DVC International Counseling Blog

SFSU Information

2012-01-30T12:13:00.000-08:00

Here are the latest headlines for international students interested in attending SFSU:

1. SFSU is still taking applications for Fall 2012 admissions from international students. The deadline is May 1. Apply online, using the International Student Application, at www.csumentor.edu. Some majors are closed. See CSUMentor for details.

2. The Spring 2013 admission application period will be August 1 through September 30, 2012. Apply online using CSUMentor.

3. Currently, F-1 students must provide proof of a minimum of $35,214 for one year of full-time study and cost of living.

4. SFSU provides a pre-admissions evaluation of foreign transcripts for $90. For details, visit http://www.sfsu.edu/~admisrec/forms/ugradforms/AppointmentRequest.pdf

5. Visit SFSU's Office of International Programs on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SFSUInternational

6. Watch SFSU's OIP channel on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/SFStateU

Check the DVC Career, Employment, and Transfer Services office schedule for visits from a SFSU representative: http://www.dvc.edu/org/departments/transfer-center/reps-visit.htm#CSU

Transfer Day

2012-01-24T13:23:00.000-08:00

On Monday, February 6, DVC will host a transfer event in the Cafeteria and Trophy Room. Representatives from various universities will be present to answer questions and talk to students from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. All representatives will have some expertise with F-1 international student admissions and transfer. Please take advantage of this fantastic opportunity and plan to attend Spring 2012 Transfer Day!

UC Personal Statement Review

2011-10-28T09:28:00.000-07:00

PERSONAL STATEMENT REVIEW

For international students applying to UC for Fall 2012 admission

Friday, November 18, 9-12
Wednesday, November 23, 11:30-1:30

See Mark in the Counseling Center
No appointment necessary
First come, first served
Be prepared to wait!

Bring a 2nd or 3rd draft, NOT a rough draft!

Get a low-cost flu shot at DVC

2011-10-27T14:32:00.000-07:00

Flu season is approaching, and college students are at great risk of getting the flu. Please consider getting a flu shot at DVC for only $20. Here's more information:

Flu Shot Clinic
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
11:30 a.m. -2:00 p.m.
DVC Student Union Room 202
v $20.00 Flu Shot
v $25.00 Preservative Free Flu Shot
v $55.00 Pneumonia

The cost of the shot is worthwhile if it keeps you from getting sick and missing classes and exams.

CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT WITH UC BERKELEY

2011-10-13T09:11:00.000-07:00

UC Berkeley offers the opportunity for qualified students to take one nonrestricted class at UC Berkeley in the fall or spring semester. The minimum qualifications are as follows:

1. Minimum 2.4 GPA on UC-transferable coursework.
2. Completion of at least 20 UC-transferable units.
3. Completion of English 122 with a C or better.
4. Never attended a four-year college or university under regular admission.
5. Enrolled full-time during the term of concurrent enrollment, UCB and DVC units combined (e.g. 3 units at Cal, 9 units at DVC).

International students are welcome to participate in concurrent enrollment as long as they meet the minimum qualifications as described above.

For more details, visit the following webpage and view the video. Later in the semester, there will be a participation form for Spring 2012 concurrent enrollment. That page will include further instructions as well as dates and deadlines.

http://www.dvc.edu/org/departments/counseling/enrollconcurrent.htm

CORRECTION ABOUT UC PERSONAL STATEMENT

2011-10-13T09:08:00.000-07:00

In a previous post, I stated that only UC Berkeley, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Merced use the personal statement in making an admissions decision. According to some recent information I found on the UC system website, the four campuses that use the personal statement in making an admissions decision are Berkeley, Los Angeles, Merced, and Irvine, not San Diego.

However, you should take your personal statement seriously, even if you are not applying to one of the four campuses mentioned above. Personal statements can be used in consideration for scholarships, and international students can apply for merit-based scholarships when they apply to the UC system.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT REPEATING CLASSES

2011-10-13T09:02:00.000-07:00

Beginning Spring 2012, any student wanting to take a non-repeatable class for the third time must submit a petition to the Dean of Enrollment Management online. For example, if you took ENGL-122 in Spring 2011 and withdrew with a W, then took it in Fall 2011 and received a D, you will have to submit a petition to take it a third time. Here is a link to the petition:

http://www.dvc.edu/org/departments/counseling/repeatPetition.htm

If you make a substandard grade or withdraw with a W the third time, you will have to submit an appeal in order to take the class a fourth time.

The reason for this change in policy is that the state of California has changed its law regarding repetition of classes, thus we must abide by the state's law.

If you have questions about this policy or others, please see me or another counselor.

Great Majors and Careers Website

2011-10-05T09:17:00.000-07:00

Do you know what you want to major in, yet you wonder what kinds of jobs you might get with a degree in that major? The link to the website below has great information on various majors and the types of careers you can work toward with a degree in that major. Check it out and discover for yourself that you don't have to major in Business or Economics to get have a satisfying and rewarding career.

http://whatcanidowiththismajor.com/major/majors/

Opportunity to connect with SFSU staff and students

2011-10-04T09:09:00.000-07:00

The following message comes from Izy Alilin, the international outreach representative from San Francisco State University:

Please forward the below banner-link and/or attachment to all your international students inviting them to meet San Francisco State University during the International Day event on Thursday, October 13, 2011 from 2:00am – 4:00pm (PDT). Our international students and staff will be available for LIVE Chat during the whole event and a LIVE Video session from 9:00am-10:00am (PDT) on Thursday, October 13, 2011.

http://www.collegeweeklive.com/en_CA/br/SF_State_Reg/refcode=COL_SF_STATE_Email_INT_DAY

UC Personal Statement

2011-10-03T15:01:00.000-07:00

Here are some helpful points to remember as you begin working on your UC personal statement:

1. The purpose of the personal statement is to complete the application; therefore it is important that you completely fill out your application before you begin writing your personal statement. The personal statement helps put the rest of your application in context.
2. The maximum limit is 1000 words. You may write as many words as you want in each prompt, but UC recommends that you write at least 250 words in the shorter response. Going over the limit by a few words, e.g. 1000+12, is fine.
3. Only UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego, and UC Merced use the personal statement in making admissions decisions; however, all UC campuses may use the personal statement in determining qualifications for scholarships.
4. No admission decision will be based on the personal statement alone. There are many factors to consider, e.g. GPA, preparation for the major, employment history, extra-curricular activities, etc.
5. Even if you apply for different majors at more than one campus, you can submit only one personal statement; therefore, your response to Prompt #1 must be carefully worded to indicate your true academic goal (i.e. don’t make your response pertain to only one major or campus).
6. For Prompt #2, be specific; choose ONE quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution, OR experience to discuss.
7. Remember who your readers are: UC faculty and admissions professionals. Also remember that the personal statement is a college-level piece of writing, so put a lot of thought and attention into it.
8. Remember that your readers might have only a few minutes (3-5) to read your statement. Quality, not quantity, counts.
9. It is fine to get feedback from others on your statement, but ultimately it must be written by you alone! Don’t get too many people to give you feedback; if you do, your statement will become their words, not yours.
10. There are no secret tricks or strategies in writing the personal statement. The admissions committees want to get to know who you are as a person. It’s like an interview, only on paper rather than in person. They are not looking for anything in particular except YOU.
11. Compose your personal statement in a word processing program, then copy and paste into the appropriate fields in the online application.
12. Use the Additional Comments section to explain things that aren’t explained in other parts of your application, e.g. why you have a lot of W’s on your transcript, gaps in your education, etc. But do NOT use Additional Comments as an extension of your personal statement. It is NOT “Prompt #3.”

Web address for the UC online application:
https://admissions.universityofcalifornia.edu/applicant/login.htm

Web address for the UC personal statement:
http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/personal-statement/index.html

UC TAG

2011-09-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

Be aware that the deadline to submit a Transfer Admissions Guarantee, or TAG, application for Fall 2012 admission to one UC participating campus is Friday, September 30, 2011. UC Davis and UC Santa Cruz require counselor review; the other UC campuses participating in the TAG program do not require counselor review. As the deadline nears, I will give priority to students submitting UC Davis or UC Santa Cruz TAGs. If you are submitting a TAG to UC San Diego or another participating campus, and if you want me to review your TAG before you submit it, I probably will not have time before the deadline to review your TAG for you. So, here are a few tips to remember when submitting your TAG:
1. Enter ALL courses you have taken ANYWHERE in the world after high school, whether or not you think the courses are transferable, and regardless of the grade or mark earned. In other words, if the course is on your transcript, enter it on the TAG application. If the course is not an ASSIST-certified UC-transferable course, you will have to enter the course information manually.
2. Be sure to explain any gaps in your educational history between high school and your first term at DVC. For example, if you completed high school in June 2009, performed mandatory military duty in your country for one year beginning July 2009, then started taking classes at DVC in Fall 2010, you need to explain what you were doing during Fall 2009 and Spring 2010.
3. If you have a TOEFL/IELTS score, report it even if it's low and even if you might not need it for admissions. For all UCs, if you score at least a B in both of your English composition/critical thinking classes, you do not need to submit a TOEFL/IELTS score.
4. If you are submitting a TAG to UCSD, you must complete the entire IGETC pattern by the end of Spring 2012. In any case, be sure to indicate accurately the courses you are taking this semester and the courses you plan to take next semester.
5. Remember you must submit the UC application to the TAG campus in November. If you do not submit the UC application, as well, your TAG application will be cancelled.

Good luck, everyone!

Some California colleges still accepting applications for Fall 2011

2011-05-20T10:59:00.000-07:00

I just received a valuable link today to a website that shows which California colleges are still accepting applications from transfer applicants for Fall 2011:

http://www.nacacnet.org/PublicationsResources/Research/SpaceAvailabiltySurvey/Pages/SpaceSurveyResults.aspx

The website also shows information for colleges and universities in other states, too.

Be aware of which colleges and universities are private and which are CSU. The UCs are closed for Fall 2011 application.

More about UC admissions appeals

2011-05-04T10:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I attending the UC system's annual Ensuring Transfer Success conference. One topic of discussion was admissions appeals. All of the UC campuses stressed that students should submit admissions appeals ONLY if they have NEW and COMPELLING information to share that was NOT included in the original application. They also refused to give examples of new and compelling information because, if a student needs an example of what constitutes new and compelling information, that means the student does NOT have new or compelling information to provide.

They also stressed that the UC's RARELY grant admissions appeals.

If your UC application was denied, you should not submit an appeal UNLESS you have new and compelling information that was not provided in your original application.

PLEASE do not ask me to provide you with examples of what new and compelling information is. I do not have examples. I also have not known of any students who got admitted based on an appeal. That does NOT mean that you should not submit an appeal if you believe you have new and compelling information. I am willing to review your appeal letter ONLY if you are providing new and compelling information.

