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Student-Counselor Connection

Why should you meet with a counselor?

Counseling services are essential for every college student whether you are excelling or struggling in your classes.  Counselors can make sure you're taking the right classes and have a realistic schedule based on your outside responsibilities such as work, family, and other obligations.  Counselors can provide you with the support and guidance to help you make informed decisions about colleges, majors, and career goals.  Counselors can connect you to campus resources to ensure you are receiving wrap around services to enhance your academic experience at Allan Hancock College.

How often should you meet with a counselor?

Ideally, you should plan to meet with a counselor once a semester.  A counselor can help you explore and define both academic and career goals and provide resources to use in the exploration process.  There may come a moment in your educational journey where you might feel discouraged or overwhelmed.  Don't hesitate to check in with a counselor.  We are here to support and encourage you along the way.

How do you prepare for a counseling appointment?

Your counseling appointment is all about you and your educational goals.  So, it helps to do some prep work!  To ensure you get the most out of your counseling appointment, we suggest the following:

  • Schedule a counseling appointment during your availability.  Don't schedule an appointment during valuable class time.  

  • Write down your questions prior to your appointment. This ensures you ask all the important questions.

  • Arrive to your counseling appointment 5-minutes prior to the start of your session.  You will be required to check-in at the front counter. 

  • If you're considering earning an Allan Hancock College certificate and/or degree, check out our list of programs available to you.  

  • If you're considering transferring to a university, check out our University Transfer Center and explore university options, majors/programs, and become familiar with our transfer resources.  Transferring to a university can be a complicated process, however counselors are here to help you understand the transfer requirements and prepare you for admission. 

  • Unsure of your career goal?  Take a quick career quiz prior to your counseling appointment to get an idea of possible career options that match your likes and interests.  Bring  your results to your counseling appointment to get a conversation started.  You may also visit the Career Center and speak to a career counselor. 

What are some counselor tips?

  • Take notes when you meet with a counselor.  Don't come empty handed.  Be prepared. 

  • Create a semester by semester plan with a counselor to outline every class needed to earn your certificate, degree, and/or satisfy transfer requirements.

  • Know your priority registration date which is located in your Hancock portal.  Your priority registration date is posted when the class schedule is available online.  Registering on time ensures you get into the classes needed to reach your goal in a timely manner. 

  • Reference the class schedule and double check if your planned classes are being offered.  If not, see a counselor to update your semester by semester plan.

  • Check to see if you have any registration holds.  You can view this information on your Hancock portal.

  • Stick to the plan!  We know things happen that may alter your plan.  Schedule an appointment with a counselor to update your plan as needed.