Frequently Asked Questions

A unit (credit hour) shows how much credit you earn for a class and usually matches how many hours it meets each week.

For example, a 3-unit class meets about 3 hours per week.

Classes with more units usually meet longer and require more work.

To stay an active student at PCC, you need at least 1 unit in Fall and Spring. You don’t need to take classes in Summer or Winter.

For full financial aid, you must take 12 units (also depends on other factors).

International students must also take 12 units each Fall and Spring.

We recommend 12 to 14 units per semester if you work 20 hours or less per week. If you work more, consider taking fewer units.

Fall and Spring semesters:

• You can take up to 20 units each semester.
• We recommend taking 12 to 14 units per semester if you work 20 hours or less per week. If you work more, consider taking fewer units.

Winter and Summer intersessions:

• You can take up to 12 units each intersession.
• Winter and Summer classes are faster (6 to 8 weeks), so we recommend taking only 1-2 classes (3 to 7 units).

If you are on academic or progress warning, you can take up to 12 units per semester.

You don’t need to choose a major in your first semester, but you must declare one before you complete 30 units.

If you need help deciding on a career/major, make a career counseling appointment or take Counseling 17 (Career Planning).

You can change your major when meeting with a counselor.  You may also request to change your major by submitting an online counseling inquiry.

Schedules are typically released:

Summer: mid-April
Fall: mid-May
Winter & spring: mid-October

“Permission” and “Restricted” classes are for specific programs. You can only register for those CRNs if you are in that program.

For details, click on the CRN in the schedule of classes to read the Section Information note.

“Staff” means an instructor has not been assigned yet.

You can contact the Division to ask if an instructor has been assigned.

For how to view your ed plan, go to How to View Your Student Educational Plan in LancerPoint.

Yes. You can repeat a class at PCC to earn a higher grade, up to 3 attempts total (including W’s). The higher grade will count in your GPA.

• Most universities will honor this policy, but the only university that we are aware of that does not is USC. They will average the grades, no matter how it appears on the PCC transcript.
• You do not need to submit a petition if you repeat the class at PCC. Your original grade will still show on your transcript, but it will not count in your GPA.
• You can also repeat the class at another college and submit a "Request to Counseling a Higher Grade from Another College".

If you have failed the class 3 times, you may petition to take it a fourth time, but the chance for approval is low. In this case, it may be better to repeat the class at another college.

Academic Renewal lets you remove old D or F grades from your GPA if those classes are no longer needed for your current goal.

The grades will still show on your transcript, but they won’t count in your GPA. Most universities accept this, but some (like USC) may still average the grades.

To learn more or apply, review the Academic Renewal petition or connect with a counselor or submit an online counseling request.

For more information about Academic Warning, go to Help with Academic Warning. 

You can discuss other strategies to avoid or get off of Academic Warning with a counselor.

With a letter grade (A–F), your grade counts toward your GPA.

With P/NP grading:

• A, B, or C = Pass (P)
• D or F = No Pass (NP)
• Does not affect your GPA

If you earn a P, you can move on to the next course (if required).

To choose P/NP, submit your request through the Admissions office.

Learn More About P/NP and How to Request P/NP for Your Class

An “I” means you were passing (C or higher) but couldn’t finish the class due to something outside your control. You must talk to your instructor before the semester ends make this request it. It is up to your instructor to determine if the incomplete option is available for your class.  

You and your instructor will sign a contract that lists what work you need to finish and your deadline. You have up to 1 year to complete the work. If you don’t, a default grade (usually an F) will be recorded.

Key points:

• You do not need to retake or pay for the class
• You only complete the missing work
• The “I” does not affect your GPA unless it turns into a final grade

“I” vs. “F”

• I = temporary, can be changed by finishing the work
• F = final grade, must retake the class to replace this grade in your GPA. Repeating will not remove the F from your transcript. 

In most cases, a W (Withdrawal) is better because it:

• Does not affect your GPA
  Does not show a grade

A D or F grade will lower your GPA and stay on your record.

However, too many W’s may raise concerns for universities.

• USC has a limit of 2 W's.

W’s can also affect financial aid, so check with the Financial Aid office. You can also connect with a counselor for guidance.

No. Do not assume you will be dropped. You must drop the class yourself in LancerPoint.

Make sure to drop by the drop deadline. Each class (CRN) has its own deadline.

• Drop deadlines are shown when hovering over the CRN# in the schedule of classes. Each CRN may have different deadlines. 

No. If you earned a C or higher, you cannot retake the class at PCC. Most universities will also only count your first passing grade, even if you repeat it elsewhere.

