Tag Archives: Admissions

Things To Do Before Starting School 

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You finally finished finals and walked across the (virtual) graduation stage and now, hopefully, you’re enjoying some much-needed rest before heading off on your higher educational journey. But before you arrive on campus, there are a few things you should do, and to make this as easy as possible, we made you a list!

Complete Financial Aid

Don’t wait in long and socially distanced lines, get financially cleared before you arrive. Contact your financial aid counselor to make sure you have completed everything. You can call them at (707) 965-7200 or email them at studentfinance@puc.edu. 

Know Your Academic Advisor 

It’s important to know who your academic advisor is, they’re not only going to be helping you set up your class schedule but they’ll be there for you all year long for any questions you may have. If you haven’t received info on your advisor, check in with your Admissions Counselor. They’ll be able to help.

Research Majors 

If you’re undecided, that’s okay! PUC has over 70 degrees and programs for you to choose from. Do your research on our website and see what program interests you the most. If you need some guidance, call your admissions counselor at (800) 862-7080, option 2.

Get Yourself Checked-Up

Students must have a TB skin test (or other forms of tuberculosis clearance testing) from their doctor within the last 12 months. If you still need to do this, schedule an appointment with your doctor, and get a copy of your physical examination form. 

Make Sure Your Room Is Set 

Make sure your dorm room is set and ready for your arrival. If you haven’t filled out a residence hall form, make sure you complete it ASAP. 

Check-In With Your Roommate 

Roommates are assigned later on in the summer and once you know yours, check in with them! It’s great to start getting to know each other early so there are fewer move-in-day nerves, plus, you can make sure you don’t bring duplicate items, like fridges or microwaves. 

Explore Your Hometown 

There’s no place like home, so don’t forget to explore your hometown and enjoy the places you won’t see every day. Order your favorite takeout and spend some time with your loved ones.

Prepare Your Checklist 

Start a checklist. Add school and dorm supplies you need to buy and things you don’t want to forget to pack. Having a checklist will help you remember and keep you on track. 

This may seem like a lot to do but if you start now, you’ll be done in no time! If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the admissions team for help at (800) 862-7080, option 2. We can’t wait to have you on campus! 

 

A Summer Checklist for Parents

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We hope everyone is having a relaxing summer even in these crazy times. The summer months always seem to fly by and before you know it, it’s time to start thinking about your student returning to school. Even if you’re an old pro at the college process, it can be difficult to keep track of the things you and your student need to take care of to be ready at PUC this fall. 

Below is a helpful checklist you can refer back to for what you and your student can be working on to help make their transition to PUC as smooth as possible. 

Ready to get started? Let’s do this! 

  1. Sign your Pioneers Commitment Form. The sooner you submit your Pioneers Commitment Form, the sooner you can reserve your residence hall room and work together with an advisor to set up your class schedule! This can be found on your child’s personal PUC site. 
  2. Register for classes. Once the Pioneers Commitment Form is completed, your student will be contacted by an academic advisor to start planning out their class schedule and then register for classes. 
  3. Submit the housing form. The sooner the Pioneers Commitment Form is signed, the sooner you can fill out your housing form. This will place you higher on the list which means your student will be to receive their dorm assignment quicker! Fill the form out at puc.edu/housingform. 
  4. Make financial aid arrangements. Confirm your student is all set for the fall quarter with your family’s PUC financial counselor and submit additional paperwork if needed. Call (800) 862-7080, option 1, or email studentfinance@puc.edu to get connected with a counselor. 
    1. Submit the FAFSA. This isn’t required but is HIGHLY recommended, as FAFSA determines your student’s financial aid eligibility. Use PUC’s school code to have their information sent to us—it’s 001258.
  5. Submit the required health forms. Make an appointment with your student’s primary health provider and fill out the Health Information Form. Immunization records will also need to be submitted. Have questions? Contact Health Services for more information by calling (707) 965-6339 or emailing healthservices@puc.edu. 
  6. BONUS: Get ready for move-in day! Help your student get ready to move into their dorm room and start buying the necessary supplies. Check back on the blog because the entire month of August is filled with helpful posts for new college students, from a thorough college packing list to tips for making friends.If you don’t want to wait till August, get a jump start by reading our 2019 Packing List blog. 

