What to Expect When you Arrive to MiraCosta for the First Time
As you arrive at MiraCosta College for the first time and drop into the International Student Office, you meet an extremely welcoming staff of coordinators that are happy to introduce you to your new school. Sayaka is the (very friendly) secretary that can help resolve your request or direct you to where you can get help. Aubrey and Mia are international student coordinators that can help you with admission and most other requests that you might have after arrival in the US and throughout your studies at MiraCosta.
First things to do after admission to and arrival at MiraCosta College:
- check in with Sayaka, Aubrey, and/or Mia in the International Office
- take a placement test
- speak to a counselor
- register for classes
- attend the new student orientation
Taking a Placement Test
Placement tests are available in Math, English as Second Language (ESL), and English. All tests are given on a computer. Don't worry! The tests are for all students --- American and international. You cannot fail the placement tests. The tests help determine what classes you take at MiraCosta.
Since I've lived in the United States before my arrival at MiraCosta, my English was quite advanced at the time I took a placement test at MiraCosta. Thus, I decided to take the English assessment. Now the ESL assessment can place students into all levels of English.
It is important that you polish your English and Math skills before you take the test. You can practice the exams before you arrive to MiraCosta. After the test, if you feel you could have done better, you can always retake it.
Speaking to a Counselor
After you've been assessed in English and Math you can meet with a counselor and set up your schedule. The counselor can help you develop an educational plan, coordinate your career and academic goals, get you out information on graduation, major, and transfer requirements, and most importantly select classes so you can register as quickly as possible.
First things to do after admission to and arrival at MiraCosta College:
- check in with Sayaka, Aubrey, and/or Mia in the International Office
- take a placement test
- speak to a counselor
- register for classes
- attend the new student orientation
Taking a Placement Test
Placement tests are available in Math, English as Second Language (ESL), and English. All tests are given on a computer. Don't worry! The tests are for all students --- American and international. You cannot fail the placement tests. The tests help determine what classes you take at MiraCosta.
Since I've lived in the United States before my arrival at MiraCosta, my English was quite advanced at the time I took a placement test at MiraCosta. Thus, I decided to take the English assessment. Now the ESL assessment can place students into all levels of English.
It is important that you polish your English and Math skills before you take the test. You can practice the exams before you arrive to MiraCosta. After the test, if you feel you could have done better, you can always retake it.
Speaking to a Counselor
After you've been assessed in English and Math you can meet with a counselor and set up your schedule. The counselor can help you develop an educational plan, coordinate your career and academic goals, get you out information on graduation, major, and transfer requirements, and most importantly select classes so you can register as quickly as possible.
Register for Classes
You want to register as soon as possible as classes fill up quickly. So do not wait to speak to a counselor or to take the placement test. It is possible that if you wait too long you will not get into the classes you've selected and it may take you longer to graduate. So take the class registration serious and get it done quickly.
Attending the New Student Orientation
EVERY new international student has to attend the new student orientation. The orientation usually takes place in the 3rd week of August, one week before school starts. You can choose between two dates and expect to spend a couple of hours getting an understanding of what your experience will be like at MiraCosta College. This sounds a very long meeting, but it is actually not that bad. You gain very important information about your new school that is extremely important to know in order to succeed, and in addition, you meet other new students. Thus, the New Student Orientation gives you a chance to network before school starts. This makes everything easier as soon as you're in class.
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