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Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing Classes
Should I take ESL or English classes?
How do I decide which classes I should take?
How do I sign up for the ESL Assessment Test?
What do I have to do if I have already taken classes at Irvine Valley College?
Should I take ESL classes for credit or for 0-units?
What's the difference between Recommended Preparation and Required Prerequisite?
In the Schedule of Classes, why are some classes marked with a lock? 
What do the  and  symbols by an instructor's name on the Schedule of Classes mean?
Which classes are offered each semester?
How often do classes meet?
What is a Multiskills class?
What Do I Do If a Class is Full?
What do I take after I have taken ESL 350?
How Much Does a Class Cost?
What Do I Have to Do to Qualify as a California Resident?
Inside the Classroom
Who are my classmates?
Who are my teachers?
What is the difference between a full-time and part-time teacher?
What Should I Bring the First Day of Class?
How can I contact the instructor of my class?
What languages are the ESL classes are taught in?
What should I do if I have a complaint or problem with my class?
Who should I talk to if I really like my instructor and my class?
General Campus Information
What is the Saddleback College website?
Where Can I Find a Map of Saddleback College?
Where is the Bookstore?
Where Can I Get a Student ID?
Why are there so many black birds on campus near sunset?
Parking on Campus
How Do I Buy Parking for Saddleback College?
What If I Need to Only Buy Parking for 1 Day?
Are There Some Times of the Week When I Don't Need a Parking Pass?
I got a parking ticket! What do I do?
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.
Q: How do I decide which classes I should take?
After you apply to the college, your next step should be to take the ESL assessment test. This test will suggest what level classes are best for you. Then, check out this page for recommended classes!
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.
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.
Q: Should I take ESL classes for credit or for 0-units?
One VERY important differenec between credit and 0-units is that no 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 reading/writing classes (ESL 335, ESL 336, ESL 345) and Essential Academic Skills (ESL 350). For more information, please see this flyer.
Q: What's the difference between Recommended Preparation and Required Prerequisite?
If a class has a Required Prerequisite then 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.
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 ARE allowed to register for the class even if you have not taken the recommended classes.
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).
Q: What do the and symbols by an instructor's name on the Schedule of Classes mean?
The symbol is one way to email your instructor. For more information on how to use this, look here.
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.
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. Most of the multiskills and reading/writing classes are taught, but fewer of the elective classes are offered.
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).
Q: What is a Multiskills class?
Saddleback College's 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 reading and writing, we suggest you take one of the reading/writing classes (ESL 335, ESL 336, ESL 345).
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?).
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 step away from English 1A!
Q: How Much Does a Class Cost?
ESL Credit Classes cost $26/unit for California Residents and ~$183unit for non-California residents. There is also a $17 health fee that must be paid each semester. Most Saddleback ESL classes are 3 units.
ESL 0-unit (non-credit) classes are free except for the $17 health fee which must be paid each semester.
Q: What Do I Have to Do to Qualify as a California Resident?
For more information on how to qualify for the California resident tuition, click here.
Inside the Classroom
Q: Who are my classmates?
Your classmates are an almost even mix of men and women. Your classmates come from all over the world. Some are international students in this country to learn English and experience the United States; many are immigrants to the United States who have made this country their permanent home. Your classmates are all ages – there are 18 year olds and students in their 70s in the program! In your classes you will find students like you but you will also have a chance to meet so many interesting people and make good friends!
Q: Who are my teachers?
Your instructors have all acquired at least a Masters degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) or a related field. Some have a Ph.D.; others are published authors or frequent conference presentors. All your instructors have the desire to help you learn English and are skilled to do so.
Q: What is the difference between a full-time and part-time teacher?
Full-time faculty members normally teach more classes each semester than part-time teachers. Full-time teachers are also required to hold office hours for their students. Part-time teachers do NOT have to hold office hours, but many do anyways! Find out more about our faculty here!
Q: What Should I Bring the First Day of Class?
On the first day of class you should bring a pencil or pen, paper to write on, your class schedule, and your student ID. Be sure to come early because it can take time to find parking and to find your classroom.
Q: How can I contact the instructor of my class?
On the first day of class, your instructor should give you a syllabus that has the best way to contact them - most of the time this is by email. If you want to contact your instructor before the semester begins, go to the Meet our Faculty page. Next to your instructor's name you will see:  . Click on this to send an email to your instructor. If your email does not open when you click on the image, you may have to enter the email address yourself into your email program. To get the instructor's email address, move the cursor over the  image - at the bottom of the screen you will see "mailto:________.saddleback.edu". The _________ will be different depending on what your instructor's name is. The _________.saddleback.edu is your instructor's email address. NOTE: Not all instructor's check their emails during the time between semesters, so you may not get a quick reply.
Q: What languages are the ESL classes are taught in?
Saddleback College’s ESL classes are taught entirely in English. From the time you enter the classroom, you should try to speak in English and not speak in your native language. This will help you learn English much quicker!
Q: What should I do if I have a complaint or problem with my class?
If you have a complaint or problem with your class you should first talk with your instructor. Tell them your concern and see if you can solve your problem together. If you still have complaints then you can talk to the ESL department chair. You can find information on the current department chair to the left of this page.
Q: Who should I talk to if I really like my instructor and my class?
If you have really enjoyed your class, tell your instructor. They will definitely enjoy hearing that you have liked your time in the class. You may want to tell the ESL department chair as well! You can find information on the current department chair to the left of this page. Finally, tell your friends and family to come to Saddleback as well!
General Campus Information
Q: What is the Saddleback College website?
The main website for Saddleback College is: www.saddleback.edu. The main website for the ESL program at Saddleback College is www.saddleback.edu/la/esl/.
Q: Where Can I Find a Map of Saddleback College?
You can view or print out a map of the college here. You can also get a map showing the location of each of your classes by clicking on the "Location" in the Schedule of Classes.
Q: Where is the Bookstore?
The bookstore is located on the first floor of the Student Services Center (SSC 134). Here is a map! Check here for the hours of the bookstore.
Q: Where Can I Get a Student ID?
You can get your student ID at Admissions and Records. It is located on the first floor of the Student Services Center (SSC 102), right next to the bookstore. Here is a map!
Q: Why are there so many black birds on campus near sunset?
It is quite an amazing sight to see so many birds! According to Saddleback College's newpaper, The Lariat, these black crows are seen on campus near sunset from mid-October through the winter. They have been on campus for at least the last 35 years! During the day they fly all around the area to get food, but at sunset each night they come back to the area near the Village to sleep! If you are on campus VERY early (at sunrise) you will see them all leaving the Village to go out for the day! Read more about these birds in this article from the Lariat!
Parking on Campus
Q: How Do I Buy Parking for Saddleback College?
To purchase a parking permit (for the semester), follow the directions here. You can either purchase the permit online using your mysite account or in person at the Parking Office (in the Village by Lot 2: Map).If you purchase online you will have to pay an extra fee.
Q: What If I Need to Only Buy Parking for 1 Day?
You can purchase a 1-day parking pass for $2. Buy a permit at one of the 4 kiosks located on campus (Map of Kiosks).
Q: Are There Some Times of the Week When I Don't Need a Parking Pass?
No! You always need a parking pass to park on campus and not get a ticket. For more info on parking, check out the Parking Frequently Asked Questions page.
Q: I got a parking ticket! What do I do?
The Saddleback College Parking Frequently Asked Questions Page has the following information:
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