You can only repeat classes with a W, D, F, or NP. To improve your GPA, focus on earning higher grades in future classes.

Exceptions:

• Some programs (like Medical School) may allow repeats for certain classes
• Some schools have recency requirements (for example, classes must be taken within 5 years)

You may submit a petition to repeat a class, but approval is rare.

Check your registration date and time in LancerPoint:

• LancerPoint  > Academics (top tab) > My Registration Appointment card > Check Your Registration Date and Time.  

Registration dates are typically released:

• Summer: mid-April
• Fall: mid-May
• Winter & spring: mid-October

Check the schedule of classes and find an open class (CRN).

Then, use the CRN to add the class in LancerPoint on or after your registration date.

• LancerPoint > Academics (top tab) > "My Registration Appointment" card > blue button > Register for Classes > Select Term > Enter CRN (top tab)   
• Visit Guide to Registering at PCC.

To drop your class:

• LancerPoint > Academics (top tab) > "My Registration Appointment" card > blue button > Register for Classes > Select Term > Summary box (bottom right corner) > find your class > change action to one of the drop options (dependent on drop deadlines) > Submit 

Drop deadlines are shown when hovering over the CRN# in the schedule of classes.

• Each CRN may have different deadlines. 

You will be responsible for the drop and add deadlines of your course. 

For other important dates, view the academic calendar for semester deadlines.

Waitlists are only available for some classes. If a class shows “Closed,” the waitlist is also full. Check daily to see if a spot opens.

To join a waitlist:

• LancerPoint > Academics (top tab) > "My Registration Appointment" card > blue button > Register for Classes > Select Term > Enter CRN (top tab) > Summary box (bottom right) > change action to "Wait Listed" > Submit

For more details, view the Waitlist procedures.

Once you’re on the waitlist, check your PCC email daily. If a spot opens, you’ll get an email.

• You can only be on one waitlist per class (CRN).

Once you are notified, you must log into LancerPoint and activate the class within 48 hours. If you don’t, the spot goes to the next student.

• LancerPoint > Academics (top tab) > Academics (top tab) > "My Registration Appointment" card > blue button > Register for Classes > Select Term > Summary box (bottom right) > change action to add class > Submit

If you’re still waitlisted when the class starts, attend the first day and ask the instructor. Students on the waitlist are usually added first if seats are available.

For more details, view the Waitlist procedures.

To check your waitlist position:

• LancerPoint > Academics (top tab) > Print Class Schedule card > VIEW/PRINT CLASS SCHEDULE > Registration (top link) > Register for Classes > Select Term > Schedule Details (bottom tab next to Schedule tab) 

We recommend:

• Adding another open section (CRN)
• Joining the waitlist, if available
• Attending the first class or contacting the instructor

If a seat opens, the instructor may give you an add code to register. Students on the waitlist are usually added first.

Add codes are used after the class starts and becomes active on the first day. 

To use your add code:

• LancerPoint >  Academics (top tab) > "My Registration Appointment" card > blue button > > Register for Classes > Select Term > Enter CRN (top tab) > system will prompt for add code (or system will automatically add if the instructor already entered your ID# for this CRN)

Important:

• Add codes can only be used once.
• If you are on the waitlist, drop the waitlist first before adding 
  • To drop > LancerPoint > > Academics (top tab) > "My Registration Appointment" card > blue button > Register for Classes > Select Term > Summary box (bottom right corner) > find your class > change action to the drop option > Submit
• If you add the class, it will show in Canvas by the next day.  

Prerequisite: A class or requirement you must complete before taking another course
Co-requisite: A class you must take at the same time as another course

If you completed the prerequisite at PCC, it will be cleared automatically in LancerPoint.

If you completed it at another college, you will need to submit an online prerequisite clearance request.

Pay your fees as soon as you register.

You can pay:

• Online: LancerPoint > My Account (top tab) > Billing and Payments card > Make a Payment
• In person: Student Bank (located above the Student Book Store in B203)

If you don't pay by the deadline, you will be dropped for non-payment from all your classes. 

There are 2 payment deadlines each term. 

• If you add a class after the 1st deadline, may sure to pay in full before the 2nd deadline. Otherwise, all your classes will dropped.
• If you add a class after the 2nd deadline, any outstanding fees will result in a hold on your account, which will block registration (including changes to your class schedule during the current term - adding and dropping classes) and access to grades, and other services.

If you need help paying, apply for Financial Aid or contact the Financial Aid Office. 

If you are an international student, check with the International Student Center for their payment policy.

