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How Do New U.S. Students Create an Educational Plan?

Starting college is a big step, and you don’t have to figure it all out at once. If you are new to ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½, follow the steps below to create your educational plan and get ready to register.

• Educational Planning for New U.S. Students

  Take Counseling 095NC*/096

  New ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ students (who are not international students) develop their initial two-term educational plan in our Counseling 095NC* (COUNS 096 for athletes) class that is taught by an academic counselor. The online or in-person course will teach you how to:  

  • Plan your classes.
  • Understand your costs and apply for financial aid.
  • Explore the programs, resources, and support services available to you on campus.
  • Use the catalog and class schedule.
  • Know the difference between certificates of achievement, certificates of accomplishment, associate degrees, and transfer pathways.
  • Use important technology tools like the student portal and our online learning platforms.

  To register, log in to . On the searchable schedule, search for Diablo Valley College and look for COUNS 095NC/096 under courses. If you need help registering for COUNS 095NC/096, visit our 'How To Center' for instructions on How to register for classes online.

  Math, English & ESL Placements

  Be sure to complete your placements before your COUNS 095NC/096 class meets! You’ll need those to build your educational plan.

  What’s next? 

  We recommend that you meet with a counselor during your first term (and every term after) to complete your educational plan beyond what you will map out during COUNS 095NC/096.

  View the Class Schedule

How Do New International Students Create an Educational Plan?

Your ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ journey starts with a plan built around your goals. Follow the international student planning process to choose your classes, create your educational plan and prepare for your first term.

• Educational Planning for New International Students

  Math & English Placements

  Be sure to complete your placements before you create your educational plan! You’ll need those to build your plan.

  Build Your Plan

  Use our , our online learning platform, to review the Academic Planning and Class Registration module.

  Create a two-semester education plan in , our student portal, under the Educational Plan tile.

  What’s next?  

  1. Attend our Pre-Arrival Workshop on Zoom where you can learn how to register for classes, which courses to take, requirements for F-1 students, or arrangements you should make before you depart for the U.S. These workshops are presented by a ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Academic Counselor and the International F-1 Advisor. You will receive an email with more information to register.
  2. New international students are encouraged to register for COUNS 100: New Student Success Strategies. 

  View the Class Schedule

How Do Current ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Students Create an Educational Plan?

You’ve already made progress. Now is a good time to look ahead and make sure your classes support your goals.

• Educational Planning for Current Students

  If you currently attend ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ or have completed 12 or more units at CCC/ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½/LMC, you are encouraged to take one of the following courses. You’ll create an educational plan during either class. 

  COUNS 120: Student Success | 3 units

  Build practical skills to move forward with greater confidence. You’ll explore time management, goal-setting, decision-making, study skills, critical thinking and communication while creating an educational plan around your education, career and personal goals.

  CARER 110: Career and Life Planning | 3 units 

  Not sure which major or career feels right? Explore your interests, skills, work values and strengths using career research and assessments. You’ll learn about career pathways, education requirements and workplace skills while developing an educational and career plan.

  Which Educational Planning Course Should You Take?

  • Choose COUNS 120 to learn how to be a successful college student. 
  • Choose CARER 110 to focus on career exploration and selecting a major. 

  Either way, you’ll leave with a clearer sense of where you’re going and how to move forward. 

  View the Class Schedule

Educational Plan FAQ

• Is an educational plan required at ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½?

  California state regulations require all degree, certificate, and transfer-seeking students to complete an Educational Plan. It is required to unlock your priority registration date and to determine whether your courses qualify for financial aid. 

• What is a student educational plan?

  A student educational plan outlines the courses you plan to take based on your academic, transfer, career or personal goals. It can help you understand what to take next and stay on track. 

• What are the benefits of an educational plan?

  An educational plan gives you a clear path toward your academic, transfer or career goals. It can help you choose the right classes, avoid courses you may not need, and save time and money. Completing an educational plan can also help make you eligible for an earlier registration date. 

• I am new to ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½. Which educational planning steps should I follow?

  New U.S. students should follow the new U.S. student steps. New international students should follow the international student planning process.

• I am a current student. How do I complete an educational plan?

  Current ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ students are encouraged to enroll in COUNS 120: Student Success or CARER 110: Career and Life Planning. Students complete an educational plan during either course. 

• What should I do if I already have 12 or more units at CCC/ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½/LMC?

  Students with 12 or more units are encouraged to take COUNS 120 or CARER 110 and complete an educational plan during the course. 

• What is the difference between COUNS 120 and CARER 110?

  COUNS 120 is a three-unit course that combines educational planning with broader college-success strategies. CARER 110NC is a three-unit course centered on career exploration, major selection and career planning.