Sometimes you know you need help, but you are not sure if your situation is something you should talk to a counselor about.
Maybe you are not sure which classes to take. Maybe you are thinking about changing your major. Maybe you are worried about graduating on time or transferring to a four year school. Or maybe you simply feel like you are trying to figure everything out on your own.
You do not have to wait until you have a major problem to meet with a counselor.
At Coalinga College, counselors and advisors are available to help you make decisions about your education, career goals, and personal concerns.
When Should I Meet With a Counselor?
There are plenty of reasons to make an appointment.
You may want to meet with a counselor if you:
- Need help choosing or registering for classes
- Want to create or update your Student Educational Plan
- Are thinking about changing your major
- Are planning to transfer
- Are working toward a certificate or associate degree
- Have questions about graduation requirements
- Are unsure about your academic or career direction
- Have personal concerns that are affecting your ability to succeed in school
Coalinga College recommends that students develop and update their Student Educational Plan with a counselor, especially when they are pursuing a degree, certificate, or transfer program or when they change their major or educational goal.
You can learn more about Coalinga College Counseling and Advising Services and the different types of support available.
What Is the Difference Between a Counselor and an Advisor?
If you are not sure who you should meet with, that is okay.
Academic advisors can help with things such as registering for classes, making changes to your schedule, navigating your student accounts, and connecting you with student resources.
Academic counselors can help with a broader range of academic planning, including creating a comprehensive Student Educational Plan, changing your major, transfer planning, and certain petitions and appeals.
If you are still unsure who you need to talk to, you can contact Student Services and they can help point you in the right direction.
How Do I Schedule an Appointment?
You have a few options.
You can visit or call Student Services in Coalinga at 559 934 2300. You can also use your myWestHills portal and access myCounseling Services to schedule an appointment.
You can also visit the Coalinga College Counselors and Advisors page to find contact information for counselors and advisors.
If you already know which counselor or advisor you need, contacting them directly may be the easiest way to get started.
What Should I Bring to My Appointment?
You do not need to show up with everything figured out.
It can help, however, to spend a few minutes thinking about what you want to discuss.
Before your appointment, consider:
What is my goal?
Think about what you are working toward. Are you trying to graduate, transfer, complete a certificate, choose a major, or simply figure out what comes next?
What questions do I have?
Write down anything you have been wondering about. You may think you will remember everything during the appointment, but having your questions written down can make the conversation easier.
What classes have I already completed?
Your counselor can look at your academic progress, but it is helpful to have an idea of the classes you have taken and the classes you are currently enrolled in.
Has anything changed?
Maybe your career goals have changed. Maybe you are thinking about a different major. Maybe your schedule has changed because of work or family responsibilities.
Let your counselor know. Your education plan should reflect where you are now and where you want to go.
It Is Okay to Say, "I Do Not Know What I Am Doing."
You do not need to walk into your appointment knowing exactly what you want.
In fact, that is one of the reasons counseling exists.
If you are unsure about your major, career, classes, or future plans, tell your counselor. Coalinga College counseling services can help students assess their academic and career goals and create a plan based on those goals.
You can start the conversation with something as simple as:
"I am not sure what I want to do, and I need help figuring it out."
That is a perfectly good place to start.
What If I Have a Personal Problem?
Counseling is not only about choosing classes.
Coalinga College also provides personal counseling for students dealing with personal, family, or social concerns that may affect their ability to be successful academically.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or dealing with something that is making school harder, you can learn more about Health and Wellness Services. Coalinga College offers personal counseling support and connects students with additional campus or community resources when needed.
You do not have to wait until you are struggling in every area of your life before reaching out.
Make the Most of Your Appointment
When you meet with your counselor, be honest about what you want and what is making things difficult.
If you are worried about graduating on time, say so.
If you are thinking about changing your major, bring it up.
If you are struggling in a class, let them know.
If you have no idea what you want to do next, say that too.
The more your counselor understands about your situation and goals, the easier it can be to work together on a plan.
Your Plan Can Change
One of the most important things to remember is that your education plan is not a promise that you can never change.
Your interests can change. Your career goals can change. Your circumstances can change.
If that happens, you can talk with your counselor about updating your plan.
College is a time to learn about yourself and figure out what direction feels right for you. You do not have to have your entire future figured out right now.
Ready to Meet With a Counselor?
If you have been thinking about meeting with a counselor, take that as your sign to reach out.
Visit Coalinga College Counseling and Advising Services to learn more about counseling and advising.
You can also view the Coalinga College Counselors and Advisors to find contact information and determine who may be able to help with your specific needs.
If you are not sure where to begin, call Student Services at 559 934 2300.
You do not need to have the perfect question. You do not need to have a perfect plan.
You just need to take the first step and start the conversation.