For more information about these steps, and to download the forms mentioned above, visit puc.edu/alreadyaccepted. You can also check in with your student’s admissions counselor to see what’s left for them to submit. Call (800) 862-7080, option 2, or email admissions@puc.edu to get connected with a counselor. You can also live chat with an admissions representative through our online chat service, available on our website during standard business hours (Pacific Standard Time). 

We can’t wait to see your family at New Student Orientation on September 9!

Note: Be sure you carefully read your communications from Student Life and regularly check the Fall Campus Plan webpage to stay up-to-date with the COVID-19 safety precautions PUC will be enforcing.

 

PUC’s Newest Admissions Counselor​: Nicholas Borchik

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Nicholas Borchik graduated from PUC in 2019 and has recently found his way back to our favorite College on the Mountain only this time, his role is a little different. After receiving a degree in social studies, Nic decided to join the Admissions team as a counselor. Now Nic spends his days sharing his love for PUC and higher Adventist education with future students, helping them make intelligent decisions about their college journey.

Note: If you’re interested in attending PUC or have any questions, you can reach out to Nic at Nic@puc.edu or any of our other counselors at admissions@puc.edu.

What brought you to PUC? Why did you decide to work here?

I initially came to PUC as a student because I had already built such a strong community here through my brother and some of my best friends who were a little bit older than me. I have chosen to stay in the area because I have grown to care so much for this school and what it can do for students looking to grow their education and their faith, and I am looking forward to seeing how God will use me in this position.

What is the best thing about being a part of the Pioneers family?

For me, it has always been the relationships that you can develop across pretty much every aspect of life, from education to food, fun, and faith.

Where is your favorite place to eat in the Valley and why?

Gott’s Burgers will always be one of my favorites. Nothing beats a Gott’s burger and shake after a long day!

What is something you can do/want to do that might be surprising for people to learn?

I have always been really into DIY projects. One of my goals for the future is to build most of the furniture in my house!

What is one song or album you’re listening to a ton lately?

I have been listening to an album called Living Room by a band called Lawrence quite a bit recently. Musically it is a super rad album with genius lyrics, giving you something different to focus on each time you listen!

Who is someone you admire and why?

I have always admired Jon Foreman guitarist and singer for the band Switchfoot. First off as a musician and lyricist he influenced me greatly in the way I expressed myself through music when I was first learning to play music. More importantly, as a man of faith, he uses his art and his platform to advocate and stand for things he believes in.

What’s the last book you read for fun?

Recently I have been rereading Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer.

Favorite movie to watch?

I love tons of different movies, but one that I am able to re-watch quite a bit and that has become one of my favorites is Knives Out. It is probably one of the best movies I have seen in a long time!

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Finish this sentence: On Sunday mornings you can find me … 

Honestly probably sleeping in and trying to figure out something delicious to eat for lunch!

Faces of PUC: Judith Mendoza

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Meet PUC’s newest admissions counselor, Judith Mendoza. After graduating from PUC, Judith continued her education at Andrews University where she received her MA in youth and young adult ministry. Judith has a passion for Adventist Education and was excited to accept a position that would bring her back to our beloved tree-covered mountain. 

What brought you to PUC? How/Why did you decide to work here?

I first came to PUC as a student in 2011 and it was the trees and community feel that drew me to PUC. Thankfully that decision led to some of my favorite memories and people. After graduation, I felt a call to ministry and headed to Andrews to get an MA in Youth and Young Adult ministry. As I was approaching the end of my time at Andrews, my friend Angel (another Admission Counselor) told me about an opening here in admissions. While it may seem like I diverted from ministry, I find there are so many opportunities where I get to share my two biggest passions, Jesus and Adventist Education. Connect Ministries allows me to share in worship experiences with our youth in local churches and schools, while college fairs will let me share with others PUC and the things that make this place and our education system so special. I’m very happy to be back.

What is something you can do that might surprise people?