Examples of what is NOT new and compelling information include: a list of your accomplishments, and your strong desire to be admitted. All of that information was already communicated on your UC application. Reiterating it in an appeal is a waste of your time, my time, and the UC campuses time.

There are other fine universities you can consider attending, or you can consider applying to the UC campus of your choice again next year, or you can apply for a UC master's degree program once you complete your bachelor's degree at another university.

Appealing Admissions Decisions

2011-04-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

Most students have heard from most of the campuses by now whether or not they have been accepted. Tonight or tomorrow, UC Berkeley will release admissions decisions for Fall 2011. Many have already been notified by UCLA of their acceptance or denial.

If you have new or previously unreported information that you can share with the UC admissions offices, you can consider submitting an appeal to your admissions decision. Appeals are rarely granted. However, if you have information for the campus that you did not report previously, or if your circumstances have changed favorably since you updated your application in January (e.g. some excellent grades already posted this semester), then consider submitting an appeal.

Here are links to some of the UC campuses regarding submitting admissions appeals:
Berkeley http://students.berkeley.edu/admissions/general.asp?id=113&navid=N
Los Angeles http://www.admissions.ucla.edu/appealstr.htm
San Diego http://www.ucsd.edu/prospective-students/contacts.html#transfer
Davis http://admissions.ucdavis.edu/admissions/fr_nonadmitted.cfm (This information is for freshmen applicants, but it is the only information I could find on their website.)

For all other UC campuses, contact their admissions offices:
http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/campuses/index.html

Be sure to abide by appeals submission deadlines.

Requests for Unit Overloads

2011-04-27T12:51:00.000-07:00

The Dean of Counseling, who approves student requests to exceed the maximum units allowed, has announced that he will not approve such requests until after the first day of the term or semester. This new policy will help all DVC students have a chance to enroll in classes.

If you desire to take more than 12 units in the summer or 19 units in the fall or spring, my advice is for you to attend the first day of the class you want to add and ask the instructor for permission to add the class. The instructor should give you a late-add code and/or sign a Schedule Request form. Once you have the instructor's approval, you can then petition the Dean of Counseling for approval to exceed the maximum units allowed.

This new policy is a result in the unprecedented budget cuts being experienced at DVC. Our budget reduction has forced us to eliminate many class sections from our schedule.

Students who desire to complete their degree and/or transfer requirements in 1.5 years need to re-evaluate their goals and be prepared to study at DVC for a minimum of two years.

Finally, registration dates are assigned according to the number of units you have completed at DVC, and those dates are not negotiable.

UCLA coming to DVC!

2011-04-12T10:45:00.000-07:00

A representative from UCLA will be available to meet with DVC students on Monday, May 2, 2011, from 10:00 until 2:00 in the Counseling Center. No appointment is necessary; just drop-in and sign-in in the Transfer Center. Don't miss this opportunity to ask questions from someone who works at UCLA!

UC Berkeley has open enrollment for summer classes

2011-04-08T09:25:00.001-07:00

Want to take a class at UC Berkeley this summer? You can, through Cal's open-enrollment summer program! Follow this link to learn more: http://summer.berkeley.edu/ Be sure to use www.assist.org to see if the class you want to take will help you meet major prerequisites, or contact the Cal summer program for assistance: 510-642-5612. Remember, summer is your vacation term, so you can take classes as you like, and you don't need special permission from DVC to take a summer class elsewhere.

Transferring students and spring semester grades

2011-04-05T10:01:00.000-07:00

Quite a few students have contacted me lately to ask what happens if they make a D or F in an essential class for transfer this semester. First of all, I want to make one thing very clear: YOUR SPRING SEMESTER GRADES ARE JUST AS IMPORTANT AS THE GRADES YOU HAVE EARNED FROM PREVIOUS SEMESTERS. Even though it is your last semester at DVC, you need to work just as hard to make acceptable grades in your spring classes. Do NOT believe the rumors from your friends that "your spring grades don't matter." They do. Very much. Some students in the past have had their admissions offer revoked because they did not complete the coursework acceptably. However, if you are facing an unexpected difficulty in making a C or better in an essential class, your only option is to contact the schools to which you have applied and ask them if you can repeat the class this summer. Considering the current budgetary crisis and the unprecedented number of students trying to attend CSU and UC campuses, I am skeptical that you would get permission to do that. However, you can ask, and if you do get permission to repeat the failed class this summer, then you are lucky. Refer to www.universityofcalifornia.edu or www.csumentor.org for the contact information for UC and CSU campuses, respectively.

UC TOEFL policies

2011-04-01T12:57:00.001-07:00

Here's information from the UC website about the TOEFL policies at each of the UC campuses: When are transfer students required to take the TOEFL examination? What score must a student earn to pass this exam? UCB: The TOEFL is not required for international students who transfer from a California community college or from another U.S. institution, and who have completed two UC-transferable courses in English composition (not ESL) with a grade of C or better in each course. To be admitted to UC Berkeley, students who have not completed two transferable courses in English must achieve a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL or 83 on the Internet-based TOEFL. UCD: An international student who plans to transfer from a California community college or another U.S. institution must complete two UC-transferable courses in English composition (not ESL) with a grade of C or better in each course. The TOEFL is not required. UCI: An international student who plans to transfer from a California community college or another U.S. institution must complete two UC-transferable courses in English composition with a grade of C or better in each course. The TOEFL will be waived by virtue of completing the two transferable English composition courses. UCI requires the minimum TOEFL scores of 550 (paper-based) or 80 (Internet-based). UCLA: UCLA requires a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL or 83 on the Internet-based TOEFL. The TOEFL, however, is not required for students who transfer from a California community college or from another U.S. institution and who have completed two UC-transferable English composition courses (not ESL) with a grade of C or better in each course. Non-native speakers who completed any of their high school or college-level education in a country where the language of instruction was not English may be required to sit for the UCLA ESL Placement exam prior to or during their first quarter at UCLA. All students must have strong preparation and skills in English to succeed at UCLA. UCM: Non-native speakers of English must earn a score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL or 83 on the Internet-based TOEFL, or earn a grade of B or higher in each of two UC-transferable classes in English composition. UC Merced will also accept a score of 7.0 on the IELTS (academic modules) examination. This proficiency requirement also applies to students who completed any of their high school education (ninth through 12th grades) or college-level education in a country where English is not the native language. UCR: An international student who plans to transfer to UCR from a California community college or other U.S. institution must complete two UC-transferable courses in English composition (not ESL) with a grade of C or better in each course. The TOEFL is not required. Applicants transferring from a college or university outside of the United States and whose native language is not English must provide evidence of English proficiency. Proficiency may be demonstrated by achieving a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL or 79 on the Internet-based TOEFL. The IELTS test with a score of 7 is also accepted. UCSD: Students in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa must meet one of the following: earn a grade of B or better in each of two UC-transferable classes in English composition; or earn a score of 83 on the Internet- based TOEFL. This proficiency requirement also applies to students who completed any of their high school education (ninth through 12th grades) or college-level education in a country where English is not the native language. UCSB: Applicants transferring directly from a college or university outside of the United States and whose native language is not English must provide evidence of English proficiency. Proficiency may be demonstrated by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), with a test on the internet (minimum passing score of 79), or on a computer (minimum score 213) or as a paper-based test (minimum score 550). TOEFL test results must not be more than two years old. Proficiency may also be demonstrated with the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. Minimum passing score for the IELTS exam is a band score of 7. To be considered for admission, the TOEFL or IELTS Exam must be taken by the December test date prior to enrollment. Test results must be sent directly from the testing agency to UCSB Admissions, Santa Barbara, California, 93106, USA. An international student who plans to transfer to UCSB from a California community college or a four-year U.S. institution must complete two UC-transferable courses in English composition with a grade of C or better in each course. The TOEFL is not required for these students. UCSC: Non-native speakers of English must earn a score of 220 550 on the paper-based TOEFL or 83 on the Internet-based TOEFL, or earn a grade of B or higher in each of two UC-transferable classes in English composition. UC Santa Cruz will also accept a score of 7.0 on the IELTS (academic modules) examination. This proficiency requirement also applies to students who completed any of their high school education (ninth through 12th grades) or college-level education in a country where English is not the native language.

Summer 2011 and Fall 2011 Schedule Cuts

2011-03-22T11:28:00.000-07:00

Because of the continuing budget shortfall, DVC will be cutting numerous class sections from the Summer and Fall 2011 schedules. I would like to encourage all international students to complete their English classes as soon as they are able. Waiting until the last year to take ENGL-122 and the Critical Thinking class might result in great difficulty in scheduling all of the classes you need for graduation and/or transfer. And because of the budget crisis, instructors are very reluctant to admit more students than the maximum number allowed for the class, so do not depend on "begging" your way into a class that you need. You should also be flexible in your academic planning. Transferring in 1.5 years might not be a realistic goal considering the current contraints created by the budget cuts. Another strategy is to be sure to register just as soon as you are able. Confirm your registration date and time on WebAdvisor. Be aware, though, that your assigned registration time cannot be changed, as it is based on the number of units you have completed at DVC.

Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Resources

2011-03-16T13:22:00.000-07:00

Following are some online and community resources that might be helpful to you if you are experiencing distress due to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan:

JAPANESE EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI
CRISIS RESPONSE RESOURCES

Google Crisis Response Page
http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html

Japan Consulate General
50 Fremont St.
San Francisco (415) 777-3533
http://www.sf.us.emb-japan.go.jp/e_top.htm

Diablo Japanese American Club
3165 Treat Blvd.
Concord (925) 682-5299
http://www.diablojaclub.com/

Japanese Community Center
The Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC)
1840 Sutter Street, San Francisco (415) 567-5505

Faith-based Resources:

Buddha Gate Monastery
3254 Gloria Terrace
Lafayette (925) 934-2411

Buddhist Churches of America (BCA)
1710 Octavia Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
Tel: (415) 776 5600, Fax: (415) 771 6293
Head: Bishop Hakubun WatanabeMinister: Rev. Kodo UmezuEmail: bcahq@pacbell.net
Tradition: Jodo Shinshu (Pureland)

Berkeley Buddhist Temple
2121 Channing Way, Berkeley, CA 94704
Tel: (510) 841-1356, Fax: (510) 841-1435Minister: Rev. Seigen YamaokaEmail: bsangha@pacbell.net
Web site: home.pacbell.net/bsangha
Affiliation: Buddhist Churches of America (BCA)
Tradition: Jodo Shinshu Buddhism

Buddhist Church of Oakland
825 Jackson Street, Oakland, CA 94607
Tel: (510) 832 5988, Fax: (510) 832 0709Minister: Rev. Seigen Yamaoka
Affiliation: Buddhist Churches of America (BCA)
Tradition: Jodo Shinshu (Pureland)

Buddhist Church of San Francisco
1881 Pine Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
Contact Person: Chizuko Kakiuchi or Jeff Matsuoka (web)
Tel: (415) 776-3158, Fax: (415)776-0264Email: jeff@bcsfweb.org
Web site: www.bcsfweb.org
Tradition: Jodo Shinshu (Pureland)
Affiliation: BCA (Buddhist Church of America)
Spiritual Director: Rev. Hiroshi Abiko

JAPANESE CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF WALNUT CREEK
1955 Geary Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Rev. Jiro Fujioka (J), Rev. Chris Doi (E), Pr. Wai Gong (E)(925)944-5252(E), (925)944-3408jccwcadmin@earthlink.net http://www.jccwc.com/

BERKELEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1710 Carleton Street, Berkeley, CA 94703 -1906
Naomi Southard (E)(510)848-4680, (510)540-9490
http://www.gbgm-umc.org/bmuc/bmuc@transbay.net

CHRIST UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1700 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94115
Rev. Grace Suzuki (E)(415)567-3988

EAST BAY FREE METHODIST CHURCH
5395 Potrero Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530
Rev. Royce Tanaka (E), Rev. Hideo Furuki (J)(510)232-5410(E), (510)233-6405(J)

If you need further assistance or support, please do not hesitate to visit the Counseling Center or the International Student Admissions and Services office, 210 Student Services Building.

UC TAG for Fall 2012 Admission

2011-02-24T13:10:00.000-08:00

Many students are already asking about submitting a Transfer Admissions Guarantee, or TAG, application for Fall 2012 admission. You can learn more about the TAGs at this website:
http://uctag.universityofcalifornia.edu

You can start filling out your TAG application now, but you cannot submit it until September 2011. If you apply for a TAG with UC Davis and/or UC Santa Cruz, you will have to ask a DVC counselor to review your TAG application.

Remember these important things about TAGs:
1. Even if you submit a TAG application in September, you still have to submit the UC application in November. UC applications are available at http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu. Just select "Admissions" from the drop-down menu.
2. If you submit a TAG application and later have changes to your Fall or Spring schedule, you must report those changes to each UC campus individually.
3. You must meet the minimum criteria for the TAG, otherwise you do not qualify for the TAG. No exceptions.
4. Even if you don't qualify for the TAG, you might still qualify to apply for admissions.
5. You do not have to attend the UC campus with which you have a TAG. You may choose to attend another UC campus, or no UC campuses at all.

For more information about TAGs, refer to the Transfer Center website:
http://www.dvc.edu/org/departments/transfer-center/transfer-agreements.htm

Welcome to Spring 2011 Semester

2011-01-26T14:12:00.000-08:00

Hello, DVC International Students!

Happy New Year! I hope your spring semester is off to a good start. I know many of you, especially new students, are having a difficult time getting the classes that you'd like to take. The lack of enough sections to accommodate the demand is due to the budget crisis in California. I want to remind you to check out my Frequently Asked Questions page for suggestions to follow if the classes you want to take are already full. You'll also find the answers to many other commonly asked questions on my FAQs page. Here's the link:
http://www.dvc.edu/international/pdfs/frequently-asked-questions.pdf

I'd also like to remind you how to make a counseling appointment with me. You can call the Counseling Center at 925-685-1230, extension 2276 or 2278, or stop by and schedule an appointment in person. You can also schedule an appointment online at this link:
http://www.dvc.edu/org/departments/counseling/online1.htm

I am not able to schedule appointments via email; you must contact the Counseling Center or schedule online.

One new thing this semester is same-day appointments on Fridays! Just call or come by the Counseling Center first thing Friday morning and see if I still have an appointment available for you that day. It's first come, first served, so don't sleep late on Fridays!

Those of you who applied to a UC campus last semester should remember to update your UC application by January 31, 2011. Refer to the communications you have received from the UC application website and from specific UC campuses for instructions and links.

I'm already getting lots of questions about the UC Transfer Admissions Guarantee, or TAG, for Fall 2012 admission. Learn more about UC TAGs from the UC system website:
http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/transfer/guarantee/index.html

Or, visit the DVC Transfer Center website for more details:
http://www.dvc.edu/org/departments/transfer-center/transfer-agreements.htm

That's all for now. Good luck with classes this spring!

Final Post for 2010

2010-12-08T08:57:00.000-08:00

Dear DVC International Students,

We have entered the holiday season here in the U.S. The Jewish holiday of Hannukah is coming to a close. The Christian season of Advent has begun, leading up to Christmas Day, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. African Americans will celebrate Kwanzaa later this month. Many people will observe the Winter Solstice in a couple of weeks. And there may be more holy and special days celebrated by various Americans across the country, occasions of which I am not aware.

Whatever significance this season holds for specific individuals and groups, one central theme seems to unite most or all of the observances, and that is the theme of light. Hannukah is the festival of the lights; Christians celebrate the coming of the Light of the World. Kwanzaa commemorates African heritage and culture by the lighting of a kinara candle. And winter solstice, significant in many religions both old and new, observes the return of the light, of longer days and shorter nights.

We in the twenty-first century claim to be enlightened, to live in the light. Yet there are many who still live in the darkness of ignorance. This sad fact is displayed prominently in the media by the many tragic cases of bullying occuring in this country. In recent years an alarming number of young people who were bullied by others for being different in some way have taken their own lives. Several of these young people were victims of cyber-bullying. In other words, social media websites and cell phone networks were the vehicles used by the bullies to direct cruel words and images to their victims.

Whether bullying occurs in cyber-space or face-to-face, it is simply and plainly wrong. It is never acceptable to cause harm, either physically, mentally, or emotionally, to another person because they are different. Whether they are gay, overweight, or mentally, physically, or socially challenged, difference is not an excuse to express cruelty. Neither should followers of different religions, adherents of different political affiliations, nor members of different socio-economic groups fear for their safety and well-being because of their differences.

As we enter the season of the light, let us all be enlightened individuals. Let's be kinder, more respectful citizens of the world. A bumper sticker on a faculty vehicle at DVC states, "Be the change you want to see in the world." What a better world this would be if bullying at all levels became extinct. Such a global change starts with me and with you.

Happy holidays, everyone!

SFSU International Representative Coming to DVC

2010-11-16T09:54:00.000-08:00

Mr. Israeli (Izy) Alilin, the international admissions representative from San Francisco State University, will be visiting the DVC Counseling/Transfer Center on Wednesday, November 17 and Tuesday, November 30. Contact the Transfer Center to set up an appointment to see Izy. Be sure to bring copies of your DVC transcript and copies of any other institutions you have attended since high school, even if you think the courses might not transfer. This will help Izy provide you with the best advice possible.

Best Value U.S. Private and Liberal Arts Colleges

2010-11-12T09:40:00.000-08:00

Students often ask me which colleges and universities in the U.S. are the best. Students need to be aware that there are more than 7,000 post-secondary institutions in the U.S. There's no way I can answer that question for students. Students need to do their own research to determine which institution is best for them. However, there are some pieces of information that can be helpful when researching a college or university. The following article concerns the top five private and liberal arts institutions in the U.S. that offer the best value. Click on the link to learn more:
1=-33006">http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/CollegeAndFamily/CutCollegeCosts/the-top-private-and-liberal-arts-colleges.aspx?cp-documentid=26283668>1=-33006

UC Davis TAG decisions coming November 15

2010-11-04T12:51:00.001-07:00

Sign in to your UC TAG application account on November 15 if you applied for the Davis TAG:
https://uctag.universityofcalifornia.edu/index.cfm

UC Personal Statement Review

2010-10-26T13:48:00.000-07:00

If you are applying to a UC campus for Fall 2011 admission, you can now fill out the application online. One part of the application is the personal statement. I am happy to review your statement, with the following stipulations:
1. You must bring a hard copy of your statement; I will not put USB drives into my computer for fear of viruses.
2. You must bring a revised version of your statement; do not bring a rough draft. Show me that you have already put a considerable amount of effort and time into writing your statement.
3. You may see me by appointment or during my drop-in; however, be aware that if on drop-in, we will have only about 10 minutes to discuss your statement.

On Friday, November 19, I will be available on drop-in from 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in the Counseling Center.

To schedule an appointment or find out my other drop-in times, call the Counseling Center at 925-685-1230, extension 2276, or schedule an appointment online:
http://www.dvc.edu/org/departments/counseling/online1.htm

For more information about the UC personal statement, visit:
http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/personal-statement/index.html

UCSD Transfer Application Webinar Link

2010-10-20T11:07:00.000-07:00

The University of California San Diego is sponsoring a transfer application webinar on Thursday, October 28, 4:30-5:30 p.m. The webinar will cover the UC application and the personal statement. You must register for the webinar, but it is free. To register, go to the following link:
https://cc.readytalk.com/r/i45swxqt9s8b

UC Application Website

2010-10-05T10:36:00.000-07:00

The UC application is now available online at https://admissions.universityofcalifornia.edu/applicant/login.htm. Please read the directions carefully before you begin filling out the application. Please fill out the application BEFORE you write your personal statement. That should be the last thing you put in the application.

Please be advised that I will not accept UC personal statements by email, nor can you drop off a personal statement for review by me. You must make an appointment for personal statement review. You may also ask for my feedback if you come for drop-in, but be aware that we will have only ten minutes together, thus my feedback will be minimal.

Also be advised that there are three other counselors from whom you can seek academic counseling and personal statement feedback: Mr. Franco, Ms. Okay, and Mr. Gonzales.

Best wishes as you pursue your academic goal!

Reporting Past College Coursework on University Applications

2010-10-04T15:27:00.000-07:00

I would like to send out a very strong reminder that applicants to universities are REQUIRED to report ALL prior college-level coursework, whether it was done in a U.S. institution or in an institution in another country, and whether or not you believe it will affect your admissions. Failure to do so could result in your application to the university being cancelled, and you might find yourself ineligible to attend ANY campus within the university system. If you knowingly and willingly fail to report all coursework on your university application, you are guilty of misrepresenting yourself, and the consequences could affect you for a long time to come.

The best practice is to report all of your post-secondary coursework accurately and honestly, and explain any poor grades on your application in the comments section. This helps the university get a clear picture of the student you are now, which is what is most important to them.

UCLA Coming to DVC Transfer Day Oct. 4

2010-09-20T14:43:00.000-07:00

I have recently learned from the DVC Transfer Center that a representative from UCLA will be present on campus for Transfer Day October 4. Immediately following Transfer Day, the representative will make a presentation in the Counseling Center, room 103, 1:15-2:00. To reserve a seat, contact the Transfer Center at DVC.

