Frequently Asked Questions by Students
Contact any of us with your pathway questions. We are dedicated to connecting you to the resources and support that you need.
- If I know my major, how do I know what courses are required for completing that degree and/or to transfer? How many courses should I take each semester based on my personal situation?
- What programs exist that guarantee admission into a transfer institution, including UC Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) programs? How do I start the process?
- What resources are available if I’m undecided or undeclared?
- What resources are available if I'm a lifelong learner and not interested in transfering at this time?
- What resources are available if I have mental health issues?
- What resources are available if I have a learning disability?
- What resources are there to support my learning needs?
- How should I narrow down which area of expertise within _____ area I want to pursue?
- Which 4 year colleges/universities have a good program for _______? What should I be looking for to know if it's a good fit for me? Do you have any degree-specific tips you’d recommend once I transfer to a 4 year college/university?
- What connections to internships, community resources, conferences, websites,etc. can you refer me to?
- What suggestions do you have for me to find a mentor or have a chance to do job shadowing in this field?
Do you have a question not listed? Start by asking any one of us. We can connect you to the information and resources you are seeking.
Check out our frequently asked Pathway questions with sample answers below!
Pathway Student Success Teams are counseling and instructional faculty, classified staff, and peer mentors who all work together to provide support to students. We are dedicated to connect you to the information and resources students are seeking during their academic journey. Many of the supports we have to get you started can be located in our Academic and Career Pathways plus our Undecided pathway to support those who have not decided what area they want to focus on yet. These Pathways provide clear pathway course sequencing for our degrees and certificates, key milestone information for students to complete along their journey, and proactive and intentional support from dedicated Pathway Student Success Team members and our campus constituents. Pathway Student Success Teams, will utilize accessible and inclusive support services for all students and promote timely completion of transfer, degree, and career-technical goals to reduce equity gaps.
Every degree and certificate in a Pathway has a Program Map, a suggested sequence of courses necessary for the completion of a degree or certificate. It includes a recommendation of semester-to-semester courses, pre- and co-requisites, and the semester(s) the courses are offered. Scroll down the list of Degrees/Certificates to select a program and view general career information, employment outlook and the Program Map. Course boxes in the Program Map are color coded based on major content vs general requirements vs advisory notes; all boxes open to reveal more information, including every course that satisfies this area and important related information.
We STRONGLY RECOMMEND after viewing a Program Map, you meet with a Counselor to create a personalized Ed Plan that includes a conversation about their interests: careers, transfer institutions, etc.
- Transferring to a CSU: Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) is a joint program between our California Community Colleges and the California State University (CSU) that makes it easier for students to transfer. Students who earn the ADT in Arts (AA-T) or Science (AS-T) are guaranteed admission to the CSU system and given admission advantage to impacted campuses. Check out our LPC in Arts (AA-T) and Science (AS-T)!
- Transferring to a UC: The University of California (UC) offers Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) to six of its nine campuses, and LPC students are admitted to even the most competitive, with UC Berkeley & Davis being among our top 5 transfer destinations. Your transfer plan will include a combination of General Education and Major Preparation (see assist.org). To ensure eligibility and competitiveness for UC transfer, plan with your Counselor or take a visit to our Transfer Center early in your academic journey.
- Transferring to a Private College: Private/Independent and out-of-state colleges have varying requirements for transfer student admission. Most private and out-of state-schools require fewer units for transfer eligibility, so it is important that you plan ahead.
Meet with a Counselor! We STRONGLY RECOMMEND after viewing a Program Map, students meet with a Counselor to complete a comprehensive Ed Plan, where many personal factors will be taken into account.
- LPC's DegreeWorks View your Student Educational Plan, confirm completed courses and which courses remain to meet your educational goal.
- Assist.org View which credits earned at one California college or university can be transferred to another. ASSIST is the official repository of articulation for California's colleges and universities, providing the most accurate and up-to-date information about student transfer.
- Meet with a Counselor!Counselors are available to assist current and prospective students in identifying, clarifying, and reaching their educational and career goals.
- AS-T = Associate in Science for Transfer Degree
- AA-T = Associate in Arts for Transfer Degree
- AA = Associate of Arts Degree
- AS = Associate of Science Degree
- CA = Certificate of Achievement
Las Positas College has partnered with the CSU system to develop Associate Degrees for Transfer (also known as Associate of Arts-Transfer (AA-T) or Associate of Science-Transfer (AS-T) degrees). These degrees were created to meet common lower-division requirements for general education and major preparation for most CSU campuses with a similar major. To meet some career goals, we offer certificates of various lengths, such as a Certificate of Achievement (CA). You should meet with a counselor to discuss whether one of these degrees or certificates is an appropriate pathway for your personal academic or career goal.
Every degree and certificate in your pathway is linked to careers and current EMSI Labor Data! Scroll down the list of Degrees/Certificates to view program-specific career information and an employment outlook in the selected program of study. Current and prospective students can explore career information via our free LPC Career Coach (pro-tip: we encourage you to create a free account to save your results and review this with a counselor). You should also create a free account on our LPC Internship and Job Board (Handshake) to view current postings and get notified when a job or internship in their area of interest becomes available. Lastly, we encourage you to visit our Career and Employment Center for additional support.
We STRONGLY RECOMMEND that you meet with a Counselor to review your Career Coach results and complete a comprehensive Ed Plan, which is customized to your personal needs.
LPC Financial Aid Office offers federal and state financial assistance to eligible students, including completing a FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application. We offer scholarships, grants, federal work-study, and much more! Meet with a Financial Aid Officer today to get personalized assistance. Additional academic and holistic services for financially disadvantaged students, including first-generation, foster youth (EOPS/CARE) and single-parent (CalWORKs) students.
If you are seeking to transfer to a 4-year university, you are highly encouraged to complete your college transfer-level Math and English in your first year. Research shows that students are more likely to transfer and more successful when they complete transfer-level Math and English in their first year. Here is more information on English transfer-level course and support options and Math transfer-level course options based on areas of interest, learning modes and support options.
We STRONGLY RECOMMEND that you meet with a Counselor to discuss which transfer-level math course is required for their major and to complete a comprehensive Ed Plan.
Basic need supports are available for LPC students through our campus and our community. We are ready to provide proactive and personal support for our students! Examples of basic needs support includes: housing resources, food insecurity needs, and transportation resources. Visit our Las Positas Basic Needs website for more information.
Have you visited our Mini-Market inside our Student Life Welcome Center, located in Building 1623? All are welcome! Items offered for FREE to students include fresh fruits & veggies, meat and eggs, canned goods, toiletries such as feminine hygiene, soap, cleaning supplies, snacks + cup of noodles with ways to heat them up and enjoy!