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Frequently Asked Questions - Choosing Classes
Q: Should I take ESL or English classes?
To help you decide which classes are best for you, look at this flyer from the Matriculation Office.
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Q: How do I decide which classes I should take?
You can take the ESL assessment test. This test will suggest what level classes are best for you. You can also ask your current teachers to recommend classes for you. Check out this page for all of the ESL classes at Saddleback!
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Q: How do I sign up for the ESL Assessment Test?
You can find information on how to sign up for the ESL Assessment Test here. It is important that you make a reservation for the test to make sure you will be able to take the test.
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Q: What do I have to do if I have already taken classes at Irvine Valley College?
If you were a student at Irvine Valley College last semester you will NOT have to apply to Saddleback. However, if you were not a student at Irvine Valley College or Saddleback College last semester you will have to apply here.
You will need to take the ESL Assessment Test at Saddleback College EVEN IF you have been a student at Irvine Valley College. This will make sure that you register for the right ESL courses at Saddleback.
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Q: Should I take ESL classes for credit or for 0-units?
Please see this flyer.
One VERY important difference between credit and 0-units is that no official record is kept of your performance in 0-unit classes. This means that 0-unit classes can NOT help you meet required prerequisites for our writing classes (ESL 335, ESL 336, ESL 345) and Essential Academic Skills (ESL 350).
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Q: What's the difference between Recommended Preparation and Required Prerequisite?
If a class has a Required Prerequisite then you CANNOT register for the class (either for credit or 0-units) until you have either 1) taken the prerequisite for credit and passed the class OR 2) placed into the class on the ESL Assessment Test.
If a class has a Recommended Preparation listed, then it is a good idea to take the recommended classes before you register for the class. However, you CAN register for the class even if you have not taken the recommended classes.
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Q: In the Schedule of Classes, why are some classes marked with a lock? 
The lock means that the class has a required prerequisite. In order to register for the class (either for credit or 0-units) you must have either 1) taken the prerequisite for credit and passed the class OR 2) placed into the class on the ESL Assessment Test.
Saddleback's ESL program currently has required prerequisites for intermediate and advanced Reading and Writing Classes (ESL 335, ESL 336, ESL 345) and Essential Academic Skills (ESL 350).
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Q: What do the  and  symbols by an instructor's name on the Schedule of Classes mean?
The symbol is one way to email an instructor. You can click on this symbol to email the instructor, or hold your mouse arrow over it to find the email address of the instructor.
The  is a link to Saddleback's official profile of your instructor. Not every instructor has a profile. You can also find out more about some of your instructors by looking at the "Meet Your Instructors" page on our website.
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Q: Which classes are offered each semester?
During the fall and spring semesters, most of our classes are offered, but there might be a few classes that are not being taught. The multiskills classes (ESL 320, ESL 321, ESL 330, ESL 331, and ESL 340), Reading/Writing classes (ESL 325, ESL 335, ESL 336, ESL 345), and Essential Academic Skills (ESL 350) are almost always offered.
During the summer there are fewer courses offered. Many of the multiskills and reading/writing classes are taught, but fewer of the elective classes are offered.
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Q: How often do classes meet?
During the fall and spring semesters, most classes meet twice a week (Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday) for either 3 hours or 1.5 hours. Some classes, especially Advanced Elective classes, may meet only once a week.
During the summer semester, multiskills (ESL 320, ESL 321, ESL 330, ESL 331, and ESL 340) and Essential Academic Skills (ESL 350) classes meet four days a week (Monday-Thursday). Other classes meet twice a week (Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday).
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Q: What is a Multiskills class?
Saddleback College's ESL Multiskills classes (ESL 320, ESL 321, ESL 330, ESL 331, and ESL 340) help teach you many different English skills including speaking, listening, grammar, reading, and writing. To spend more time on just writing, we suggest you take one of the writing classes (ESL 325, ESL 335, ESL 336, ESL 345 and ESL 350).
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Q: What Do I Do If A Class Is Full?
If the class you want to take is full, you can go to the 1st class meeting. Your professor may be able to add you to the class if there is space. If your professor adds you, you will be given an APC code to use when you add the class (see How Do I Sign Up for Classes?).
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Q: What is special about ESL 350?
ESL 350 is our most advanced writing class in the ESL department. It will prepare you to take other academic classes at Saddleback College or any other college or university. It will also better prepare you for classes in the English department. After you have taken ESL 350 for credit and passed the class, you are automatically eligible for English 200. This is only 1 class away from English 1A!
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Q: What do I take after I have taken ESL 350?
After you have taken ESL 350 for credit and passed the class, you are automatically eligible for English 200. This is only 1 class away from English 1A! After passing ESL 350, you will also feel ready and confident for other academic classes in other departments.
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