Counseling Appointment No-show's

2010-09-02T13:02:00.001-07:00

If you make a counseling appointment and are unable to come to the appointment, PLEASE contact the Counseling Center to cancel your appointment. It is quite difficult to get an appointment with me this semester, and many students are having to wait weeks to see me. If you make an appointment and then don't show up, you have wasted not only my time, but the time of many students who could have seen me during your appointment time.

In the business and professional world, doctors, lawyers, and others usually charge clients even if the client doesn't attend the appointment. Making appointments and then not keeping them is a very rude and potentially costly habit to form. PLEASE, keep your counseling appointments or cancel them in advance so that other students can take advantage of the opening in my schedule. Thank you.

To cancel an appointment, call 925-685-1230, extension 2276 or 2278.

UC Davis TAG Workshop

2010-09-02T12:58:00.001-07:00

On Wednesday, September 8, the DVC Transfer Center will host a UC Davis TAG workshop especially for international students, from 9:00-10:00 a.m. The leader of the workshop will be a UCD representative. The UCD reps will also see students from 10:00-noon on a drop-in basis, and then there will be a general UCD workshop from noon-1:00. For details, contact the DVC Transfer Center.

Counseling Appointments

2010-08-25T13:54:00.000-07:00

This academic year, I am working on a reduced schedule. That means that I have fewer appointments available to see students. However, three other counselors are seeing international students. They are Mike Gonzales, Carol Okay, and Dennis Franco. If you are having difficulty scheduling an appointment with me, remember that you can also see one of these other three counselors.

To schedule an appointment online, visit the Counseling Center website:
http://www.dvc.edu/org/departments/counseling/appointment.htm

New appointments open up each morning, so if you try and are unable to schedule one, check again first thing the next morning.

Important Changes to Haas Transfer Requirements

2010-08-17T13:20:00.000-07:00

Students planning on applying to the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley for Fall 2012 admission need to be aware of some important changes to the admissions requirements. Visit the Haas website to learn more: http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/Undergrad/transfer_admissions.html

UC TAG Information Update

2010-08-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

Because there is a new system for submitting the TAG application, the DVC Counseling Center has instituted a new process for seeking help from a counselor regarding a TAG application:
1. Students should first create an account on the UC TAG website and completely fill out the TAG application. If they need help with that process, they should visit the Transfer Center at DVC. Here is a link to the UC TAG website:https://uctag.universityofcalifornia.edu/index.cfm
2. Students submitting a TAG for Davis or Santa Cruz must get approval from a counselor, so after filling out the TAG application completely online, students must make an appointment with a DVC counselor. For information on how to schedule an appointment, visit http://www.dvc.edu/org/departments/counseling/appointment.htm. Schedule the appointment for early to mid-September; if you wait until later, you might not be able to get an appointment with a counselor before the submission deadline of September 30.
3. Remember Berkeley and Los Angeles do not offer a TAG, but all other UC's do, and F-1 international students are invited to apply for the TAG.
4. Before you submit a TAG application, be sure to read the TAG criteria for the campus(es) to which you are applying to be sure you meet the criteria. You the student are responsible for understanding the various TAG criteria and making sure that you meet those criteria.
5. Be sure to submit a UC application for the campuses to which you submitted a TAG during the UC application filing period, November 1-30.

UC Transfer Admissions Guarantee Website

2010-07-26T08:43:00.000-07:00

Students applying for Fall 2011 admission to a UC campus that offers a Transfer Admissions Guarantee, or TAG, will now have to submit the TAG application through a new website. Please visit the website to learn more and to submit a TAG application:
https://uctag.universityofcalifornia.edu/index.cfm

It is the student's responsibility to complete the application online. Some UC's will require students to bring a copy of the TAG application to a counselor for verification. Students should bring copies of ALL college and university transcripts when they visit a counselor, as well as a copy of their TAG application. DO NOT EXPECT THE COUNSELOR TO HAVE ACCESS TO YOUR NON-DVC RECORDS AT THE TIME OF YOUR VISIT. Bringing photocopies of transcripts to the counseling appointment will save valuable time for both the student and the counselor.

For more general information about the UC TAGs and links to campus websites with specific criteria, visit http://uctransfer.universityofcalifornia.edu/transfer_admis_guar.html

All UC's except Berkeley and Los Angeles offer a TAG, and international students may apply for a TAG. However, different campuses may have different criteria, so please read the websites of the specific campuses carefully.

UC Admissions Updates and Summer Availability

2010-05-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

Students admitted to a UC campus for Fall 2010 are reminded that the Statement of Intent to Register, or SIR, is due by June 1. If you experienced a change in your spring schedule (e.g. you withdrew from a class) or you received a substandard grade (e.g. F, D, Incomplete, or perhaps even a C if you were instructed to make all B's or better this semester), you are required to report those changes through appropriate channels. For most UC campuses, such changes are reported through the online interface (e.g. myberkeleyapp). If you need to report a change and cannot figure out how to do so online, call the UC campus admissions office immediately. You can find the numbers in your email correspondences from the campuses.

I will not be in the office during the summer, but students with questions can email me: misham@dvc.edu. If the answer to your question can be found on my FAQs page or in this blog, you may experience a delay in my response. There will be two weeks in June in which I will have no access to email at all. A link to my FAQs page follows:
http://www.dvc.edu/international/pdfs/frequently-asked-questions.pdf

I will return to the office beginning August 13. Until then, enjoy your summer!

UC Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG)

2010-05-18T12:04:00.000-07:00

If you are planning to transfer to a UC in Fall 2011, now is the time to start researching the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) programs offered by all of the UC campuses except Berkeley and L.A.

The DVC Transfer Center has some links to these program websites:http://www.dvc.edu/org/departments/transfer-center/transfer-agreements.htm
Please be aware that some of the information is not yet updated. The best source of information will come from the UC campus's own website.

Also be advised that some UC campuses, such as UCSD and UCSB, require TAG participants to have completed their two English composition courses (e.g. ENGL-122 and ENGL-126 from DVC) by the end of Fall 2010 in order to participate in the TAG.

Important Updates from the University of California System

2010-05-06T13:23:00.000-07:00

Students planning to transfer to a UC campus in Fall 2011 or later should note some important changes in UC programs: http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/educators/counselors/resources/materials/ETS10/ETS10_CampusUpdates_final.pdf

If you have any questions, come and see me or another DVC counselor in the Counseling Center.

English Assessment at DVC

2010-05-05T11:15:00.001-07:00

In order to take English 122, the first transferable and required English course at DVC, students must either (a) score acceptably on both the Reading and Writing portions of the DVC English assessment test, or submit an appropriate score from another community college's English assessment test; or (b) submit a Prerequisite Form, available in the Admissions and Records office, with documentation attached that proves the student has met the necessary prerequisite for English 122 at another college or university; or (c) submit other forms of documentation to a DVC counselor that prove the student is prepared for success in DVC's English 122 class. Requests without adequate evidence of preparedness for English 122 will not be honored.

DVC International Counseling Blog Cited on Counseling Website

2010-05-04T16:35:00.001-07:00

I was pleased to know that my blog is mentioned in a list of Top 50 Counseling Blogs from the Counseling Courier website. There are also some other valuable blogs that you might want to check out: http://www.mastersincounseling.org/top-50-counseling-blogs.html

How to Use WebAdvisor to Register Video

2010-04-26T11:39:00.000-07:00

There is a fabulous new video on YouTube demonstrating how to use WebAdvisor to register for classes. This might be particularly helpful for new students. Here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a15cmwYxFYQ

Appealing an Admissions Decision

2010-04-26T10:25:00.000-07:00

Many students have already received admissions notifications from the universities they have applied to, and UC Berkeley is expected to release admissions decisions on April 30. If you are denied admissions, you might want to appeal the decision if you can provide some new or additional information that was not included in your UC application. Here are some links to Berkeley, Los Angeles, and San Diego's websites with helpful information about appealing:

Berkeley: http://students.berkeley.edu/admissions/general.asp?id=113&navid=N

Los Angeles: http://www.admissions.ucla.edu/appealstr.htm

San Diego: http://www.ucsd.edu/prospective-students/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/transfer/admission.html
Please note that the San Diego link is for Transfer Student Services. No appeals information has been posted yet for Fall 2010 admissions, so contact TSS if you have a question about appealing an admissions decision.

For any other UC or university campus, contact the Undergraduate Admissions office for information about appealing a denial. Again, you can only appeal if you have new or additional information to provide that was not included in your original application.

Academic Counseling FAQs

2010-04-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

I get lots of questions on the same topics. To save both yourself and me some time, please read my Academic Counseling Frequently Asked Questions page to determine if your questions can be answered there: http://www.dvc.edu/international/pdfs/frequently-asked-questions.pdf

Stress Management Resources

2010-04-13T09:47:00.000-07:00

Spring Break is over, but summer is still seven weeks away, and there's lots of work to do between now and then. We all need to be aware of the effects of stress in our lives and learn how to better manage stress so that we can function as our best selves. Following is a link to a website with links to various university online resources on managing stress. Thanks to Mr. Nathan Grimm of the SR Education Group for sharing this link with me.

http://www.guidetohealthcareschools.com/tips-and-tools/stress-management

Good News from UCSD!

2010-03-29T09:25:00.001-07:00

The University of California at San Diego will allow international students to participate in the Transfer Admissions Guarantee (TAG) program for the Fall 2011 admissions cycle. Click the link below for details:
http://www.ucsd.edu/prospective-students/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/transfer/tag.html

AP (Advanced Placement) Exams

2010-03-17T11:49:00.001-07:00

Some students have expressed an interest in taking AP exams for U.S. college credit or to fulfill transfer or graduation requirements. Here is a link to the College Board's AP website with information on how to take an AP exam:
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/reg.html

If you are interested in taking an AP exam, please contact the College Board for more information.

Who do I work for?

2010-03-04T11:06:00.000-08:00

Many international students are understandably quite interested in the University of California system, and especially in the UC Berkeley and UCLA campuses. Those are world-renowned institutions with many highly recognized and regarded programs.

However, international students attending or planning to attend DVC need to understand that my primary role at DVC is to help students understand the MINIMUM requirements involved for transferring from DVC to a CSU or UC campus. I often get questions from students about UC statistics and practices that I am simply unable to answer because I do not work for the UC system.