I am an amateur ‘master juggler’ in balls and rings, I got close to mastering the hollow bowling pins but I still need some practice. I’m also a decent goalkeeper and love participating in PUC’s soccer intramurals. Look out for my team, ‘Lakers’ (I did not pick the name-Go Portland Trailblazers!), this season.

Where is your favorite place to eat in the Napa Valley and why?

I love going to Melted, I have always been a fan of comfort food and grilled cheese always hits the spot. I also feel a little fancy there because it’s not your regular grilled cheese but like an upscale version of it.

What is your favorite thing about being part of the Pioneers family?

In the transition from a student to a staff member here at PUC, I’m happy to see I still get to experience the warm community feel which first drew me in. I was already friends with most of the other admission counselors, but the rest have been so welcoming and encouraging as I learn the ropes. Not just the team but other faculty and staff members have also made me feel like a family member who’s finally home from a trip. In a way I feel like that too, PUC was home for me for four years and while a lot has changed, the people are as friendly and this campus is as beautiful as I remember.

What is one song you’re listening to on repeat lately?

If you look at my Spotify account it’s all over the place, there’s an Anthems playlist, a Spanish playlist, an English playlist, and I also have a Disney Channel playlist. I don’t think I can narrow it down to one song, but according to Spotify it’s Hesitate by the Jonas Brothers.

Finish this sentence: On Sunday mornings you can find me…

Reading. I love reading for pleasure and since I’m no longer reading textbooks every day, I’m taking advantage and getting back into it. You may also find me at brunch, Sunday morning brunch is a big thing in my family and I’d love to continue that with my cousins and brother who are here in Angwin.

 

Don’t Miss February College Days!

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College Days is just around the corner (February 9-11, 2020!) and we’d love to have you join us for a visit. This is the perfect chance to see what college life could be like at PUC—get to know the campus, have your questions answered, worship with students and faculty, and have a lot of fun! We would love to have you on our beautiful campus, imagining yourself as part of the Pioneers family.

We hope you will join us for our February College Days. Don’t forget to sign up! You can also email visit@puc.edu or call (800) 862-7080, option 2 to learn more and for information about our travel reimbursement policy.

It’s Not Too Late, Apply Today

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PUC is still accepting applications for the Winter quarter so it’s not too late to join us this January. And guess what? The process really isn’t that hard!  

Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way to joining the Pioneers family.

  1. Complete a PUC application at puc.edu/apply
  2. Submit your application documents:
    • Official high school transcripts (showing graduation)
    • Official transcripts of all college work attempted/completed 
    • Send us your ACT or SAT scores. PUC’s school codes are: 0362 (ACT) and 4600 (SAT).

That’s it! Really, it’s that simple. 

Still a little confused? Visit our website for the complete and detailed admissions process.  Have a few questions? We welcome them! Email admissions@puc.edu or call (800) 862-7080, option 2 to talk with an admissions counselor. 

Remember, Winter 2020 starts on Monday, January, 6 and we would love to have you here.

 

Visit PUC This Winter!

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Choosing what college to attend is a very important decision and one you shouldn’t make without doing a lot of research. There really is no better way to research colleges than by seeing the campus yourself. Grab your family or some friends and come visit PUC. Take a campus tour given by one of our student ambassadors, sit in on a class, chat with a professor, eat in our cafeteria, walk around the charming nearby towns of St. Helena or Calistoga, AND if you plan in advance, join us for any of the following upcoming and exciting events.

Pioneers Athletics Games

PUC has six varsity sports teams: cross country, basketball, and volleyball for women; and cross country, basketball, and soccer for men. Throughout the year, we invite you to our gymnasium, nicknamed the “Covered Wagon,” or our soccer field to join the Pioneers Posse and cheer on our teams. Here’s a short list of a few upcoming games; for the full schedule, visit pioneersathletics.com. 

  • Men’s Basketball vs La Sierra, Dec. 19, 7 p.m.
  • Women’s Basketball vs La Sierra, Jan. 9, 5:30 p.m.
  • Men’s Basketball vs La Sierra, Jan. 9, 7:30 p.m.

