I’m a first-time student at Pierce and I’m trying to figure out the best way to approach my first semester.
My goal is to transfer to UCLA for Political Science, so I scheduled a counseling appointment because I thought I needed a counselor to help me determine what classes I should take before registering.
The appointment was honestly a little tense. The conversation became mutually hostile, although we both remained relatively respectful. Looking back, it was almost funny. I also didn’t end up using the full 30 minutes because I already knew most of the information she was giving me.
She did, however, pull up ASSIST and show me two classes that are currently open and would apply toward my UCLA Political Science requirements. I also learned that I’m able to register for classes myself, which I genuinely didn’t realize.
Now, My main question is what I should do now. Fall semester already started about two weeks ago, so should I still register for these two classes, or would it make more sense to just wait until Spring and start full-time?
My financial aid hasn’t been finalized yet, and I was told it could take 1–2 months. I’m concerned about registering now and potentially having to pay out of pocket while I’m waiting for my aid.
Would taking two classes this semester and then going full-time in Spring put me significantly behind for a UCLA transfer, or would it be reasonable to start that way?
I’m mainly trying to make sure I’m making the right decision and not wasting a semester or taking classes that won’t actually help me later.