Counseling FAQs

 

Q. How do I change my major? (Curriculum Code)

  1. Talk with an MCC counselor to determine your program of study.
  2. You can either schedule an appointment or utilize Express Counseling to meet with a counselor
  3.  Click on the following link to see hours, schedule an appointment or drop in during Express Counseling:  https://www.muskegoncc.edu/counseling-and-advising-center/
  4. If you have not already started classes and want to update your program before classes begin, you can email (from your MCC email) admissions@muskegoncc.edu and request to have your program changed.

Q. How long will my counseling appointment take?
A
. Advising appointments are scheduled for 30-45 minutes. Express Drop-in sessions are between 10-15 minutes. Some appointments, depending upon the nature, may be scheduled for 60 minutes.

Q. Is there a fee for counseling?
A. No all counseling is free.

Q. How many times can I meet with a counselor?
A. As many times as you need.

Q. Is there anything I should do to prepare for my counseling appointment?
A. Yes! If you are meeting with a counselor for the first time, please bring unofficial transcripts from other colleges you have attended if you have questions about transferring credits to Muskegon Community College or completing a degree at MCC. If you are coming in to register, think about the days and times you’d like to go to school.  You may also want to look over classes you are interested in taking in the MCC Course Catalog.

Q. How many times can I retest in Accuplacer?
A
. Students are allowed to take the Accuplacer test twice. You will need to call to make an appointment to test at the MCC Testing Center:  testingcenter@muskegoncc.edu or (231) 777-0394.  We recommend you review the questions for the Accuplacer test with Accuplacer’s free study app.  If you feel your Accuplacer scores do not reflect your ability, see an academic counselor to discuss your concerns.  The counselor will evaluate your request and provide you with retest referral if appropriate.

Q. I don’t know what I am going to major in or if I am going to transfer. How do I know what courses to take?
A. A counselor in the Counseling and Advising Center can help you begin to make these decision and suggest good courses to take. You can also make an appointment with our Career Services and Transfer Coordinator to help you identify your career interest areas and assist with transfer information.

Q. What do I do if I want to drop a class?
A. First, you should talk to your instructor. For additional help, you can talk to a counselor to consider alternatives like tutoring. Also, a counselor can help you access support available to prevent future drops.  You can drop a class online thru your MyMCC registration button.  Make sure you are aware of the reimbursement dates and deadlines as well as financial aid implications before you drop a class!

Q. How do I apply for financial aid?
A
. Our financial aid website is very helpful and will explain what you need to do to apply for financial aid. If you have questions regarding your financial aid, we recommend you speak with a financial aid representative in the MCC Financial Aid Office. The MCC Financial Aid Office is located in room 1040 on our main campus.

QHow do I figure out my GPA?
A. Each grade is worth a total number of honor points. Multiply the number of honor points of each grade received by the number of credit hours for that course. Then divide the total number of honor points by the total number of credit hours earned. The following grades do not have honor points and are not factored into your GPA: I = Incomplete W = Student Initiated Drop

Q. I haven’t gone to college before. I need to figure out how much time I need to have available for school. How do I figure this out?
ACollege offers classes morning, afternoon and evenings.  We also offer online and hybrid courses.  You can take whatever course you want to take during any the time of day that works with your schedule; as long as you have the pre-requisite courses needed. You need to be in class for as many hours a week as the amount of contact hours you are registered for.  A typical three-credit class will meet twice a week for 90 minutes.  (1.5 hours x 2 times a week = 3 hours per week in class.)  You should allow 2-3 hours of homework per hour per week that you are in class.  (3 credit hours x 2 hours = 6 hours to study for one class.)  So, if you are taking 12 credit hours, you will probably need 24-36 hours of study time to be successful in school.  It is hard to be successful in school if you work too much or don’t have enough time to study.

Q. I need to talk to a counselor about a personal problem. Can I do that?
A. 
Yes! All the counselors in the Counseling and Advising Center are licensed counselors and have experience with personal as well as academic issues.  When making an appointment for personal counseling, let the office staff know that you would like a longer appointment time for personal counseling.  Everything discussed in personal counseling is confidential.  All personal counseling is absolutely free.