate and/ or transfer from MPC should complete the Transcript Evaluation Request Form if they have already earned college credit. External college credit can include: coursework at other regionally accredited institutions and external exam credit, such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP). If your course is in progress elsewhere, you must wait until the final grade appears on your transcript for the prerequisite to be verified.

    Educational Planning Resources

    The Counseling Department provides Major Requirements Worksheets which list the requirements for certificate of achievement and associate degree programs. Certificate of training programs and their requirements, however, are listed within the respective academic department's webpage.
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    Major Requirements

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