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Rasmussen Art Gallery Openings

If you’re interested in seeing some incredible works of art, you won’t want to miss the Rasmussen Art Gallery. Several times a quarter, a new exhibit opens at the college’s on-campus art gallery, which often features students, faculty, and other local artists. The opening reception is a chance to meet the artists, mingle with other guests, and enjoy some tasty snacks while appreciating the talent on display. If you can’t make it to one of the opening receptions, check with your tour guide to be sure to stop by and spend some time browsing during regular open hours. 

  •  Natalie Ciccoricco, Awaking West, Jan. 11-Feb. 9
  • Faculty Art Show, Literatura, Feb. 15-March 15 

For more information, visit the Rasmussen Art Gallery Facebook page. 

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Paulin Hall Music Concerts

PUC’s department of music has many concerts throughout the year; all of which are free to the public. The college has several ensembles that frequently perform, and there are usually multiple student recitals each quarter. For the Christmas holiday, there are several concerts we hope you can join us for! 

  • Christmas Candlelight Concert #1, Friday, Dec. 6, 8 p.m.
  • Christmas Candlelight Concert #2, Saturday, Dec. 7, 4 p.m.

Contact the department of music for more information; call (707) 965-6201 or email music@puc.edu.

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Join Us For February College Days!

Several times a year, we host special visitation events called College Days. College Days is a jam-packed event where you will experience PUC with other visiting students. In addition to campus visit standards like touring the campus, talking with a professor in your major of interest, and eating in our Dining Commons, it’s a great opportunity to get a glimpse into what it’s really like to be a student at PUC as you stay in one of the residence halls and attend social and academic events. 

We hope you can make plans to join us for College Days on February 9-11, 2020. Register now! For more information about College days and other ways to visit, check out puc.edu/visitors.

 

We can spend hours explaining what we think makes life at PUC so unique and honestly, we really would be happy to, but nothing beats experiencing it firsthand, so schedule your visit today! 

Before you arrive, be sure to apply and send in your admissions documents for a quick acceptance! It will make your visit even more special as you officially become a member of the Pioneers family.

 

Transfer to PUC, Today!

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PUC is a vibrant and Christ-centered community full of warm and welcoming members of the Pioneers family. Here you will be given the opportunity and resources to discover and prepare for your calling. No matter your interests, there is definitely a place for you on our beautiful campus. We accept transfer students at any point in their program, so don’t worry about completing a certain number of credits before considering the move. We would be thrilled to have you join our Pioneers family!

We know transferring colleges can be overwhelming and even scary. Our goal is to make the process easier from start to finish.

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We have a dedicated counselor in the Admissions office to help students through the transfer process. Kharolynn Pascual Smith is here to help you every step of the way. Email kharolynn@puc.edu or call (800) 862-7080, option 2 to talk with her now. Get to know a little about Kharolynn!

 

 

 

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Once you’ve been accepted, PUC will complete a degree evaluation of your transcripts, which you will need before you register for classes. If you have questions about how your credits have been applied, contact the Records office at records@puc.edu or (707) 965-6673.

 

 

 
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Your personal spiritual journey should never take a back seat. At PUC, the college chaplain, Kent Rufo, is always available for counsel or even a quick prayer. Connect with him through email at Krufo@puc.edu.

 

 

 

 

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You will be assigned an academic advisor in the program you’re studying. This professor knows the ins and outs of your major and works with you to foster academic, spiritual, and personal growth. Your advisor will need to approve your class schedule each quarter, making sure you stay on track to complete your degree!

 

 
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College can be challenging, but at PUC, we have great resources in place to help students succeed. The Teaching & Learning Center offers tutoring and advising services while the Career & Counseling Center has a career counselor who can give you a career test and one-on-one help with career counseling.

 

 
Well, what are you waiting for? Apply to PUC now!

Questions about the application process for transfer students? Call (800) 862-7080, option 2 or email admissions@puc.edu to get connected with an admissions counselor to learn more. We’re ready to help you discover your calling and God’s plan for your life, every step of the way.

It’s ACT/SAT Time! Are You Prepared?

