How to Make an Appointment to See a Counselor

You can schedule a 45-minute appointment year round with a counselor. Schedule your appointment before the registration period to avoid the rush. Waiting until the week before classes start is generally not a good idea because it is late in the registration process, and many classes will be closed.

1. Apply to Palomar and obtain an ID number through eServices.
2. The English, Reading and Math placement results are based on the information you provided on the Palomar College application for admission.  Results can be viewed on the eServices student portal, at the bottom right corner of the Student Center page.The Assessment Office may also consider the following documentation for English, Reading and Math placement:
   • completed English and/or Math courses at other colleges
   • a score of 3 or higher on AP English and/or Math tests
   • other college placement test results if taken within the last two years
   • test results from SAT, ACT, CAASPP EAP, ELM, and/or EPT taken within the last two years

   Please email any documentation, along with your Palomar College ID number to assessment@palomar.edu or fax to 760-591-0482.

   The Assessment Office can be reached at (760) 744-1150 ext. 2476 or 2182.

3. Schedule an appointment
   • Go to Counseling front desk: Appointments can be made in person at the Counseling front desk. Come in early to obtain an appointment.
   • Call the following locations to make an appointment:
     • San Marcos Counseling Center at (760) 891-7511  (Face-to-face and/or online appointments via ZOOM available at this location.)
     • Escondido Counseling Center at (760) 744-1150 ext. 8157
     • Camp Pendleton at (760) 725-6626

Due to the high volume of students we are currently serving, appointments are only scheduled up to 14 days in advance of your request. If you can not keep your appointment, please inform the front desk to cancel your appointment in order to avoid a “no show.” If you have three no show’s, you will need to meet with the Department Chair before making another appointment with a counselor.

How to Prepare for your Appointment

Whether you know your major or are undecided, you can prepare for your counseling appointment.  Bring the following to your appointment:

• A list of questions to ask
• Copies of transcripts from other colleges, AP or IB scores
• Paperwork from previous appointments such as educational plan, Palomar transcripts, general education checklists and any additional research.

Quick Questions

Typically, a quick question will lead to an appointment with a counselor.  Come into the Counseling Center to ask a quick question, and we will do our best to accommodate you. You can also email our Quick Questions Counselor, and we will get back to you within 48 hours Monday through Friday. We may recommend that you make an appointment instead, so be ready for that too!

We may recommend that you make an appointment instead, so be ready for that too!  In the meantime, take a look at our links on the left for more information.  For questions about applying or enrolling, go to the Admissions page.

Additional Counseling Services

Counseling services for specific programs are also available. These programs have its own appointment calendar, so call them today! Learn more about counseling services provided by the Counseling Department by clicking on Counseling Services on the navigation menu.