There are, though, websites that students can access to find some of the answers to their questions. Here are a few of the UC-related websites I commonly refer students to:
1. http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu is the UC system portal to the world. At this website students can learn about the various UC campuses, their programs, and even apply online.
2. http://statfinder.ucop.edu is a website from the University of California Office of the Chancellor. Here students can run customized tables showing various statistics for the UC campuses, including admissions rates and average GPA's for newly admitted students from the California community colleges.
3. http://www.assist.org is the website that students and counselors use to determine which courses a student should take to transfer into a particular program in a CSU or UC campus. It is also useful for exploring the majors offered in the CSU and UC systems.
4. http://www.dvc.edu/org/departments/transfer-center/reps-visit.htm#UC is a link to the DVC Transfer Center's schedule of representatives visiting the DVC campus from various universities, including UC Berkeley. The BEST source of information about a particular UC campus is a person who actually works at that campus. Students currently attending DVC are welcome to meet with these representatives to find out more about transferring to that UC campus.

One final thought to share: Students have the mistaken notion that there is some sort of "secret formula" to follow to get admitted to a selective UC campus. The fact is that the admissions process is a highly subjective process that examines not only quantifiable data, such as GPA and course completion, but also qualitative information such as a student's background, the student's extracurricular experiences (e.g. leadership experience and community service), employment history, and more. There is no counselor anywhere who can accurately predict a student's chances for being admitted to a selective campus or program. The best advice we can give students is to get as high a GPA as possible, get involved in extracurricular activities that are driven by the student's passion and not by whether or not the student believes that is what the selective campus is looking for, and to tell their own story in the application's personal statement. And the final piece of advice? Don't take rejection from a selective UC campus personally. It does not mean that you are not a good student; it simply means that the UC campus was not able to admit you at that particular time. Consider that many famous and successful people in the world did NOT attend UC Berkeley or UCLA, nor any other "famous" or "selective" campus, yet they are leading happy and productive lives. You can, too, because happiness and success are relative terms that are mainly the products of one's personal choices.

Read This Article from the New York Times!!!

2010-02-24T10:16:00.001-08:00

Here is an excellent article about some colleges and universities in the U.S. that offer excellent educational opportunities for students despite being "off the beaten path."

http://www.sou.edu/marketing/nyt073006.pdf

Competition to the "brand-name" colleges and universities is getting fiercer and fiercer, so students should consider other alternatives such as the colleges and universities mentioned in this article.

An English Usage Lesson

2010-02-23T08:36:00.000-08:00

Young people everywhere like to use slang terms that their peers use. However, not all English slang terms are appropriate for all situations. In fact, some terms are insensitive and disparaging. To demonstrate that you are an educated, culturally-sensitive person, avoid using the following terms in your everyday speech:

"That's so lame!" The word "lame" originally referred to a person who was not able to walk. Although the word is not commonly used these days to refer to a person who has a mobility impairment, some who do have such a disability might be hurt or offended by this phrase. Use a more neutral phrase, such as "That's ridiculous!" to describe something that does not meet your approval or standards.

"That's dumb!" Like the word "lame," the word "dumb" used to refer to a person who could not speak. English speakers do not usually use this word anymore to refer to a person with a speech impediment, but a person with a speech impairment might be offended by this phrase. Again, use a more neutral phrase.

"That's so gay!" Unfortunately there are still many people in today's society who are unable to accept gay and lesbian people as equal members of our culture, despite the fact that medical, psychological, and sociological research indicates that sexual orientation is a natural variation of the human condition. Whatever one's opinion on this topic, it is never acceptable to disparage another group of people based on their natural characteristics.

"Cry/Scream/Throw a ball like a little girl." Using this phrase indicates that you think little girls are incapable of controlling their emotions or playing sports effectively. In fact, there are many very capable female athletes, and little boys are just as likely to cry or scream as little girls. While researchers debate the extent of the influence of biology on behavior, choose phrases that are sensitive to the feelings of people who are different from you.

"Man up" or "Grow a Pair of __." In many cases it seems like the pendulum has swung the opposite direction, and now it is common to disparage men in our language. Men can suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental/emotional disorders as much as women, yet we often criticize a man who seems hesitant, fearful, or anxious, making him out to be effeminate or emasculated. This is terribly unfair to the man, as we have no right to judge the internal life of that individual. Instead of extending criticism, why not just ask the man, "Why are you thinking or feeling this way?" His answer will help you understand him, and it might help him work through some of his issues in a healthy way.

Put yourself in the other person's shoes: You wouldn't like it if people went around saying "That's so Korean," or "Don't be an Indonesian" or "You act like a Chinese" would you? The world would be a much better place if we would just treat others the way we would like to be treated ourselves. That's a big, big change for the world to make, but change starts with the individual.

Is college right for you?

2010-02-18T12:02:00.000-08:00

Earning a college degree isn't easy. It requires motivation, effective time management, good study habits, social and financial support, and more. Many students begin their college years with struggles. It is common for first-year students to make grades in college that are much lower than the grades they received in high school. This doesn't mean that college isn't the right choice for them, but it might mean that it might not be the right time for them to be attending college.

There is a lot of social pressure from family, peers, and culture to attend college immediately after high school and receive a college degree within four years of study. This is an outdated mode of thinking. Today's college students have to juggle commitments in addition to those required by college, and earning a college degree is simply more complicated than it was in the past. The average age of undergraduate students in the U.S. is around 26, and the average college student in the U.S. takes about 6.5 years to complete a bachelor's degree. If your parents attended college, they probably had a much different experience from the one that most college students today have.

If you are struggling academically in college, ask yourself these difficult questions:
1. Do I really want to be in college right now?
2. If I weren't in college, what would I be doing?
3. What motivated me to attend college in the first place (family, self, etc.)?
4. Am I struggling in just one or two areas academically, or in all sorts of classes?
5. What's going on in my life outside of college that might be affecting my performance in classes?
6. How do I spend my time each day, and why do I spend it that way?

You should talk to a counselor if you feel that now might not be the right time for you to be in college, or if you want to be in college but are struggling academically. A counselor can help you connect with various campus resources to help you be a successful student, such as tutoring or disability services. The counselor can also coach you on how to have a conversation with your family if you feel that you do not want to be in college at this time in your life.

Scholarships Website

2010-02-17T10:20:00.000-08:00

I recently learned about this website for searching for scholarships and other university-related information: www.zinch.com I don't know much about it, but from a first glance, it looks OK. If you check it out and find something you don't understand, or if you think it's not legitimate, let me know: misham@dvc.edu

UC Statistics

2010-02-09T10:28:00.000-08:00

Many international students are curious about the admissions statistics for the various University of California campuses. The UC Office of the President collects data each year and posts that data on a website called UCStatfinder, located at http://statfinder.ucop.edu

Here are some data from Fall 2009 that I collected from that website that might be of interest to international students planning to transfer to Berkeley, Los Angeles, or San Diego:
1. Berkeley: 1,444 international students applied, 324 were admitted, for an admit rate of 22.4%. The average GPA of these students was 3.86.
2. Los Angeles: 1,768 international students applied, 595 were admitted, for an admit rate of 33.7%. The average GPA of these students was 3.77.
3. San Diego: 1,458 international students applied, 927 were admitted, for an admit rate of 63.6%. The average GPA of these students was 3.72.

The website includes such data and more for the other UC campuses, as well.

According to the website data, DVC was the number one community college transfer institution for school year 2008-2009 for both Berkeley and Davis, with 208 and 165 students, respectively. DVC ranked number ten in the number of transfer students from California community colleges to both Los Angeles and San Diego.

Program Accreditation

2010-02-04T13:44:00.000-08:00

There are national and international professional accrediting agencies that give their stamp of approval to programs that meet their standards. This type of accreditation is important, especially if you plan to seek a license of some sort related to your program of study. Program accreditation can also help you identify a "good" school to attend for your major.

Some professional accreditation programs include:

1. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, or AACSB [http://www.aacsb.edu/accreditation/standards.asp]

2. For engineering programs, ABET, Inc. [http://www.abet.org/index.shtml]

3. The National Architectural Accrediting Board, or NAAB [http://www.naab.org/]

4. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design [http://nasad.arts-accredit.org/index.jsp]

These are just a few examples of professional accrediting agencies. Visit the Career and Employment Services office, 1st floor Student Services Building, for more information about professional accrediting agencies, or come see me in the Counseling Center if your program is not business, engineering, architecture, or design, and we'll see what we can find out together.

UC FAQs

2010-02-03T14:52:00.001-08:00

The following link is for a very useful page on the University of California system website. It has frequently asked questions relevant for community college transfer students.

http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/educators/counselors/adminfo/transfer/advising/q&a.html

Prospective transfer students should read these FAQs carefully to find the answers to common questions about transferring to the UC.

Academic Counseling FAQs

2010-02-03T08:40:00.000-08:00

Below are the questions that you will find in the Academic Counseling FAQs in the International Student Resources link on the International Student Admissions and Services page, at http://www.dvc.edu/international/pdfs/frequently-asked-questions.pdf Be sure to check out these FAQs before making an appointment, coming for a quick drop-in question, or sending an email; you might find the answer you're looking for there and save yourself and me some valuable time.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS IN ACADEMIC COUNSELING

What does a counselor do at DVC?

How can I make an appointment to see a counselor?

I have a question/concern about my passport, visa, I-20, or medical insurance. Where do I go for help?

How do I know which classes to take?

How can I compute or predict my Grade Point Average, or GPA?

All of the classes I want to take are already full! What should I do?

How many units can I transfer with a “Pass” grade?

I have units/exam scores from another institution that I want to use to clear the prerequisite for a class I want to take at DVC. How do I get permission to do that?

I think I will make a D or F in a class! What should I do?

I plan to transfer to a private or out-of-state university. How can I know which courses to take at DVC?

How often can I take the Math and English assessment tests?

I disagree with the grade that I received from my instructor. How can I resolve this dispute?

How can I find important dates and deadlines online?

How can I find out admissions statistics for the University of California campuses?

How can I know which CSU’s are still accepting applications from international transfer students?

When am I supposed to pay my fees?

How can I apply for a scholarship?

How can I find out about student clubs and organizations at DVC?

How can I find a job on campus?

I need to drop below 12 units this semester. What should I do?

I just found out that I will fail my class, and the deadline to drop has already passed! What can I do?

Will a “W” grade affect my admissibility to a university?

I have college units from my home country. How can I determine how those units will apply toward my academic goal?

I want to take English 122, but my English assessment results indicate that I have to begin with a lower-level English class. How can I take English 122 directly?

Why can’t I take only classes that are transferable and required for my major?

Welcome to Spring 2010!

2010-01-25T15:31:00.000-08:00

Classes have begun at DVC, and just like last semester, finding available seats in classes is a huge challenge. This is due to the economic crisis in California: The state government cut the community colleges' budgets, resulting in fewer sections of courses being offered; but when the economy is bad, people return to college for job training and career exploration, so enrollments are at an all-time high. This makes it very difficult for students to get the classes that they want and to maintain their timeline for completing their academic goals at DVC.

