Hints For Success

ABILITY TO USE COMPUTERS

Computers play a vital role in accounting and business. Therefore, all business majors need a general background in how computers work and how they are used. It is mandatory that students have spreadsheet (Excel), word processing, and Internet skills.

Hint for success: CIS 91 (Business Information Systems, 5 units), CAOS 120G (Integrated Software 1 - MS Office, 1 unit) or courses from the CAOS 91 or 93 series (Word Processing and Spreadsheet, 1 1/2 to 2 units each) or their equivalent will improve your chances for success in Accounting 1A.
CIS Department
CAOS Department
Basic Excel Instructional Tutorial (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

You will be expected to know how to use the Web. If you have little or no experience, try one of the following:

CAOS or CIS 94 Introduction to the Internet and World Wide Web (1 unit).
CAOS Department
LCEN 50 World Wide Web Searching (1 unit)
LCEN 51 Business Resources on the World Wide Web (1 unit)
Learning Center Classes

MATH

The ability to manipulate fractions and percentages and solve word problems is essential to accounting success. Finite Mathematics (Math 11, 5 units) is recommended before taking Accounting 1C.

Hint for success: A minimum of Business Math (Bus. 54, 4 units) or Intermediate Algebra (Math 105, 5 units) or their equivalent will improve your chances for success in Accounting 1A.
Business Department

READING AND WRITING

The ability to read financial journals, write detailed reports, and make presentations is essential to success in the accounting field. English composition and reading (EWRT 1A, 5 units) is recommended before completing Accounting 1C.

Hint for success: English Writing 100B and Reading 91(or Reading 100) or their equivalent will improve your chances for success in Accounting 1A..

UNDERSTANDING BUSINESS

Familiarity with the structure and operation of businesses in the United States is assumed in the first accounting course.

Hint for success: Introduction to Business (BUS 20, 4 units) or its equivalent will improve your chances for success in Accounting 1A.

STUDY SKILLS

To do your best in college, it is beneficial to understand how YOU learn. The following courses may help you in this endeavor.

ACCT 106 Accounting/Business Success Workshop I-IV (.5 unit each) Emphasis on developing the skills needed to be successful in accounting/business courses.
COUN 104 College Guidance for the Re-entry Student (3 units) Student life, confidence building, college policies and resources
COUN 110 College Survival (.5 units) Behavior patterns, attitudes, and strategies which relate to the learning process
COUN 500 Student Success Assistance (0 units) Assistance to students to increase student retention and success.
SKIL 130 Study Skills (.5 unit, repeatable) Time management, text reading, note taking, test taking.
SKIL 135 Study Skills Seminar (3 units) Development of effective study skills, e.g. goal setting, memory/concentration, note taking, nutrition, time management, test taking, text reading.

Also, investigate the College Programs and Student Services section of the DeAnza catalog for information about support services available, such as:

Center for Career Opportunities
Counseling and Advising Center
Extended Opportunity Programs and Services
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Special Education Programs
Transfer Center
Tutorial Center
STARS and SLAMS