Student Advising and Assistance Center

Frequently Asked Questions

What is my first step in becoming a College of the Redwoods student?
1. Apply to CR online by going to www.redwoods.edu then go to:
“How to Become a Student”. This will take you directly to the CR application.

 *Please note: If you do not have computer access, you can go to any of our CR locations to pick an application up.

I need to repeat a course but I cannot register for the class via the internet.
All repeated courses MUST be done in person at the Admissions and Records Office. If you must repeat a course you have taken more than once, please speak to an advisor in the Counseling and Advising Office.

I have transcripts from another college. How do I get them evaluated?
Call Counseling and Advising at 476-4150 to get transcripts evaluated.

I cannot register for a particular class. The prompt reads, “Pre-requisites not met.”
This prompt usually means you have not met the pre-requisite for a course you are trying to register for. If you feel you have received this prompt in error, please call the Counseling and Advising Center at 476-4150 or email us at: counseling@redwoods.edu

I have taken the pre-requisite at another college. How do I register for the class?
Your transcripts from another school must be evaluated by an advisor or counselor for that specific pre-requisite before you sign up for the class.

I want to come back to school after one or more semesters off. What is my first step?
You must reapply to the College if you have taken one or more semesters off. If you did not take math and English courses when you attended last at CR and plan to WORK TOWARDS DEGREE/CERTIFICATE/TRANSFER, we highly recommend you take math and English placement exams.

I am dissatisfied with my math and/or English placement score. How do I go about re-taking the exam and improving my placement?
You can only retake the English placement exam ONCE in the semester. The charge is $10. You may retake the math placement TWICE a semester in the Academic Support Center. The ASC provides links to study for the math and English placement exams. Go to: http://www.redwoods.edu/eureka/asc/assessmenttesting.asp

What does “Academic Dismissal” mean?
Academic Dismissal means you have completed three or more semesters with less than a 2.0 grade point average. If you are on academic dismissal for the first time, you need to complete an Academic Recovery Plan with an advisor. If you have been on academic dismissal for one or more semesters, you need to see an advisor. Also note, you will not be able to register for any classes or make any changes to your class schedule via the web without the approval of an advisor.

Does CR accept placement scores from universities private colleges and/or out of state schools?
No. Only placement exams taken at California Community Colleges will be accepted.

Does CR need a copy of my high school transcripts?
No. Only official transcripts from other colleges/universities will be needed.

Does CR need a copy of my SAT/ACT scores?
No. We do not need them nor do we use them in any way.

I have taken Advanced Placement Scores in high school. Can I use those exam results for college credit?
Yes. Please see an advisor to do so.

 I only want to take one class. Do I have to send my official transcripts?
No. Although, if you would like to sign up for a class with a pre-requisite, an advisor will need a copy of your unofficial transcripts in order to verify you have completed the pre requisite with a passing grade.

What is the difference between a CSU and UC?
California State University system (CSU) is the system of higher education in California that grants most bachelor degrees. It is sometimes called the “teaching training” institution. The CSU also grants master degrees. The University of California (UC) is the research system of public higher education in California. The UC grants professional and doctorate degrees, as well as bachelors and masters degrees. The CSU has more practical, career-oriented approach to education in contrast to more theoretical approach offered by the UC.

What CR courses transfer?
Any course numbered listed that is between 1 through 99 (History 8, Psychology 33, Math 5, Spanish 99) are transferable to the CSU system. However, please refer to our college catalog to see which classes are transferable to the UC system or consult with a counselor or an advisor.

When to see a counselor or advisor:

• When you don’t know what classes are best to take
• For placement test score evaluation
• Evaluate assessment scores
• When you have questions on transferring and/or graduating
• When you are unsure of the best choices to continue your education
• When you have transcripts from other schools that need to be evaluated

How do grades of “W” affect my academic record?
A grade of a “W” (Withdraw) is not factored into your grade point average. For transfer students, “W’s” are not generally a focus of admission decisions unless there are an excessive number of “W’s” over a long period of time.

What courses do I need to complete before I transfer?

Youneed to complete 60 units minimum for admission to a university. You should become familiar with the admission requirements of the UC and CSU systems, and for any private colleges being considered. It is important to meet with a counselor to determine the best general education pattern to follow, and to research the lower division (freshman/sophomore) required courses for the chosen major. Research on courses to take for campus specific majors can be started at www.assist.org.

Do I need to complete 60 transferable units in order to transfer?
Generally, the answer is yes. Most UC and CSU colleges do not accept transfer students at the lower division level (students with fewer than 60 transferable units), so planning on going to a university as an upper division transfer (entering the university as a junior) is generally the best path. For those colleges that do consider lower division transfer applicants, only students who were eligible to enter the university as freshmen will be admitted, and such applicants are a low priority in the admission process. Priority will be given to those that will transfer with at least 60 transferable units.

How long will it take me to transfer?
The time it takes to transfer depends on the number of units completed each term, the level at which you start math and English composition classes, the admission requirements of the transfer institution and the desired major. Students who can attend full-time (12 or more units per semester), take summer and/or winter session classes, and who place directly into transfer level math and English classes can generally transfer after two years. Most students take longer than two years to meet all of the transfer, general education, and major preparation requirements.

Can I complete my transfer requirements at CR?
Yes. CR offers a variety of courses to complete general education patterns such as IGETC (the preferred GE pattern for those transferring to UC campuses for most majors), the CSU GE pattern, or the UCSC campus specific GE pattern. We also offer course that provide preparation for majors at UC, CSU and private colleges – see www.assist.org for major articulation between CR and UC/CSU colleges.

I have attended another college/university. Do these courses transfer to CR?
Degree applicable courses taken at other regionally accredited colleges will be accepted for general education, major coursework, or elective credit toward CR degrees. For students planning on an eventual transfer from CR to a university, the important issue is to determine if the desired transfer university will accept the non-CR units. Contacting the university is important.

Will I need my high school grades and SAT/ACT scores to transfer?
If you are transferring as a junior, with 60 transferable units, your high school grades, and any college admission tests scores you may have, will not be needed. If you are attempting to transfer to a private college or as a lower division transfer (with fewer than 60 transferable units), your high school record and SAT/ACT test scores will likely be required.