Frequently Asked Questions

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.XL

  1. What is .XL?

    XL is a program designed to help new students make a smooth and successful transition from high school to college. .XL is divided into two parts: a six-week summer bridge and a two-semester first-year experience.

  2. If I join .XL, do I have to stay for the entire year?

    Yes, we want all .XL students to commit to being full-time students for an entire year.

  3. What are the advantages of joining .XL?

    There are a lot of benefits to joining .XL.  Students are guaranteed math and English classes, which are very hard for first-year students to get.  They also have access to the computers in the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC).  Finally, the TLC staff members are committed to helping .XL students succeed.

  4. I am a new student at PCC and I just graduated from high school. Can I join .XL?

    You may qualify for .XL, but you first have to take the English and math assessment tests.  Drop by the TLC (in V102) or call us (626.585.3046). Once you fill out an application and we get your test results, we can determine whether or not you fit into one of our cohorts.

Math Jam

  1. I am a new student, and I am registered for a basic skills math course in the fall. I want to join the summer Math Jam. What do I do?

    Go to our website: http://www.pasadena.edu/tlc.  Go to the Math Jam page and complete the online application.  Or, come to the TLC (in V102) at 8:45am on the first day of Math Jam!

  2. Is Math Jam a class?

    No, the summer Math Jam is not a class.  It's free, voluntary, and no-credit!

  3. Is Math Jam only for new students?

    Math Jam was created for new students; it provides them with an orientation to college and support in the fall as they take their first college math course.  However, a small number of continuing students in special programs also participate in Math Jam.

  4. What about in the fall? Will I get a class if I participate in the summer Math Jam?

    The TLC reserves seats in specific Math 402, 125, and 131 classes in the fall semester for students in .XL, Ujima, and Puente. All other summer Math Jam students must register for a fall math class. If you complete the summer Math Jam contract and are registered for a fall math class, you can come to the TLC for tutoring in the fall semester only.

Math Path

  1. What is Math Path?

    Math Path is an intensive, accelerated program. Students can complete two math courses in one semester.

  2. How can I join Math Path?

    • All students must apply online by going to the main Math Path webpage, clicking on “Apply Online,” and filling out the application.
    • Your application will be forwarded to a professor who is teaching your level of Math Path. He or she will contact you by email and arrange a time to talk and decide if Math Path is appropriate for you.
    • If you choose to proceed, you will be given an add slip and told how to register for the courses.

  3. What levels of Math Path are offered?

    We have many different levels of Math Path:

    Math Path ½ – Math 402 & 125
    Math Path 1 – Math 125 & 131
    Math Path 2 – Math 7A & B
    Math Path 3 – Math 5A & B
    Math Path 4 – Math 5C & 10
    Stats Path – Math 131 and Stats 50

    We offer different levels of Math Path each semester, based on math instructors’ interest in teaching them. We try to post the coming semester’s offerings on the website well before registration begins.

  4. Who should join Math Path?

    Math Path is not for everyone. It takes a tremendous amount of time and effort. Students who succeed in Math Path typically spend over 40 hours per week studying alone or with classmates on and off campus. Students who work at jobs more than 20 hours per week are discouraged from registering for Math Path.

  5. Why should I take Math Path?

    Math Path students succeed at higher rates than non-Math Path students. Most students report that Math Path is a life-changing experience – they learn that they are capable of excellence in a math class. But honestly, most students choose to enroll in Math Path because they want to get their math requirements completed quickly.

  6. What are the risks of taking Math Path?

    Most of the Math Path courses are sequential – the first course is the prerequisite for the second course. If you do not pass the first Math Path course, you will not be able to continue into the second half of the program. Since most Math Path students enroll in very few other courses, this means that their entire semester can be wasted.

  7. How do I know if I am accepted into Math Path?

    Your Math Path professor will tell you during that interview if there is room for you in the program.

  8. Are all Math Path students full-time students? What other courses are recommended?

    Only Math Path ½ and Math Path 1 students receive a full load of classes. (Each is 12 units.) The other Math Path levels offer fewer units. If you need to be a full-time student, we strongly recommend you take less demanding classes while you are taking Math Path classes.

MESA

  1. What are the requirements to be a member of the MESA Program?

    All PCC MESA students must be

    • currently enrolled at PCC
    • financially or academically disadvantaged and/or a first-generation college student
    • majoring in science, technology, engineering, or math
    • eligible for Math 131 or higher and plan on taking calculus. 

  2. What are the benefits of the MESA Program?

    MESA members enjoy the benefits of the MESA study lab, tutoring, academic excellence workshops, internship opportunities, peer mentoring by other MESA students, STEM-related field trips and activities, MESA National Science Foundation Scholarship opportunities, the book loan program, the STEM book reference library, and membership into a supportive team of students!

  3. How do I apply?

    The MESA application is online: http://www.pasadena.edu/tlc. Go to the MESA site and complete the application.

  4. When will I know if I have been accepted?

    You will be contacted during the semester you apply. If there is available room in the program, you will be interviewed, and if you are eligible and accepted, you will be notified shortly thereafter.

  5. What if I was a MESA member previously, here or at another school? Will I automatically be accepted?

    No, all applicants need to go through the same screening process.

TLC

  1. How can I become a TLC student?

    You become a TLC student when you enroll in a TLC-sponsored program or class.  These programs and classes will be listed in PCC's Schedule of Classes, which is issued each semester. To join a TLC program, fill out an online application on the TLC website (http://www.pasadena.edu/tlc) or visit the TLC in V102.

  2. If a TLC class that I want is linked to another one I don't want, do I have to take the other class?

    Some TLC classes are pairs or blocks. That means that two or three classes are linked on the computer, and you must enroll in all of the courses. If you are not interested in taking all of the classes that are linked, look for another class that is not linked.

  3. If I take a TLC class, does that mean I can use TLC resources all the time I am at PCC?

    Some programs provide TLC services and resources to students as long as they are enrolled at PCC, but others do not.  You will be told about use of the TLC when you receive your TLC orientation.  If you are confused, please ask a TLC staff member.

  4. Can my friends come in to use the center when I am there?

    The TLC is very busy most of the day and there are often not enough computers for everyone. Therefore, only TLC students are allowed to use it.

  5. Is tutoring available all day in the TLC?

    Because the Conexion tutoring program relies on volunteers, we cannot offer tutors for every course at every hour. Come to the TLC and check the tutoring schedule.

  6. What if I want to use the center and a class is there?

    Sometimes an entire class will come in to use the TLC. If that is the case, we will put a sign on the door which will tell you how long the class will be there. During that time, if you need to use a computer, please go to another computer lab on campus. If, however, you have a counseling appointment, please enter quietly and try not to disturb the class that is working.