We offer two parking options on campus:

• Daily parking permits are available at dispensers around all of the parking lots.
• Semester and intersession parking permits can be purchased online through LancerPoint. For more parking information, visit the Office of Police & Safety.

Yes, the Bookstore will list the instructor and the required text for each course. However, you may want to wait until after the first class meeting, when the instructor will confirm which books are required. 

To look up required textbooks for your classes, visit the online bookstore.

Yes. You may also be able to sell your used books back to the Bookstore at the end of the semester if they are in good condition.

Students are placed into English and Math using high school 11th grades. Your placement is usually automatically entered when you apply to PCC. If you do not receive your placements with your admission application, you may complete the self guided placement in the online orientation. 

Check at:

• Online Orientation > Placement and Counseling > scroll down to "Your Placement Results"
• or LancerPoint > Academics (top tab) > View Placement Results > View Placement Results > Prior Education and Testing (left menu) > placements listed under "TESTING"

To become a PCC student, follow these simple steps to apply, enroll, and register.

View the Steps to Get Enrolled.

To become a PCC student, follow these simple steps to apply, enroll, and register.

View the Steps to Get Enrolled.

If you plan on only attending PCC for personal interest, grad school prep, or while attending another college/university, go to Steps for Short Term Students.  

It's never too late to apply for financial assistance! To receive aid, complete the FAFSA and BOGG forms.

For more information on financial aid, contact PCC's Financial Aid office. 

Great! We offer two types of enrollment for students currently in high school — Dual Enrollment (taking PCC classes at your high school for high school and college credit) and Concurrent Enrollment (taking PCC classes outside of your regular high school day).

Learn More About Pre-College Programs at the PCC Campus

Your LancerCard ID (Student ID Card) will be available once you have registered for a class. For more information, go to the LancerCard ID page.  

For how to update your mailing address in LancerPoint, go to the Update Your Personal Information webpage for a step by step guide.

Complete the Minor Authorization Consent form. After submission, your hold will usually clear within 1-2 business days. 

You have 2 options to clear this hold:

• In-person at the Admission & Records window (L building) with 2 forms of ID
• or Online using the Statement of Educational Purpose form.

No, PCC does not offer student housing.

You can check the Student Life Office (CC-105) or campus housing boards for roommate listings and rooms for rent.

Yes. Childcare is available at the Child Development Center, located one block from campus (Green & Holliston).

Contact the Child Development Center for more information.

UCs and CSUs

You will need:

• 60 transferrable units
• Major preparation courses
• General Education (GE): Cal-GETC
• Electives (if needed to reach 60 units)

Check major requirements at www.assist.org.

• How to Use Assist.org

CSU Tip:

1. Earning an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) is recommended
2. An ADT degree may gain admission and graduation benefits at the CSU (for approved options).

Private or Out-of-State Universities:

• Requirements vary by school
• Some accept Cal-GETC, others have their own GE pattern
• Check PCC's articulation agreements with other colleges/universities

If your school is not listed, visit the Transfer Center during your first semester to learn more. 

Connect with a counselor to plan your classes.

• New students: Complete the New Student Counseling Intake Form to connect with a counselor via email
• Continuing or transfer students: speak to a counselor or the Transfer Center

You may view or create your own degree and general education audit using LancerPlan.  

Yes. PCC credits are generally transferable because we are a regionally accredited college.

However, PCC does not have course equivalency lists for out-of-state schools.

We recommend contacting your university to confirm their requirements. Once you have that information, a counselor can help you find likely equivalent courses at PCC.

Many UC and CSU schools do not accept second bachelor's applicants. Check with the university you are interested in.

If not, consider a Master's or Doctorate program. Most graduate programs don't require a specific bachelor's degree to qualify. They only ask for a bachelor's degree plus certain classes and other requirements.

It depends on your goal:

• Transfer to a university to earn a bachelor degree: The university will evaluate your foreign credits. Contact them first to see what they accept.
• Earn an associate degree at PCC: You must get your credits evaluated by an approved agency. After completing 12 units at PCC, meet with a counselor so start the process of requesting an official evaluation at PCC of your credits toward's PCC's degree.

If you already have a bachelor’s degree from another country, check with universities first. Many do not accept second bachelor’s applicants, so you may want to consider graduate school.

Send an official and complete transcript to the PCC Admissions office as soon as possible. After you've completed 12 units of coursework at PCC, submit an online official evaluation request.

AP credit rules vary by college and major, so speak to a counselor before using your AP scores.

• If you apply AP credit at PCC, it cannot be removed later, even if a university requires you to take the class.

To use AP scores to clear a prerequisite for registration, submit an online prerequisite clearance request.