American River College Top Questions

What should every freshman at American River College know before they start?

Quentin

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior in high school I would tell myself to slow things down. Focus strictly on studying ten times harder not only in the classroom but on the basketball court as well. Make sure to take care of the things that you have to do before worrying about the things that you want to do. Prioritze your time and dedicate the time souly to what it takes to achieve the goals we want. Have fun, but dont be afraid to sacrafice and put extra time into the books.; Yes its cool to be able to come back to school the next day and talk about the big party or Open gym and movie that came out the previous weekend but it will feel ten times cooler to go in to the pop quiz, test or exam more confident and strong because you know instead of doing all of the above you decided to sit back relax and crack the books. In college there will be plenty of time for fun, just develope that work ethic in the books now so that college will go significantly smoother for you.

Hannah

Hey Hannah, get out of that dorm room!College is about more than academic studies: it’s an opportunity to collaborate with professors and peers from a wide range of perspectives and experiences.One such method of collaboration is research. I'm eager to be part of a university research tradition, learning from professors who make innovative discoveries, and moving from reading about research ideas to exploring them hands-on. This connects with my goal of studying Neuroscience at the graduate level, to which undergraduate research and mentors are invaluable.Amidst exciting academic discovery, a challenge anticipated in my first year at college is moving from a small school/small town to a large university. I am excited to join a diverse community where I can learn from and with others, and want to create an academic/social support network to enhance learning and creativity. However, developing social relationships can be difficult in a new place. My plan is to become involved on campus through student organizations, for example, by joining Theatre and the Honors Program. This extra-curricular involvement will give me the opportunity to continue my academic and artistic passions while getting to know other passionate, creative students.

Kyli

Ask yourself the question; “Will this help me in the future?”. If the answer is no, don’t buy it, don’t do it, don’t take the class. If it is a class that will not benefit your major offer more insite into something relevant to your needs don’t enroll in it. In that manner of speaking don’t let someone talk you into a class you shouldn’t take just because they think you’ll be bored in another class or it’ll benefit you in their mind. Make up your own mind. You can do what you set out to achieve. You know what is best for you and there is no need to compare your decisions to another’s. They are on their own path. You may not know what will always lie ahead on your journey and know exactly what to do in the moment, but in the end things will work themselves out.

Winter

The baltimore Ravens won the superbowl in 2013. The chances of actually winning a scholarship are extremly slim, so rather than waste your time, bet on the superbowl. But if you really still need scholarships, since college costs a leg and an arm, apply, apply, apply. Even the small scholarships add up and the more you apply to the better your chances of winning. Apply for the classes the day you can, not a minute later. Classes fill up quickly, and there are only so many classes you need. If you must work part time while taking 12 credits, make sure at least one class has a low worl load and one class you enjoy. Most of all, apply to those colleges now, even if you don't think you'll get in.

Marissa

I would tell my high school self that hard work really does pay off. I was a hard worker in high school, but not nearly as dedicated as I am now. I have better study habits now, and I would teach my high school self so I could put them into practice as soon as possible. I have also learned many healthy ways of de-stressing. My high school self really could have used the knowledge I have now about exercise and controlled breathing. I wish I could go back and tell my 18 year old self, "You don't have to stick with the same idea for a major that you have right now. It's okay to change two years in, switch to a different major. You can keep History as a hobby and choose something else as a career." I think that would have helped me out, because now it feels like I am starting from scratch, this time without the finances I had back then.

Jessica

I believe you need to never give up no matter what obstacles you may come across. When coming to a big campus it could be hard to get used to as well as knowing all the teachers are not the same and everyone works differently and it is not like high school in any shape or form. Anytime you have a question in or outside of class ask, it does not hurt even if you feel like it may be a dumb question. Always look into way of helping your college and see all services that are provided at all times. Always talk to your fellow classmates and never show shyness, just confidence. Walk around the campus and explore your options and see where everything is located, as that can help you with helping the next student who is in need of help just like you. Never hesitate to go talk to your instructors and dont cheat because it just results in making you look ignorant and like you have a lack of knowledge. Always take your work with pride and never wait until the last minute to get something done. Always stay on top of your work.

Alexander

I would tell myself to just give it a bit more effort. I'd give myself the knowledge of all things I now know. I'd do a bit better in those classes and prepare a bit more for the jump to Cal.

Jeannie

If I could go back to high school and talk to myself senior year; I would tell myself, "I know things have been tough so far, but you have so many things going for you and you can make it! Just because you don't have friends doesn't mean that you won't succeed. You have the will, drive, dedication, and potential to make it in this world. When you see something, learn to step back and evaluate it because that will help you the most. Don't be scared for the future, but be cautious because there are many dangers. Keep a healthy lifestyle and keep your brain at high activity, because laziness is hard to cure. Keep being punctual and learn to limit your procrastinating. Good luck, and have fun!"

mitou

I would tell the newly graduated me that there is no reason to be afraid. I would tell him (me) that the sooner the better and that this path is the right path. The only thing that is worth doing in life is to concor your fears and go for your dreams and to live passionatly, to love. Depend on yourself and dont be afaid to be alone, have the courage to break away from the crowd. Let your heart guide your decisions, and choose what you love instead of what is easy. Work hard and find other ways to do things, and try to think outside the box when you encouter obsticles. Obsticles aren't meant to stop you, there mean't to help work harder, to find a different way or build you to become better by overcoming them. When you let go of your fears and negative emotions you will see the beauty in life and beauty is all around us if you just stop and look. Lastly i would tell myself that i am loved, blessed and there is no reason to not believe because you were meant for more.

eric

i would tell myself to prepare to study a lot. In high school i barely studied but now that im in collge i see how more important it is.