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Fall is officially in full swing which means you have a lot of things on your “preparing for college” checklist! We hope one of those is preparing for the ACT or SAT. We know the idea of sitting down and taking them might be a bit overwhelming but we hope you know how important they are! Did you know that while a lot of colleges have score requirements for admissions, PUC doesn’t? While that might ease some of your anxiety, it shouldn’t stop you from preparing for and taking them because there are some BIG reasons to take them and score well! 

Note: PUC accepts both the ACT and the SAT. To have your test scores sent to PUC, make sure you include PUC’s school code; 0362 for ACT and 4600 for SAT. 

You need them to register for classes

A little different than most state and public schools, PUC doesn’t require test scores for admission for first-time college students, with a few exceptions. However, you still need to submit test scores for placement into math and English classes, so it is something you will have to turn in eventually when you register for classes in the spring. 

For transfer students, test scores are only required for students who have not successfully taken the equivalent to College Algebra or English 101.

Learn more about PUC’s admissions requirements. 

You could earn a scholarship

PUC uses test scores for several scholarships for incoming freshmen, including the Maxwell scholarship, the college’s most prestigious scholarship; and the President’s, Dean’s, Trustee’s, and Founder’s scholarships. Each of these scholarships require a certain GPA and a certain test score range and is potentially worth a great deal of money, from $36,000 all the way up to $112,000. It’s definitely a wise decision to make sure you take time to adequately prepare for the ACT or SAT since the better you score, the higher the scholarship you’re eligible for. 

Learn more about PUC’s scholarships. 

Retaking it could result in a higher scholarship

With the fall just getting started, there’s still plenty of time to take either test or retake one if you aren’t satisfied with your score. This might not sound like the most fun since it’s several hours of your time, but it can be worth it since there’s serious scholarship money available for students who do well on these tests. It can be the difference between earning thousands of dollars more if you can significantly increase your score. If you took the ACT but didn’t do well, it may even be worth trying the SAT to see if that results in a higher score. 

Learn more about the ACTs, including registration deadlines and fees.

Learn more about the SATs, including registration deadlines and fees.

Our team of admissions counselors is ready to help if you have questions about applying to PUC! Call our office at (800) 862-7080, option 2 Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to get connected with a counselor. You can also email admissions@puc.edu.

Good luck! 

 

There Are Some Really Great Reasons to Apply to PUC

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Your senior year of high school is a busy time. Aside from classes and making memories you’re gearing up to head off to college. If you haven’t already started looking at potential schools to attend next year, now’s the time—and why not start with Pacific Union College! Here are just a few of the reasons why you should consider applying to PUC.

 

Screen Shot 2019-09-05 at 11.35.54 AMThere’s Something for Everyone

PUC offers more than 70 different degrees and programs to choose from—whatever your passion, we’ve got a program for you! Our graduates are primed for success and are working in many exciting areas, including Stanford University, Google, Buzzfeed, Apple, Lucasfilm, Airbnb, Loma Linda University, LinkedIn, and more.

 

Screen Shot 2019-09-05 at 11.36.01 AMMake Friends for a Lifetime

One of the best things about attending PUC is living in one of our seven residence halls. About 75 percent of students live on-campus, which fosters a very close-knit community atmosphere. Students live together, study together, socialize, and worship together, which gives our campus a unique sense of unity. 

 

 

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You don’t need to wait until you graduate to start helping with problems around the world. PUC students are already making a difference. With internships, missionary opportunities, service-learning projects, and on-campus ministry groups, you can be part of making change, today, in places like Fiji, Nicaragua, Brazil, and more.

 

Screen Shot 2019-09-05 at 11.36.14 AMHave a Mentor in Your Corner

With a 12:1 student-teacher ratio, your professors will know you. The one-on-one attention you receive in and out of the classroom will help make you a much more successful student. Your professors become your mentors who can help you along your journey, and ones you can still get advice from years after graduation.

 

As you’ve seen, there are many advantages to attending PUC and we would be thrilled to welcome you into the Pioneers family! The online application is quick, easy to complete, and always free. Reach out to the Admissions office with any questions you might have by calling (800) 862-7080, option 2 or emailing admissions@puc.edu. 

Don’t wait—apply to PUC now!