Can I take community college courses during the summer for just learning?

Pre-College Issues Summer Programs
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<p>Haha this question is probably stupid but I am a pre polsci major at UCSB and I also want to learn computer science. I definitely do not want to double major because that would mean way over 200 units for me and would be extremely hard for me to maintain a high GPA. I still want to learn computer science though, without it affecting my GPA. This is why I want to take computer science courses at community college, but not if it affects my GPA. I also do not want any graduate schools I apply to see my courses (especially if I don't too well). So I was just wondering if I ever have to show my grad schools any of my community college courses.</p>

<p>Basically I want to just go to cc to learn, nothing else. </p>

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<p>Unfortunately, SBCC hasn’t offered any CS classes over the summer in the past. I think the expectation is that 6 weeks is too short. I have heard that SBCC is planning to have 2 6-week summer session this coming summer, so it’s possible that the SBCC CS dept will figure out a way to offer summer classes. I don’t know how that 12-week summer will fit with the UCSB calendar (or the HS calendar, which is my concern).</p>

<p>If your parents’ home is near another CC, that school may offer CS classes over summer.</p>

<p>Other than the availability of the classes you want, I don’t see any reason you couldn’t register for the summer at a CC and take a class without requesting a transfer of that course grade to UCSB. Just check a box like “Discover Career Interests” or “Undecided on Goal” for Education Goal.</p>

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<p>I think you have to be careful taking CC classes after you graduate from high school (can affect your status at your four year college). It is usually okay if taken prior to HS graduation, though. Do not register for after your graduation without talking to the college first (I personally would check with admissions AND the registrar’s office to make sure you get the same answer if you plan to take a course after HS graduation).</p>

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<p>Since you are already a student at UCSB, I think most of the concerns that people would have about you retaining entering freshman status no longer apply. I found this at <a href=“http://www.duels.ucsb.edu/advising/outside-credit”>http://www.duels.ucsb.edu/advising/outside-credit&lt;/a&gt; :</p>

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<p>The FAQ at <a href=“http://www.duels.ucsb.edu/advising/outside-credit/policies”>http://www.duels.ucsb.edu/advising/outside-credit/policies&lt;/a&gt; also says: </p>

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<p>By implication, courses not for transfer credit are less limited and there are fewer limits on summer coursework, though you should certainly ask at Cheadle in case you get good grades and decide you want them on your transcript. I’m sure folks at Cheadle have experience with summer classes in the community college system. </p>

<p>See <a href=“UC Santa Barbara General Catalog - Additional Enrollment Opportunities”>http://my.sa.ucsb.edu/catalog/2013-2014/AcademicPoliciesProcedures/AdditionalEnrollmentOpportunities.aspx&lt;/a&gt; if you are tempted to take SBCC classes during a quarter when you are also at UCSB, since that appears to be a much more limited option.</p>

<p>SBCC’s CS classes seem to me to be somewhat more practical (language-specific) and less theoretical (concept-driven) than those at UCSB. I’m not saying that’s bad in your case. I took several CS courses at SBCC after finishing my undergrad and moving here, and they have served me well in my career. </p>

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<p>@Ynotgo‌ Thank you so much! </p>