So, what can you do if the classes you want to take are full? I've answered that question, and many more, in my Frequently Asked Questions page, available on the International Students website, or at this link here: http://www.dvc.edu/international/pdfs/frequently-asked-questions.pdf

Check out all of the questions in the FAQs to see if your questions can be answered there.

Holiday Availability

2009-12-16T14:58:00.000-08:00

Diablo Valley College will be closed beginning Tuesday, December 22, 2009 until Monday, January 4, 2010. Faculty, including counselors, may not be available until classes begin on Friday, January 22, 2010. In the meantime, students are encouraged to utilize available resources for finding answers to common academic counseling questions. These resources include:
1. http://www.assist.org/, for information about CSU and UC admissions and program requirements, majors offered, and the transferability of DVC courses to the CSU and UC systems.
2. The DVC Catalog, available online at http://www.dvc.edu/; click on "Schedule of Classes" on the right; on the next page, find the Catalog and Addendum files at the bottom of the page. Both are PDF documents.
3. The DVC New International Student Orientation online: Go to www.authorstream.com/tag/misham, then click on "DVC New International Student Orientation." The orientation has audio and lasts approximately 1.5 hours. There are other useful and informative presentations on my authorstream page that might answer many academic counseling questions.

Also, read my other posts on this blog to see if your questions can be answered by one of those.

Happy Holidays, and see you all next year!

If the classes you want are full...

2009-12-16T08:53:00.000-08:00

If the classes you want to take are full:
1. Check the Schedule of Classes daily to see if someone has dropped, leaving an opening for which you can register.
2. If the class has a waiting list that still has openings on it, add your name; if an opening occurs, the department will contact you and ask if you want to register for the class. If you attend the first day of class and openings are available, those students on the waiting list will get priority for the open seats.
3. If the class is still closed on the first day, attend anyway, taking a Schedule Request form (available at http://www.dvc.edu/pdfs/Schedule-Request.pdf ) . Ask the instructor if you can take the class; if the instructor consents, get his/her signature on the form, then take it to the International Student Admissions and Services office.
4. Look for other classes to take, such as General Education courses or elective classes. Remember that international students MUST enroll in at least 12 units each semester in order to maintain legal status while in the U.S.

More students are enrolling in California community colleges while fewer classes are being offered, due to the bad economy and state budget cuts. Classes at DVC fill up VERY quickly, and students MUST be flexible in their expectations. If the classes you want are full, there is nothing that counselors, instructors, or administrators can do to create more classes for you. If you would like to take action, please consider contacting the California legislators for Contra Costa County to voice your concerns: http://www.dvc.edu/news/announcements/closedclasses.htm

The UC Personal Statement: A Great Video

2009-11-02T10:29:00.000-08:00

If you are applying to the UC system, here's a link to a wonderful video hosted by a UC faculty member:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zo6NI4wHf4

When I give advice about writing the personal statement, I get my information from this video and similar presentations offered by UC authorities. Here you can hear and see it directly from the UC officer herself.

The UC Personal Statement

2009-10-06T08:44:00.000-07:00

The application for the University of California system is now available. Part of the application is the personal statement. The personal statement consists of two topics, and applicants may write a maximum of 1000 words. The personal statement topics can be found at the following link:
http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/undergrad_adm/apply/how_apply/personal_statement.html

Applicants are reminded to complete the application before writing the personal statement, as statement readers will be looking at the applicant's application before reading the personal statement. For other great tips on writing the personal statement, view the PowerPoint presentation, courtesy of the UC system, posted on my authorSTREAM page: http://www.authorstream.com/tag/misham.

To access the UC application, click on this link: https://admissions.ucop.edu/pathwaysF2010/Pathways

DVC international students should be advised that the international counselor will have extended drop-in counseling available in the month of November to offer feedback on the personal statement. However, applicants should not expect extensive editing, as the personal statement is just that: PERSONAL. It is your story, not mine.

For details on the extended drop-in hours, contact the DVC Counseling Center: 925-685-1230, extension 2276 or 2278.

Reporting Prior Coursework on the University Application

2009-09-21T11:36:00.000-07:00

I want to take this opportunity to remind students that ALL prior coursework MUST be reported on the University of California application, as well as on any other university application. Some students act like they do not believe me when I tell them this information. Here is a link to the University of California website that confirms my assertion:
http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/educators/counselors/adminfo/transfer/advising/answers/applying.html#1

University applications all include a statement that must be read and signed, even virtually, by applicants verifying that the applicant has reported all information in the application accurately and honestly, and that failure to do so can have negative consequences on the applicant's admissibility to the university. If the university discovers that you failed to report prior college coursework, you can have your admissions rescinded, or taken away, and it can affect your admissibility to any other university in the system.

Do not be afraid to report prior college coursework, even if your GPA was weak. Let the university make the decision on your application, not your peers, and remember that any decision can be appealed through proper channels of communication.

Transfer Admission Guarantee

2009-08-23T21:28:00.000-07:00

Students who will complete all of their transfer requirements by the end of Spring 2010, and who have no units from a college or university outside of the U.S., might want to look into the opportunities provided by the Transfer Admission Guarantee, or TAG, with several of the UC campuses.

All UC campuses except Berkeley and Los Angeles have TAG programs. All of the TAG programs allow international students except San Diego.

Davis is the most popular TAG for international students at DVC. The deadline to submit the Davis TAG is September 30. You MUST see a counselor BY APPOINTMENT to write the TAG, as doing so requires your file to be pulled from the Admissions and Records office, and it requires more time than a drop-in meeting would allow. So, if you are interested in writing the TAG with UC Davis, schedule an appointment IMMEDIATELY by calling the Counseling Center at 925-685-1230, ext. 2276 or 2278.

The other UC's have different procedures and deadlines. Check with the Transfer Center in the Counseling Building for more details about the UC TAGs. You can also refer to the UC website: http://uctransfer.universityofcalifornia.edu/transfer_admis_guar.html

Unavailability of Classes

2009-08-16T21:45:00.000-07:00

Please read this letter to students from DVC regarding the great difficulty that students are facing in enrolling in classes and accessing services this Fall semester:
http://www.dvc.edu/news/announcements/closedclasses.htm

While international students do not have voting privileges in California, you are here legally and the budget cuts have just as negative an impact on you as they do on California residents. The U.S. government requires that you be enrolled in at least twelve units per semester; finding that many units that all count toward your academic goal is extremely difficult in these times. You, too, are encouraged to send letters and emails to the California legislators named in the letter and explain how the budget cuts are negatively impacting your education at DVC.

DVC Forms Online

2009-08-16T18:15:00.000-07:00

Looking for a DVC form? Find most, if not all, of the forms you need online at this link: http://www.dvc.edu/org/departments/counseling/forms.htm

Some of the forms can even be filled out and submitted online! You can also find .pdf documents showing IGETC courses, CSU-GE courses, and the DVC AA-GE courses.

The Importance of Planning Ahead

2009-08-13T16:27:00.001-07:00

"A lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part."

I saw that sign posted in the photocopy services office of the university where I completed my last master's degree. At first I thought its tone was sarcastic, and I felt it was inappropriate to display it publicly. However, after more than seven years as an academic advisor and counselor, I've come to see the simple truth conveyed by that quote.

We humans are free to make our own choices: To be proactive or reactive; to plan ahead or to wait until the last possible moment; to accept the consequences of our choices or to blame others. For some people, planning ahead is a way of life. These are the people who use calendars, planners, PDAs, and so forth to organize their lives, sometimes to the least detail. For others, planning is an excruciatingly painful process that goes against every fiber of their being. They're just not made that way.

To be successful in college, though, planning ahead is vital. Students must exercise foresight and good time management skills in order to achieve their academic goals. This week, many students, both domestic and international, are realizing the unfortunate consequences of a lack of planning. They're arriving on the DVC campus expecting to get into all of the classes that they want to take with no obstacles or barriers. They're discovering, much to their disappointment and frustration, however, that most of DVC's classes are already full, and that it is very unlikely that they will be able to take some classes (especially Math, English, and Sciences) in the Fall semester. This setback might delay their achieving their academic goals by at least one semester, and in some cases, by as much as one year!

In addition, many international students will be compelled to take courses that do not count toward their academic goals because F-1 students must be enrolled in at least twelve units each semester. Because of their lack of planning, they will have to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for unrequired classes, and they might have to delay their transfer by up to a year. In most cases, this could have been avoided if the student had read the materials that they received from DVC and arrived earlier in the summer to attend orientation and register for classes.

Of course, life sometimes gets in the way of our plans. Unexpected delays which are beyond our control can occur, and our plans do not unfold according to our expectations, despite our best efforts. But even in cases such as these, we cannot expect the rest of the world to accommodate our individual situations. Successful students are adaptable; they plan in advance, they meet challenges well-equipped with good time management skills and effective coping strategies, and they adapt to unexpected changes by taking personal responsibility for their educational outcomes.

Are you a good manager of your time? Do you plan well in advance for important events? Do you have a back-up plan in case your primary plan fails? Do you take personal responsibility for yourself and your situation? If the answer to all of these questions is "yes," then you will be a successful student. If you need to build skills in academic planning, then consider taking Counseling 120, Student Success. It is transferable to both CSU and UC and counts toward the 60-unit minimum requirement.

Using AP, IB, GCE, and other test scores

2009-08-13T08:52:00.000-07:00

While in high school, many students take classes and exams in college-bound programs such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge General Certificate of Education (GCE), often know as O-level and A-level, or in similar programs based on that of Cambridge, such as KHALE. Acceptable scores on such exams often result in requirements being waived, and in some universities, earn unit credit. Each college and university has its own policy regarding the use of exam scores; indeed, sometimes there are different policies from one department to another in the same university. Each student's case is unique, so if you have exam scores like one of the ones mentioned previously, you should look at the websites of the universities you plan to apply to and determine how they will accept your scores. In almost all cases, however, only AP scores can be used to meet General Education requirements. The UC transfer website does have some information on how the UC accepts such scores: http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/educators/counselors/adminfo/transfer/advising/credit/ap_ib.html

Exam scores might also be used to clear prerequisite requirements for courses that you want or need to take at DVC. To determine whether or not your scores meet prerequisite requirements, be sure that DVC has an official copy of your score report on file. Submit a Prerequisite Form, along with an unofficial copy of your score report, to the DVC Admissions and Records office. Be sure to fill in the information on the form about the class you want to take and the score you believe meets the requirement for that class. If the DVC class you want to take is still open, or if you have been given permission by the instructor to enroll, you can also submit a Schedule Request form to enroll in the class. The appropriate academic department will review your credential to determine whether or not you can stay in the class.

