Confused about Late Start Classes? Let's Clear it up!

What is a Late Start Class?

Whether you’re looking to pick up an extra unit or realized a few weeks into the term that you finally have the bandwidth for that elective you’ve been eyeing, "Late Start" classes at Porterville College are designed with your busy life in mind.

The Basics: Same Credit, Different Pace

At their core, Late Start classes are exactly what they sound like: courses that begin after the traditional 16-week semester has already kicked off. While a standard semester runs the full four months, our Late Start options are typically offered in condensed timeframes that can be between 1 and 8 weeks - depending on the class subject and meeting format.

The most important thing to know is that these aren't "watered down" versions of your education. You are completing the same curriculum, meeting the same learning objectives, and earning the same college credit as you would in a 16-week course. The primary difference is the timeline; because the term is shorter, the class sessions are often longer or more frequent to ensure you get the full instructional experience.

Why Consider a Late Start?

Beyond just a "second chance" to enroll, these shorter formats offer several strategic advantages for PC students:

• Faster Degree Completion: If you realize mid-semester that you have the capacity for more work, jumping into a Late Start class allows you to knock out requirements faster without waiting for a whole new term.
• Ultimate Schedule Flexibility: Life happens. If your work schedule changed or a personal commitment wrapped up in at the beginning of the semester, Late Start classes allow you to pivot and still make progress toward your goals.
• Extended Enrollment Window: Because these classes don't begin on day one of the semester, you have significantly more time to meet with a counselor, secure your financial aid, and get your books ready.

Find Your Fit

Porterville College offers Late Start options across a wide variety of subjects. Whether you need to fulfill a general education requirement or want to dive into a specific major interest, there is likely a seat waiting for you.

For a list of “Late Start” classes currently available, visit https://www.portervillecollege.edu/programs-and-classes/late-start-classes.html

It’s never too late to make this semester your BIGGEST yet.