How do I start VCAP?
How do I know which English course to choose?
When should I take English 101?
What if I place lower than English 101 on my assessment?
What is the Bridge to VCAP?
Why do I need to complete the Bridge math courses?
When should I take my Bridge math courses?
Do I have to take the mathematics assessment to start VCAP?
I already took college-level English (math) or tested at another college. Do I still have to take the assessments?
How much do VCAP classes cost?
How do I get my books for my VCAP classes?
Why does my printout from the Business Office (or Admissions) show the wrong hours for my VCAP classes?
I attended LAVC in the past, but I haven't taken a class in over a year. Do I need to
re-apply to the college?
May I take classes from the different track options within the VCAP?
May I continue to take classes in the traditional college once I am in VCAP?
How can I contact my instructor?
Do I need to attend the orientation session?
I have attended PACE classes at another college. Do I still need to attend the VCAP orientation?
What is a Learning Community?
I am not a typical college freshman. Who can I talke with about my situation?
Must I see the counselor, or can I design my own program using the Track Flyer?
After completing VCAP at LAVC, can I transfer to PACE at a university?
How do I start VCAP?
Simply follow the Steps to VCAP in order.
How do I know which English course to choose?
If you have not taken any college-level English courses, you must take the English assessment at the Assessment Center. If you have taken college-level English courses at schools other than LAVC, you may present your transcripts to the counselor for evaluation. If your previous English courses were taken at LAVC, you should inform the VCAP counselor at your interview.
When should I take English 101?
Because English 101 is required of every college student and is essential for success in VCAP, it is offered in the Bridge during each session. Most students find it advantageous to take English 101 as soon as possible, since it provides the skills that are needed in a number of courses in the program.
What if I place lower than English 101 on my assessment?
Students who place in English 21, 28, or 33 are welcome to enter VCAP where they may take these courses in our Bridge to VCAP as preparation for starting the VCAP curriculum. Students who place below English 33 may take appropriate classes leading to English 33 eligibility outside of VCAP before joining the program.
What is the Bridge to VCAP?
The Bridge program is a curriculum of preparatory English and Mathematics courses offered in the VCAP format to enable students to reach English 101 eligibility and complete the prerequisite math requirements. Courses offered in the Bridge program include English 21, 28, 33, 101, 102; Math 112, 115, and 125.
Why do I need to complete the Bridge math courses?
The VCAP curriculum includes certain college-level mathematics courses that have Math 125 (Intermediate Algebra) as a prerequisite. Unless your math assessment placed you above Math 125, or you can provide transcripts showing completion of an Intermediate Algebra course taken at an accredited college, you must take Math 125 to become eligible for these courses and to complete your transfer requirements.
When should I take my Bridge math courses?
We strongly encourage you to take the Bridge math courses as early as possible. Most students find it advantageous to take these courses sooner rather than later, so that they are prepared to take the advanced math courses that appear in their curriculum. Postponing Bridge math courses may delay graduation and /or transfer as much as one full year.
Do I have to take the mathematics assessment to start VCAP?
The math assessment is strongly recommended but not required. You may enroll in Math 112 (Pre-Algebra) or 115 (elementary Algebra) without taking the assessment. If you are in any doubt about your math placement level, assessment is an extremely useful tool to determine which course is best for you. In many cases it can save you a full semester (or more) of coursework.
I already took college-level English (math) or tested at another college. Do I still have to take the assessments?
No. You may show transcripts of prior coursework or record of test scores in lieu of taking the assessments.
How much do VCAP classes cost?
The per-unit cost for VCAP is the same as for regular LAVC College courses. The current fee is $18 per unit. Payment is made after enrollment through the Business Office or by credit card using the “STEP” telephone registration system.
How do I get my books for my VCAP classes?
Books are generally available at the LAVC bookstore one week prior to the first week of classes and from 9 AM – 1 PM the Saturday of VCAP orientation. You can find and order the books for your classes by visiting the bookstore website. You may also purchase books from any other bookstore or from any Internet site. You are cautioned, however, to be aware of the book return policy in the event that becomes necessary.
Why does my printout from the Business Office (or Admissions) show the wrong hours for my VCAP classes?
The District Office computer system is not programmed to reflect accurate course hours of VCAP classes. Whenever there is a discrepancy, follow your VCAP schedule of meeting times. The accurate schedule is available from the VCAP office, in the VCAP section of the Schedule of Classes, and on this website under VCAP Schedules.
I attended LAVC in the past, but I haven’t taken a class in over a year. Do I need to re-apply to the college?
Yes. If you are not enrolled in classes for more than two consecutive semesters, LAVC requires you to re-apply. However, you do not need to re-apply to the VCAP office unless you are inactive for more than two years.
May I take classes from the different track options within the VCAP?
Yes. You will want to discuss your course choices with the VCAP counselor, however, to make sure you are taking the appropriate courses to reach your educational goal. If you decide to take courses from a different track, be sure to avoid time scheduling conflicts, especially on Saturdays.
May I continue to take classes in the traditional college once I am in VCAP?
Yes. Courses can always be chosen from outside VCAP as needed.
How can I contact my instructor?
In the VCAP Faculty section of this website you will find your instructor. Click on the name to find contact information.
Do I need to attend the orientation session?
Absolutely! Your first semester in VCAP is preceded by an orientation session. We explain how the program works; you get to meet your instructors and hear about the program from seasoned VCAP students. You will also have the opportunity to get your syllabus for each class and purchase your textbooks.
I have attended PACE classes at another college. Do I still need to attend the VCAP orientation?
Yes. Each college operates its VCAP a little differently. Some students find themselves in difficulty by assuming that the requirements of one program carry over to another.
What is a Learning Community?
It is two classes paired together with an interwoven curriculum. Because of the higher success rate of this approach, VCAP strongly supports this concept. Students must enroll in both classes concurrently.
I am not a typical college freshman. Who can I talk with about my situation?
VCAP has a full-time counselor on staff who can provide information by telephone or e-mail and is available to meet with you during evening hours and on Saturday. You can contact him at (818) 947-2476 or robertnc@lavc.edu.
Must I see the counselor, or can I design my own program using the Track Flyer?
All new students are required to see the counselor as the third of the Steps to VCAP. While the Track Flyer is an excellent planning tool, it is designed merely as a model. The counselor will assist you in tailoring a course of study specific to your educational goal.
After completing VCAP at LAVC, can I transfer to PACE at a university?
Indeed. Our Business and Liberal Studies tracks are designed to transfer you seamlessly into those tracks at CSUN PACE. Our counselor will assist you in preparing your curriculum to assure that you transfer within your major to other appropriate universities that offer PACE.
Summer '08 Newsletter (.pdf)
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