FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS | Glendale Community College

Is College Prep ESL for you?

College Prep ESL is an excellent choice for students who:

Are thinking about taking credit classes in the future.
Want to spend more time in class with their teachers and classmates.
Want to meet academic counselors and Credit ESL professors who can help them transition to credit programs.
Do not yet qualify for financial aid or cannot pay for credit classes.
Want to save their financial aid award for transfer-level classes and classes in their major.
Are taking Credit ESL classes and want extra support in a class that won’t affect their GPA.
Want to study reading, writing, listening, and speaking all at the same time (instead of taking separate classes).

Contact Information and current College Prep Schedule

What is College Prep ESL?

College Prep ESL is an academic program in the Noncredit ESL division that is offered for Levels 2, 3, 4 and 5. College Prep ESL provides the same instruction as regular Noncredit ESL classes with an extra focus on academic writing. Students improve their writing skills and enjoy greater success later on in credit classes.

Advanced Conversation is offered at the Verdugo Campus to provide College Prep students with additional listening and speaking practice. Classes meet Mondays and Wednesdays, 12:30 - 2:40.

How are College Prep ESL classes different from Credit ESL classes?

College Prep is part of the Noncredit ESL division. That means there are no long applications, no residency requirements, and no fees. It’s easy to join, and classes are free.
We teach integrated skills with a strong grammar foundation. This means that you learn all four language skills at the same time: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. You don’t need to take separate classes.
Our classes are open entry/open exit. There is no penalty if you join a class and can’t finish it.
Noncredit ESL students spend more time in the classroom than they do in Credit ESL. With 14 hours a week in class, our students benefit from extra in-class practice and less homework outside of class.

How much do these classes cost?

Do I need to be a resident or complete required courses for these classes?

No, you don’t need any special documents to take College Prep ESL. Our classes are free and open to anyone who wants to learn English. You should, however, complete the recommended preparation before taking a College Prep class. This way, you’ll be studying at a level that is neither too easy nor too difficult.

Recommended preparation for College Prep ESL 2

Successful completion of Noncredit ESL Level 1 or
Placement into Credit ESL 111 or
Placement into Noncredit ESL Level 2 through the Noncredit ESL Guided Placement Survey (GPS) or
Instructor's recommendation

Recommended preparation for College Prep ESL 3

Successful completion of Noncredit ESL Level 2 or
Placement into Credit ESL 111 or
Placement into Noncredit ESL Level 3 through the Noncredit ESL Guided Placement Survey (GPS)

Recommended preparation for College Prep ESL 4

Successful completion of Noncredit ESL Level 3 or
Placement into ESL 123 or permission from the instructor of College Prep ESL 4 or
Placement into Noncredit ESL Level 4 through the Noncredit ESL Guided Placement Survey (GPS)

Recommended preparation for College Prep ESL 5

Successful completion of Noncredit ESL Level 4 or
Placement into ESL 141 or permission from the instructor of College Prep ESL 5 or
Placement into Noncredit ESL Level 5 through the Noncredit ESL Guided Placement Survey (GPS)

Recommended preparation for Advanced Conversation

Placement into Noncredit ESL Level 4 or 5 or
Placement into Credit ESL 133, 141, or 151 or
Successful completion of Noncredit ESL Level 3, 4, or 5

How will I learn about transitioning to credit?

College Prep ESL students enjoy regular classroom visits from our academic counselors, Edith Azizian, Dulce Salcedo-Lopez, and Tom Dwyer-Gutierrez. Edith, Tom, and Dulce will explain how to apply, request financial aid, and succeed in credit classes. They will provide their contact information and encourage you to make an appointment to receive individualized counseling on your career and/or academic goals.

Our Noncredit-to-Credit liaison, Kirk Vaughn, will also visit your class. Kirk has taught in both Noncredit and Credit ESL, and he is an expert in helping students make the transition from one division to the other. He will explain how credit ESL classes are different and why College Prep ESL students are so well-prepared for Credit ESL. He will talk about the Credit Guided Placement Survey (GPS) and offer to read and evaluate your writing so you can choose the best credit class for your skills and needs. Kirk is also happy to meet with you individually and give you personalized feedback.

Once a semester, all College Prep ESL students have the opportunity to visit the beautiful Verdugo Campus with their instructors and the entire College Prep team. You will tour the campus with credit students and visit classrooms and important offices. Next, you will attend a counseling presentation about scheduling, registration, financial aid, counseling, student services and more. The Verdugo Campus tour is a great way to learn about credit classes and decide if this path is right for you.

Mirrored Classes

Would you like to try a credit class for free? If you successfully complete College Prep ESL Level 4 or 5, you are eligible to take a mirrored class. As a mirrored class student, you can enroll in Credit ESL 133 or 141, take the class with credit students, and receive a grade of pass/no pass. You will get the college credits, the knowledge, and the experience, but you will officially still be a Noncredit student. This is a great opportunity to easily transition to credit classes with less stress and no cost. Talk to Kirk Vaughn or Megan Ernst to learn more.

Resources for Current College Prep ESL Students