iStartSmart Components
Click on each icon above or link below to go to a campus page which describes the area:

New to College? PVCC’s student success program, iStartSmart, includes Placement Testing, Orientation (online and on-campus), and a Student Success class. It is required if any of the following apply: You are enrolling as a full time student (12 or more credit hours) and are seeking a degree or certificate  You are enrolling in 6 or more credits, are seeking a degree or certificate, and your placement test scores indicate any course under 100 level. (e.g. ENG 071, RDG 091, MAT 092, etc.) Complete the Student Information Form

Take Placement Tests in English, Math and Reading: Placement tests in English, Math and Reading are required before attending your on-campus Orientation session. Placement tests are administered on a walk-in basis in KSC 226. Call (602) 787-7050 to verify current hours. IMPORTANT: Complete all three placement tests and bring the scores to your on-campus Orientation session. Your scores are required for selecting appropriate classes.

Complete iStartSmart online Orientation/Enroll in on-campus Orientation: You’ll be introduced to your classmates, tour the campus, learn important college customs, and meet with your Academic Advisor who will help you choose your first-semester courses and enroll.

Begin Setting Goals: PVCC’s online iGoal program walks you through the entire goal-setting process, starting with tips on how to write goals. You’ll hear more about your iGoal account during the on-campus Orientation and in your Student Success course. From there you’ll set some personal, academic, and maybe even some financial or career goals.

Enroll in a College Success Course (AAA115 or CPD150): During your on-campus Orientation session your Academic Advisor will help you select the College Success course that best meets your needs and schedule. In the course you’ll learn strategies for achieving your goals in college and in life. AAA115 - Creating College Success - 1 Credit Strategies to create success in college. Methods for selecting and developing effective academic strategies, increasing self-awareness and developing self-management strategies. Elements of college resources and relationships with others explored in support of students' educational experience. AAA115 sample course website resource CPD150 - Strategies for College Success - 3 Credits Focus on increasing student success through college orientation and personal growth, study skills development, and educational and career planning.

Link for New to College students --> Start Here