Starting your college journey can be exciting and overwhelming, and our counselors are here to guide you every step of the way.
Before meeting with a counselor, ensure you've completed your new student orientation and math, English and/or ESL placements.
Transferring from Another College or University
If you're transferring from another college or university, submit all your college transcripts before your counseling session. Once you've confirmed your transcripts have arrived, request a transcript evaluation appointment.
Preparing for Your Counseling Appointment
Due to FERPA rules, if a parent or guardian plans to attend your counseling session, you must provide verbal consent to your counselor in advance. Parents and guardians should only attend if the student has a prior IEP and requires DSS accommodations.
To make the most of your counseling sessions, it's crucial that you take an active role. Prepare a list of your most pressing questions or topics, such as:
- transferring to a university
- choosing a major
- career options
- personal concerns
With general counseling appointments lasting 45 minutes, prioritizing your questions is essential. Focus on what matters most, as you might not have time to cover everything. This proactive approach will empower you and ensure you get the most out of your session.
Remember to take notes during your session to capture all the valuable advice and insights your counselor provides!
Helpful Resources
Academic Counseling Tile in InSite
Explore the Academic Counseling tile in your InSite portal for information and support on transferring to UCs, CSUs, HBCUs, AICCUs, out-of-state schools, or pursuing a degree or certificate from DVC. This resource is designed to ease anxiety about transferring or choosing a new institution.
Academic Counseling ResourcesCareer Exploration Resources Tile in InSite
Choosing a major can be overwhelming, but you're not alone. Our Explore Career resources are here to guide you. They help you discover your interests and research potential careers. Bring your findings to your counseling session, and your counselor will help align your academic path with your career goals. This support is designed to make the process less daunting and more manageable, ensuring you feel guided and less overwhelmed.
Explore Careers ResourcesSchedule An Appointment
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A general academic counseling appointment helps with course selection, educational planning, and transfer requirements. Perfect for students not in specialized programs, these sessions offer personalized guidance to support academic and career goals. Counselors provide tailored advice to keep you on track for graduation and future success.
Schedule a General Counseling Appointment -
Transcript Evaluation Steps
1. Submit Your Transcripts
Send your official transcripts to DVC Admissions. We accept transcripts from accredited colleges, universities, and high schools recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.2. Confirm Receipt
Log into your InSite portal, open the Grades/Transcripts tile, and select "Received Transcripts" to confirm your documents are on file.3. Schedule a Transcript Evaluation
Once your transcripts are received, schedule an evaluation appointment. A counselor will review the results to see how your completed courses count toward general education and major requirements.Important Reminders
- The evaluation process takes at least two weeks.
- Counselors cannot give accurate guidance until your transcripts are fully evaluated. Wait for your appointment before seeking course advice
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Drop-In Counseling Sessions
We offer 15-minute in-person, virtual, and phone drop-in sessions for new students. These quick sessions are perfect for short questions or planning one semester but aren’t suitable for detailed needs like:
- Comprehensive education plans
- Graduation checks
- Career or major exploration
- Application reviews for four-year schools
- UC PIQs or TAG applications
- Transcript evaluations (counselors can’t access transcripts during drop-ins)
For in-depth questions, schedule a general counseling or specialty appointment.
Using Drop-Ins Effectively
Join Drop-In Counseling Queue
Check our hours for drop-ins at the Pleasant Hill campus or the San Ramon satellite. For Zoom or phone sessions, counselors will try to contact you up to three times; after that, you’ll be removed from the list. Please don’t use Zoom or take phone calls while driving, as counselors will ask you to reschedule. -
Diablo Valley College provides personalized counseling for a variety of student communities and programs:
- Athletics: Academic support for student-athletes.
- CARE: Resources for single parents.
- Community of Pride: Support for LGBTQ+ students.
- DSS: Services for students with disabilities.
- EOPS: Help for students overcoming economic or educational challenges.
- First-Year Experience: Guidance for new students starting college.
- Foster Youth: Tailored support for current and former foster youth.
- International Counseling: Academic and immigration support for international students.
- MESA: STEM-focused academic assistance.
- PACE: Flexible options for working adults.
- Puente: A learning community supporting Latinx students through academic, counseling, and mentorship opportunities.
- Umoja: A culturally empowering program focused on the success and retention of African American students, fostering a sense of community and cultural pride.
- Veterans: Dedicated resources for veterans and their families.
- Wellness: Mental health and personal support.
We’re committed to helping every student succeed, academically and personally.
Specialized Counseling