You open your student portal, look at your calendar, and realize registration is coming up.
Then the questions start.
What classes should I take? Am I taking the right courses for my degree? What if the class I need fills up? When can I register?
If you have not planned your next semester yet, take a breath. You are not behind. You just need a starting point.
At the Coalinga College Firebaugh Center, there are resources available to help you figure out your next steps before registration opens. A little planning now can help you feel more prepared when it is time to enroll.
1. Start With Your Goal
Before choosing classes, think about what you are working toward.
Are you completing general education requirements? Working toward a certificate or associate degree? Planning to transfer? Taking classes to move toward a career goal?
Your answer can help determine which courses should come next.
If you are not sure what classes fit your goal, that is exactly what counseling is for. Coalinga College recommends that students develop or update a Student Educational Plan with a counselor. Your plan can help you identify the courses you need and create a path toward your academic goal.
Need help figuring out your classes?
Schedule an appointment with a counselor or contact the Firebaugh Center at 559 934 2980.
2. Check Your Student Educational Plan
Your Student Educational Plan is one of the most useful tools for planning your next semester.
If you already have one, review it before registration. Look at the courses you have completed and the courses you still need. If your major, career goal, or transfer plans have changed, this is also a good time to talk with a counselor about updating your plan.
Not sure where to find your plan or what it means?
You do not have to figure it out alone. Counseling can help you understand your progress and plan for future terms.
3. Look at the Course Schedule Early
Once you have an idea of which courses you need, take a look at the upcoming class schedule.
Coalinga College course schedules are available online, and students register through their myWestHills student portal.
As you look through the schedule, pay attention to:
- Course days and times
- Online, in person, and other instructional options
- Prerequisites or corequisites
- Course location
- Short term versus full term courses
- Classes that fit around your work, family, or other responsibilities
You do not have to build the perfect schedule on your first try. Start by identifying the courses you need and then find options that fit your life.
4. Make a Backup Plan
Sometimes the class you want will not have the day or time you expected. Other times, a course may fill before you register.
That is why it helps to have a Plan B.
For each important course, try to identify another section or another course you could take if your first choice is unavailable. Coalinga College also offers waitlists for courses when seats are unavailable, although joining a waitlist does not guarantee that a seat will open.
Having a backup plan can make registration day feel much less overwhelming.
5. Find Out When You Can Register
Do not wait until registration day to find out when your registration window opens.
Through REG 365, registration becomes available during April and May for the upcoming Summer, Fall, and Spring terms. Registration priority can vary based on factors such as completed units and participation in certain student programs.
Check your myWestHills student portal for your specific registration information.
Log in and access your student portal
6. Make Sure You Are Ready to Register
Before your registration date arrives, make sure you can access your student portal and know how to search for and enroll in classes.
If you run into a problem, you do not have to spend hours trying to solve it yourself.
Firebaugh Center offers registration assistance that can help students navigate the student portal, search and enroll in classes, understand instructional options, and troubleshoot registration problems.
Get Firebaugh Center registration assistance
You can also contact the Firebaugh Center at 559 934 2980.
7. Do Not Forget Financial Aid
Planning your classes is important, but so is planning how you will pay for college.
If you receive financial aid or think you may qualify, review your financial aid information before registration. Coalinga College offers assistance with FAFSA, the California Dream Act application, and other financial aid questions.
Explore Financial Aid resources
Your Simple Pre Registration Checklist
If you are not sure where to begin, start here:
☐ Review your academic or Student Educational Plan
☐ Identify the courses you need next
☐ Check the upcoming course schedule
☐ Write down your first choice and backup courses
☐ Check your registration date in myWestHills
☐ Make sure you can log in to your student portal
☐ Review your financial aid information
☐ Connect with a counselor if you have questions
☐ Ask for registration assistance if you get stuck
You Do Not Have to Have It All Figured Out
Planning your next semester does not mean you need to know exactly what the next two years of college will look like.
Maybe your major has changed. Maybe your work schedule changed. Maybe you are returning to college after taking some time away. Or maybe you simply have no idea which class comes next.
That is okay.
Start with one question: What do I need to accomplish next?
From there, use your Student Educational Plan, course schedule, student portal, and the people at the Firebaugh Center to help you take the next step.
When registration opens, you will be glad you started planning before registration day.
Ready to get started?
Visit the Coalinga College Firebaugh Center or call 559 934 2980 for assistance.