Using units earned at another college or university

2009-08-13T08:37:00.000-07:00

Many students are coming to DVC having already earned some units either at another U.S. college or university, or at a foreign institution. How can you find out if those units can help you meet your academic goal at DVC?

First, if your units are from a U.S. college or university: Make sure that DVC has an official copy of your transcript(s) in your file. Then, schedule a counseling appointment with me, being sure to tell the scheduler that you have units from another school. The scheduler will ask you questions about your academic goal, so be sure you have identified a goal by then. About two or three weeks later, you will come for your appointment, and I will have your file. In it will be an official evaluation of your units from DVC's Admissions and Records office. In the meantime, I can help you guess how your units might be applied to your requirements at DVC, but until I have the official report from DVC's A&R, I cannot provide you with exact information. If your units are from another California community college, you can use http://www.assist.org to determine how those units can meet your goal to transfer to CSU or UC.

Second, if your units are from a foreign college or university: DVC can use foreign-earned units ONLY as elective units; those units cannot be applied toward the DVC Associate's degree General Education requirements. They might be applicable to a DVC major, but you would have to talk to someone in the major department regarding that issue. So, if your goal is to earn an associate's degree from DVC, you must get an evaluation of your foreign-earned units from an outside agency, as DVC does not employee foreign transcript evaluators. This link will take you to a list of agencies from which you can choose: http://www.naces.org. My advice is to choose the least expensive agency. Once DVC has received an official copy of the evaluation from the agency, schedule an appointment with me, and when you come for your appointment, I will have a report from DVC's Admissions and Records office explaining how many units you can use as electives. If you want to use those units toward a DVC major, then you'll have to visit the appropriate academic department.

If your goal is to transfer to a CSU or a UC, DO NOT get an evaluation of your foreign-earned units from a private agency. CSU's and UC's employee their own foreign transcript evaluators. When you apply to the CSU or UC, you will be required to submit official copies of ALL of the colleges and universities you have attended, both here in the U.S. and in other countries. This is required; you cannot hide foreign-earned units. Attempting to do so could result in your being denied admissions at ANY of the CSU or UC campuses. If you plan to transfer to a private or out-of-state university, you need to read that university's website to determine their expectations. I am unable to tell you about the requirements of private and out-of-state universities.

New International Student Orientation

2009-08-09T16:47:00.000-07:00

The last orientation for new international students for Fall 2009 was held on Friday, August 7. More than one hundred students attended. However, if you are new for Fall semester and did not attend the orientation, you still have a chance to view the slides from the presentation on authorstream.com. Just click on this link: http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/misham-235910-dvc-new-international-student-orientatio-orientation-c105-intl-version-education-ppt-powerpoint/, or visit http://www.authorstream.com/tag/misham and click on "DVC New International Student Orientation."

Before meeting with a counselor, all new students are expected to attend new international student orientation. Please view this presentation before meeting with a counselor so that you will have the framework for the conversation that you will have with the counselor and so that you will know how to think about choosing classes for the Fall semester. This will save both you and the counselor valuable time.

Also please note that at this time, there are very few open seats in DVC English, Math, and Science courses. You might have to wait until Spring, Summer, or even Fall 2010 to begin a Math or Science sequence. This is the current reality for all California community colleges: The demand for classes far exceeds the supply due to state budget cuts. DVC will do the best it can to provide classes and services for students, but only so much can be done with limited resources. Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and understanding during these rather trying times.

For more information on what to do if the classes you want to take are already full, refer to the last few slides of the orientation presentation linked above.

California's Budget Crisis and DVC

2009-07-18T17:04:00.000-07:00

By now, I'm sure everyone has heard about the very serious budget crisis that the state of California is experiencing. This crisis severely impacts the public education system, including Diablo Valley College. For students, this means that fewer classes may be offered, and student services may be drastically cut. It might be harder for students to get into classes that they need, and it might be more difficult to access individualized help. So, what's a student to do?

First of all, students can be self-guided and self-motivated and take advantage of the numerous online resources available to find out valuable information for academic planning. For transfering to CSU and UC campuses, www.assist.org is the best resource. Not only does it show students how their DVC courses will transfer to the CSU and UC systems, but it also shows which DVC courses fulfill admissions requirements for both systems, as well as IGETC and CSU-GE requirements. The DVC website itself contains much valuable information, along with digital copies of the DVC catalog, in case students misplaced the one they received at New Student Orientation. Other useful websites include www.csumentor.edu and www.universityofcalifornia.edu. The Student Planning Guide that students receive at orientation contains a list of other helpful websites. Students can also look in my blog archives to find other useful internet resources. Of course, looking at the websites of the universities is very informative.

Second, students should plan well in advance to see a counselor and not expect to get counseling on demand. There are a limited number of counseling appointments available, and those fill up fast. So, students should make an appointment, make a list of their questions, and while waiting for their appointment date, they should research the answers to their questions on their own and get confirmation from the counselor at the appointment. This will save both the student and the counselor valuable time.

Finally, the best pieces of advice are: Remain calm. Be flexible. Stay open-minded. Adapt. Be independent. Successful students are the ones who are most resilient when faced with challenges, and these are challenging times.

In conclusion, I am reminded of an old Asian proverb: The reed that fails to bend in the wind, breaks. Will you be the reed that bends with the wind and remains standing once the storm has passed, or will you be the reed that breaks because you were too inflexible and rigid?

Using Pass/No Pass Units

2009-05-21T15:25:00.000-07:00

As students register for summer and fall classes, it's good to review the policy on the use of Pass/No Pass units. Many courses at DVC are offered with the Student Choice (SC) grading option. This means that the student can choose either the letter grade (A-F) or Pass/No Pass (P/NP) option. In order to get a Pass, you must make at least a C in the course. However, your transcript will indicate a P. If you earn less than a C, your transcript will show NP for the course. Either way, there is no affect on your GPA. Be advised: Courses that are required for your major must, in most cases, be taken for a letter grade. General education courses and elective courses, however, can be taken P/NP for CSU and UC transfer. The maximum number of units that you can transfer to the UC system with a P grade, however, is 14. Maximums in the CSU system vary from campus to campus, so check the websites of the campuses you want to transfer to. The same holds true for private and out-of-state universities.

Appealing an Admissions Decision

2009-05-06T15:21:00.000-07:00

Now is the time of the academic year when transferring students receive notification about their university applications. Some students are happy with the results, and some are not.

If you are denied admission to a university, you have the right to submit an appeal of the decision. However, you should appeal ONLY if you have NEW and/or COMPELLING information that was NOT included in your original application. For example, if you have some low grades because of a health problem, and you did not mention that in your personal statement or in the Additional Comments section of your UC application, and if you were denied admission, you might appeal and include documentation of your health issues.

Here are links on appeals information for three of the most popular UC campuses:
Berkeley, http://students.berkeley.edu/admissions/general.asp?id=113&navid=N
Los Angeles, http://www.admissions.ucla.edu/appealstr.htm
San Diego, http://admissions.ucsd.edu/UCSDFall09AppealsProcess.pdf
Other UC campuses, as well as CSU's and private or out-of-state universities, may have appeals information on their websites. Type "admissions appeal" in the search bar of the university's website to search for that information.

Read the information thoroughly and completely, and follow the directions well, especially noting the deadlines. Appeals received after the deadline may not be reviewed.

UCLA to Temporarily Discontinue International Development Studies Major

2009-05-05T14:44:00.000-07:00

The International Development Studies major at UCLA will be temporarily discontinued while the program is reassessed for resource allocation. Transfer students admitted for Fall 2009 to that major will be able to continue in it, but transfer admits thereafter will not be able to declare IDS as a major. UCLA has not indicated whether or not this major will be offered again at a later date. Please refer to the note on the IDS website for confirmation of this information: http://www.admissions.ucla.edu/prospect/adm_tr/lsmajors/intl_dev.htm

Students who had been planning on transferring to UCLA as an IDS major after Fall 2009 can consider another major, such as one of the area studies (e.g. Asian American Studies, Latin American Studies, etc.) or a broader field such as Political Science or Sociology. Refer to http://www.assist.org for assistance in researching majors offered in the UC and CSU systems.

Prior College Coursework & University Applications

2009-04-22T09:35:00.000-07:00

Quite a number of international students come to DVC having attended a college or university in their home country. When it comes time to apply for transfer from DVC to a university, such students often fail to report their prior college coursework, for various reasons. Some have the mistaken notion that foreign college coursework is not valid in the U.S. Others believe that, since they are studying a major that is different from their former program of study in their country, their prior foreign college coursework is irrelevent. And others, like many U.S. students, did not do well academically their first year in college, so they do not want their grades to affect their admissibility to a U.S. university.

Whatever the case may be, transfer applicants are REQUIRED by the universities to report ALL college-level coursework completed, whether in the U.S. or in another country. Failure to report all prior college coursework can result in the student's application becoming invalid. There have even been cases where a student got admitted to a university, but when the authorities of that university discovered that the student had failed to report prior college coursework, the student's offer of admissions was rescinded, or taken back.

So one may ask, How would the university know that I completed college coursework in my country if I do not report it on the application? The application asks the applicant to account for each semester after high school completion until the time of the application. Any breaks in the student's academic history...a semester or two or three, for example...will raise flags of suspicion, and university admissions officers may ask the applicant to provide documentation to prove what the applicant states on the application. For example, if the applicant reported that s/he was working, the university may ask to see copies of payroll receipts for those dates to verify the employment.

The best advice is for each applicant to be completely thorough and honest on their application. College admissions is as much art as it is science. Of course, the universities are looking for strong academic achievement demonstrated by a high GPA, but they are also looking for much, much more than mere numbers. They want students who are leaders, who show community-mindedness, who overcame challenges and obstacles in their lives to succeed academically and personally. A bad first year in a college in another country can actually be turned into something positive, especially if the student's academic performance since then clearly demonstrates that the student is capable of doing well.

The old adage "Honesty is the best policy" holds true when it comes to university admissions applications. Put all of who you are and what you've done out on the table for the universities to see. Your accomplishments will shine even brighter next to challenges and obstacles that you may have faced earlier and overcome successfully.

GPA: Myths and Realities

2009-04-09T14:52:00.000-07:00

I don't know how many times I've heard statements like the following: "I have to make all A's!" or "If I don't have a 4.0, I won't get in!" My heart breaks each time I hear a student making that claim because I can't imagine the kind of pressure that student must be feeling to make perfect grades. While no one will deny the fact that the higher the GPA, the greater your chances of being admitted into a selective major, the reality is that there is much more to the admissions process than simply having a high GPA.

