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The means by which we determine the level of math or English you are prepared to take. Assessment can also include multiple measures beyond the placement tests. For examples, we can also review your high school transcripts to help determin which courses you are ready to take.

The graduation degrees issued by Foothill College that usually require at least two years of full-time study and completion of 90 quarter-units including major and GE courses. The requirements to complete the A.A. and A.S. degrees can be found in the program and course description section of the college catalog, and on this website.

Obtaining an AD-T guarantees the student priority admission to a CSU in a similar upper division program. Students who obtain this degree have a junior standing when transferring to a CSU.

An educational program that specializes in the skilled trades, applied sciences, modern technologies, and career preparation. At Foothill College, we offer a variety of certificates and degrees related to CTE in high-demand industries such as: Accounting, Business Administration, Child Development, Dental Hygiene, EMT, Graphic & Interactive Design, Music Technology, and Paramedic. The curricula for each CTE program is developed in coordination with advisory committees that consist of faculty, administrators, and industry experts to ensure the latest standards and technology are integrated into the programs.

The following state requirements apply to Foothill Certificate of Achievement programs: Completion of 27 units that follow a prescribed course pattern; a minimum GPA of 2.0 for these units; a maximum 12 transfer quarter units from other colleges or universities; and proficiency in mathematics and English as evidenced by examination or completion of college-level courses. The requirements to complete the certificate are found in the college catalog.

A college that offers lower-division college credits, and awards associate degrees and career-related certificates.

A formal course of study required to be taken simultaneously with another.

The catalog is your key to a successful Foothill College experience. Published annually, the catalog includes a wealth of information about courses, campus resources, student services, program descriptions, degree requirements and college policies. You can purchase the catalog for $4 at the on-campus bookstore or review it online.

Certification of the successful completion of a course, usually expressed in units of coursework.

The procedure of dismissing a student for poor academic achievement or for incurring excessive course withdrawals. Also see probation.

A course that will fulfill two requirements, such as GE and major pre-requisites.

A student who is simultaneously enrolled in high school and college.

You are considered a freshman until you have completed 45 transferrable units.

You are enrolled in a minimum of 12 units in a given term.

A series of required courses in the primary academic areas, regardless of major, required of all students enrolled in college who are working toward a degree. Also called breadth requirement.

The grade-point average gives a measure of your performance in letter-graded courses. To calculate your GPA, access Foothill's grade point average calculator.  

The freshman and sophomore years of study in a college program, which generally includes GE and major pre-requisites.

Courses required in the student's main area of academic/career program interest.

Different tools used to assess a student's understanding of an academic subject. An example of an assessment tool is the Accuplacer Placement Test; and another example is the information found on a high school transcript (i.e. a student's grade point average, high school courses taken, and the grades earned in each of those courses). This information is used to determine which class level is most appropriate for a student's first class within the English or ESL and math course sequences. 

A student who is enrolled in 11 or fewer units.

A comprehensive program, that includes a specific course sequence, that leads to the attainment of a certificate of achievement, or associates degree.

The process of gathering information about the individual student, reflecting the student's academic strengths and areas for improvement. Placement testing is offered at no charge.

A number assigned to differentiate sections of the same courses offered during a term.