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.

Lesli

Dear Lesli, I hope you are doing well. I know it is tiring working two jobs and going to high school but it will be over soon. I wanted to get to talk to you about those plans you have to go to ARC after you graduate. You really might want to hold off on that. I know you feel ready to take on the world but you really need some time to figure out who you are and what you really want. Go out, try a few jobs, go see somewhere new, go live a bit. You've heard the stories of kids being pushed out of the foster system with nowhere and nothing. Don't set yourself up for failure. You have some really hard times coming but you will also have some really great things coming too. One of them will change your life in ways I can't even being to explain. Your goals will change and you will know failure. You WILL get through those hard times. Seems kind of impossible right now but you will come to know faith and love. Be strong. Be smart. Never stop loving. Thinking of you, Lesli

Richard

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, the first thing I would tell myself is what I REALLY want to study. As a high school senior, I thought I wanted to study physics, then music. But now, I am certain that I want to study software development, beyond the shadow of a doubt. The main mistake I made was taking so many unnecessary classes at my local junior college and earning an associate’s degree in music. You would think earning an associate’s degree would be a good thing, but in reality, it is now holding me back. Because I have a degree and lots of units, the school has cut off my priority registration and it is nearly impossible to get into classes I need to study computer science and transfer to a university. I would stress to myself the importance of only taking classes I need to transfer and nothing more. Learning has always been my passion. I love to absorb as much knowledge as possible, and that’s why I loved community college, but all of that should be done after I have achieved my main goal.

Anissa

One of the biggest pieces of advice I would give my high school self would be to not be so shy. When I was in high school it was a big concern of mine of what others thought about me. It hindered my ability to make friends by the way I just kept to myself. I would love to tell my past self that no one really cares nor will they remember what you looked like, said, or acted like. Being more outgoing would expose me to more experiences that I feel I missed out of. However, now in college am having to make up for. I now appreciate when I meet new people who open up to me, because everyone's has a story and they are each all interesting in their own way. I feel that everyone knows at least one thing you don't. It's my favorite to learn about everyone and everything and the only way is to communicate and explore.

Megan

If I could back to when I was a high school senior I would tell myself to study hard and get good grades. Also try out for some of the school sports and other extracurricular activities, things that a college might look for. Try to look for colleges that might appeal to you and work out for you. Do not worry about what degree you need to take, but keep up with studying and get good grades. About transitioning in from high school life to college life know that you have family, teachers, friends, etc there for you to give you help. Always ask for help since that will help you learn and grow and be able to get you closer to goal of achieving what you might want, such as becoming fully independent and able to take of yourself. Also to be thankful for what you may have and the people who are around you and support you for they will always be there for you in your time of need. Most importantly try to have fun through this and try not to stress too much about things that you may not be able to change at the moment.

Samantha

I am much more likely to remember someone’s name if I write it down or read it. For this reason, I am going to write my advice in letter form so if my high school self did read this, she would retain it. This letter would probably be posted to her wall and looked at every day.. Dear Samantha, The summer after high school will be tough. You will loose friends. Do not be afraid to be alone. You learn more if you are. Taking the public bus isn’t so bad. When you feel anger toward the world because you don’t have a car, remember the thousands of dollars you and your parents are saving. You also will meet cute boys on the bus :). Eat your vegetables and wear your sunscreen. You are beautiful, smart, and kind. So many great things will happen for you. Be grateful for your family. These next few years will be some of the best of your lives. No pressure, though, because your 30s, 40s, and 50s might be just as great :) It all depends on how you choose to look at life. Lastly, take pictures of every moment, and laugh everyday.

Shailena

Would tell myself to use all my freetime wisely because, since I'm in college now and have a lot of homework I do not have a lot of free time.

Betsey

I haven't exactly started yet. I start August 23rd. I'll be a freshman, but I think I'm going to love college life. All the classes I'll take and all the people I'll meet! I'm SOO excited! College is critical for me to attend. There are so many jobs out there that you have to have college education for whether it's just generals or if it's a full out Doctorate's degree. You can't really find a job without college education anymore, trust me I'm trying so hard to find one.

Mahsa

I have took many classes in this college. These classes helped me to learn more about what I want to do in the future. This is the reason why I changed my major 2 times. Any major you want this school has. The school is for anyone who really want to study and have good future.

Sarah

Nothing, I started college while I was attending high school so I got the training that I needed to do better in college.

kaila

I would tell myself and any high school senior if I went back in time, is to cherish the life of being a child. Once you grow up, you cannot act like a child and you have so many responsibilities. I would say to save up my money instead of spending it frivolously because the tuition is horrendous. I would also recommend studying a lot more, be an active participant in study groups, and focusing more academically. I would recommend buying books on Amazon or other textbook sites, because they are cheaper. Going on Rate My Professor.com will help because some teacher?s methods might conflict with your learning methods. School can be fun or miserable, but you have to put in the work.