For those of you who are numbers-driven, though, I refer you to the official website of the University of California system to see those numbers for yourself: http://statfinder.ucop.edu/default.aspx. Look at the table for California community college transfer students, and you will see that not all of those students admitted had perfect GPA's. In fact, the tables don't even indicate how many students had a perfect 4.0!! I looked at the statistics for UC Berkeley, for Fall 2007 (the most recent data available). For that semester, there were 1,536 community college transfer students enrolled for the first time. Of those students, about 85% had a transfer GPA of 3.4 or higher, and about half had a GPA hovering somewhere around 3.7. So, what about that 15% with a GPA less than 3.4? What did they have that UC Berkeley wanted?

While it's difficult to answer that question without having been a fly on the wall in the rooms where those admissions decisions were made, we can surmise that a student's other qualifications are considered in the admissions process. Any university wants to admit students who display leadership qualities. This doesn't mean that you have to be the student body president, or the founder of a new club or organization; it just means that you are self-guided and self-motivated, that you know how to lead others while being a good follower, yourself. Your extra-curricular activities should reflect these qualities. Also, universities want students who are community-minded and have a global perspective, so performing acts of community service will help you gain these qualities. Don't choose an activity simply because you think it will look good on your application; if you do that, your heart won't be in it, and therefore you'll learn little from it. Instead, consider what you feel passionate about, and find an opporunity to make a difference in your community in that context. Are you passionate about the environment? Participate in a recycling program! Do you love children? Volunteer in a shelter for homeless families! Are you an animal-lover? Offer your time to a local rescue association or animal shelter. There's something for everybody out there. Finding the opportunities might be difficult, but just ask around. You can also search online. Volunteerinfo.org [http://www.volunteerinfo.org/] is a good resource when looking for volunteer opportunities in the Bay Area.

Finally, while it's true that California residents get priority when it comes to admissions into the UC and CSU systems, all campuses of the CSU and UC value the unique contributions that international students make to the diversity of the campus community. Make yourself as competitive as possible in all ways, not just when it comes to GPA. However, to help you have as high a grade as possible, here are two suggestions: First, visit your instructors during their office hours to ask questions about the lectures and the assignments. Having that one-on-one connection might be just what you need to be successful in the course. Second, utilize tutoring services on campus. DVC tutors are well-qualified and trained to help you be the best student you can be, and tutoring in a variety of subjects is offered each semester. Visit the Tutoring Services website for more information: http://www.dvc.edu/org/departments/tutoring-services/index.htm

Have a great Spring Break!

Stress Management

2009-04-03T13:27:00.000-07:00

It's that time of the semester: Mid-term exams are happening, projects are due, extra-curricular activities are eating up a lot of your time. Spring break is still a week away. The pressure to succeed is greater than ever. What's a stressed-out student to do?

Stress itself is neither positive nor negative; it simply "is." However, how we deal with the stress in our lives is what matters. Some people choose to deal with stress negatively; they smoke, overdrink, overeat or eat unhealthily, or otherwise engage in activities that are not helpful. There are, however, positive ways to deal with stress. Getting enough sleep is one of the most important ways to deal with stress. With homework and assignments piling up, it might be easy to rationalize "pulling an all-nighter." But good time management skills will solve this problem. Knowing when your assignments are due and when your exams are scheduled, and working/studying a little bit each day, will help you avoid the "all-nighter." Exercise is another positive way to deal with stress. You don't have to spend hours in the gym, or even break a sweat; just going for a walk or jog can help your body work out the tension caused by stress. Finally, eating properly is vital in maintaining your health in stressful times. Avoid fast foods and processed products. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain products, protein-rich foods, and other nutritious options. And drink plenty of water; dehydration will cause headaches and other aches and pains.

And on a final note, while over-socializing can contribute to poor time management, and thus cause you to neglect your responsibilities as a student, having a good social-support network can de-stress your life. A good time manager will schedule time for fun and relaxation; do something that you enjoy with someone whom you enjoy being with. You could even combine strategies by exercising or sharing a healthy meal with a friend.

For more information on stress management for college students, refer to this article on stress and students at about.com: http://stress.about.com/od/studentstress/ht/schoolstress.htm.

W's and University Admissions

2009-04-02T10:33:00.000-07:00

There seems to be a myth passed around by students that a W on your transcript will keep you from being admitted to a university. There might be some extreme cases in private or out-of-state universities in which a W negatively impacted a student's admissibility to that university. That could be attributed to the fact that some colleges and universities will indicate a W along with the grade that the student had earned at the time of withdrawal; in other words, if the student was making an F in the class and withdrew from it, the student's transcript indicated WF for the course, meaning that the student was failing at the time of withdrawal.

DVC, however, does not follow this practice. If you withdraw from a course, your transcript will merely indicate W. And, according to UC officers at a recent UC counselors conference, the UC system will disregard a W on an applicant's transcript. Therefore, W's have no impact on your transfer GPA. However, having a great number of W's on your transcript might have a negative impact on your admissibility, as admissions officers might consider a large number of W's as an indication that you do not complete what you begin. If you have extenuating circumstances, such as an illness, a disability, or other reasons for frequent withdrawals from courses, use the "Additional Comments" section of your university applications to explain why you have a large number of W's. Accentuate the positive: Point out that you have overcome your challenges to be successful in other courses, and that you didn't let your circumstances impede your progress toward your academic goal.

One final point to remember: F-1 international students are expected to complete a minimum of 12 semester units each fall and spring in order to stay in legal immigration status. PLEASE talk to an international student advisor in the ISAS office before you withdraw from any courses.

Financial Assistance for International Students

2009-04-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

In these tough economic times, finding the money for college can be a challenge, especially for international students, as many financial aid programs are restricted to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. However, there are some private sources of funding out there; finding them, however, is another story. Here are a few websites that might help you begin the arduous task of finding finances for your college education in the U.S.:
1. EduPASS is a non-profit organization with some useful tools and links on its website for researching money for college in the U.S. [http://www.edupass.org/finaid/].
2. The International Education Financial Aid website [http://www.iefa.org/] has a fairly comprehensive database of financial aid available for international students. Read all of the information carefully; some of the programs are campus-specific.
3. Peterson's, a reputable publisher of college guides, has information about financial assistance on their website [http://www.petersons.com/finaid/file.asp?id=780&path=ug.pfs.financial&sponsor=1]. Read carefully; some of the programs described might not be available for international students, but some will be.
You can find other websites by simply entering "international student scholarships" in a search engine.

Another source of information might be the embassy or consulate of your home country, as the government of your country might have financial aid available for its citizens who are studying in other countries. Also, if either or both of your parents work for companies, ask them to check with the Human Resources office of their employer to see whether or not the company provides scholarships or loans for the dependents of its employees.

As you research, keep in mind that even U.S. citizens and permanent residents have difficulty financing their college education. But, where there's a will, there's a way! It might take longer than you'd like, and you might have to choose a university that's not your first...or even your second or third...choice, but you CAN find an affordable option eventually.

Summer and Fall Registration Dates Available

2009-03-31T09:26:00.000-07:00

Log-in to WebAdvisor, click on "Current Students," and under the "Registration" section, click on the link that states "My Priority Registration Dates" to find out when you can register for summer and fall terms. If you need to see me before you register, make an appointment now. Available slots are filling up fast, and remember that I am not here in the summer. There will, however, be counselors available to see you.

Your registration date and time is based on the number of units you have completed, and registration dates cannot be changed. Log-in just as soon as you are able to register for the classes you want. If they are filled already, remember that you can go to the class on the first day and ask the instructor if you can take the class. If the instructor consents, s/he will give you the add code, and you can add the class using a Schedule Request Form, available in the Admissions and Records office.

Remember: The early bird gets the worm...er, class!

What is a "good" school?

2009-03-30T12:32:00.000-07:00

So many international students want me to tell them whether or not a school is "good." Very often, I will recommend a school, and the student asks me, "But is that a good school?" Well, I wouldn't recommend it if it weren't good, would I? But I think what students really want to know is, "Will people in my country recognize the name of that school when I return to look for a job?" For that answer, you will have to ask employers in your country, since I am not from your country and do not know which schools they may or may not be familiar with here in the U.S. I can, however, give you some information that might help you decide for yourself whether or not a school you are considering attending is "good."

First of all, you should consider whether or not the institution is regionally accredited. DVC, all CSU's and UC's, and most private institutions in California are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Every region in the U.S. has a regional accrediting commission that examines schools to determine whether or not the school is continuing to meet the high standards set by the accrediting commission. It is important that you attend a regionally-accredited institution so that your units will more easily transfer.

Second, see if the program you want to study at that institution has special accreditation. There are national and international professional accrediting agencies that give their stamp of approval to programs that meet their standards. This type of accreditation is important, especially if you plan to seek a license of some sort related to your program of study. Some professional accreditation programs include:
1. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, or AACSB [http://www.aacsb.edu/accreditation/standards.asp]
2. For engineering programs, ABET, Inc. [http://www.abet.org/index.shtml]
3. The National Architectural Accrediting Board, or NAAB [http://www.naab.org/]
4. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design [http://nasad.arts-accredit.org/index.jsp]

These are just a few examples of professional accrediting agencies. Visit the Career and Employment Services office for more information about professional accrediting agencies, or come see me in the Counseling Center if your program is not business, engineering, architecture, art, or design, and we'll see what we can find out together.

Welcome to the DVC International Counselor's Blog!

2009-03-25T15:45:00.000-07:00

Hello, DVC international students! I've created this blog as a way to get academic planning information to you on a regular basis. I'll blog about upcoming deadlines, changes in academic policies and requirements, planning practices you should be performing, and more. Here are some things for you to consider:
1. If you will complete the requirements for an AA degree, the deadline for petitioning for the degree is March 31. Visit the A&R office in the Student Services Building to get and submit the form, or click this link: http://www.dvc.edu/pdfs/Application_for_Degree.pdf.
2. The deadline to drop a full-term course is April 24. Remember you will receive a W for the course (W's are not bad; they do not affect your GPA, and in most cases, they will not affect your admissibility for a university). Be cautioned: F-1 international students have to maintain full-time enrollment each semester. If you drop a course and it causes you to be enrolled in less than 12 units, you will be out of status! Use the Schedule Request Form, available in the A&R office, or here: http://www.dvc.edu/pdfs/Schedule-Request.pdf.
3. The summer and fall 2009 schedules are now online: http://www.dvc.edu/org/info/schedules/. Now is the time to make a counseling appointment for academic planning for those terms. If you wait too late, there might be no more appointments available. Call 925-685-1230, extension 2276 to make an appointment.

Thanks for reading, and check back daily for updates!