American River College Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school 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.

Michael

The only advice I'd give myself is to at least try to get the first two years of college over and done with right after High School. It would make it less difficult to get a degree you want later. After saying that I'd encourage myself to do what your gut tells you, since those choices are what made me the way I'm am today.

Clayton

Get some money

roseanna

i would tell myself not to drop out to finish school and get a high school diploma

Brittany

I would prepare myself for the hard work ahead. I would tell myself that college life is a whole new experience and focus is the key. Don't worry about the teacher you get, just concentrate on the class you are in and what the end result will be. It will all be worth it and you will be so proud of yourself. You only live life once, go for what you want and achieve it with determination and confidence.

Savanna

If I could go back and tell my old high-school self one thing it would be this : Don't panic. Everything turns out all right in college. The classes aren't anything to be scared about, and you don't have to be afraid of making the grade. You're going to do great, you'll even have a 4.0. All the hard work that you did in highschool, all the honors classes and projects, really did prepare you for college. You'll won't have to worry about fitting in either. College may seem like a big scary place where you won't be able to meet people or find new friends, but it's not that at all. It's a community and a family and you are going to meet people that will affect you for the rest of your life. Don't worry, don't panic, and don't be sad that you don't go to a famous old ivy-league school. Community college was definitely the right choice to make. You'll be able to be a big fish in a little pond. Oh, and you'll finally get that social life.

eric

Borrow less, find a way to get as much of your education at Community Colleges as you can. Keep your education debt to a minimum. Pace yourself, you never stop learning.

Louis

if i could go back in time and give myself advice about college i would tell myself that it is not as hard as you think. you take the classes YOU want, not what they MAKE you take. you make your schedule, so if you have a job YOU can pick the classes and the times of the classes to benefit YOU, there is more than just one class for each thing. there are evening and even weekend classes, classes that start in the afternoon, and some very early in the morning.... more than likely i would tell myself dont do the early morning ones as i, myself is not a morning person. i would then tell myself that a few years down the road you will find a change in yourself that you love working on cars, and if you expect a job in the field youd better go to college! what you think is the best in your head now guaranteed is not whats going to be there in 4 years. get a head start and do it! i know you can, cause im you, and i did it!. thank you. Sincerely, Louis A. Kramm

Elizzabeth

If I could go back in time I'd tell myself not to worry too much. College is a lot better than high school, it's easier to make friends, classes are a bit easier to deal with (in my opinion) and you get to pick which ones you want to take and when. It's still stressful at times but that's just something that you're going to have to deal with for the rest of your life. Overall, don't worry, you'll love it!

Jason

The first thing I would tell myself is to add a math class to my senior schedual instead of a open period. Then I would sit down and have a long talk with myself telling the passed me what happens in the next 5 years and ofcourse if were being honest winning lotto numbers. Giving mysef all the information needed to suceed or repeat the same mistakes knowing myself back then i would do al ittle of both. No matter what i would say or advise to myself in my senior year everything will turn out the way it is suppose to in the end. I like where I am at in my life right now as a whole and the decision's I have made and the hardwork and dedicaton i put into serving my country in the Marine corps and the now hard work of serving myself and family by being the first person in this famly for 3 generations to go to college.

Sara

If i could go back in time to when i was a seinor, i would tell myself to make all the connections you can with everyone. Making more friends, taking to counclers and trying to make the transition to college easier than what i had to ho through. I would tell myself not to be scared, and to not give up, take chances on opportunities you would normally be to scared to do. Research more about schools, and scholarships, and majors, and just college life in general. I wasnt prepaired and didnt have the encouragement around me to where i would know that i am a smart person and can be successful. If only i could tell myself not to follow what everyone else was doing or worring about other people, and just focus on myself. i should have made myself the number one priority.

Igor

If i were to go back, i would tell myself to work harder, pay more attention in class, work on my note taking skills, and study. Because that is important in college, especially the studying part. I would also tell myself to grow up a bit more and not act like ma child as much because there are more mature people and they look at you seriously, and how you show yourself to others shows who you are and how you'll do in future and the respect that you'll get.

Liz

My advice would have much rather be sent a few years before hand, to warn myself of the up-coming economy and to get a job before it was too late, however, my high school senior self would have found the most benefit from this simple sentence; "Liz, be the most aggressive, and grab hold of college as soon as possible." I was forced to take a semester off due to the incredible jump in campus enrollment. I could not stand waiting for the newest semester to arrive. No one in my local area is hiring, I was barely able to pull together some money from small graphic and traditional design projects, and it was nothing to aid me in college. I finally got my foot in the door and would have loved for it to happen sooner! If only I had known how great an effort is needed to push your way onto any campus these days! All I need now is the money to stay on one.

Sacha

A few things that I would advise to myself as a high school senior is to don't put anything off. When I was a senior, I wasn't very aggressive about going to college and didn't prepare myself for them adequetly. I assumed i would go to a community college so I didn't worry about anything. Now that i think about it, I should have tried harder to get into a university straight out of high school. I didn't do any extra-curricular activies and just focused on studying. Also, studying for the SAT's are very important. I studied but not nearly enough to get a really good grade. I wish I could have studied more for that and had gotten a better grade. There are so many things i could have done to get accepted to the college i want to go to right out of high school but that wasn't my priority in life then. Thinking about what I want to major in and my occupation would have been helpful also. Now i have decided my major and i feel rushed to finished the required classes.

Victoria

Mainly I would tell myself to take college seriously. I feel I have waisted a lot of time so far. I could be close to graduating if I would of really applied myself in the beginning. As a senior, I just wanted to graduate and have fun. Now, finding something I will love doing as a career is very important. When I was a senior I thought it would be so easy to just find something and get into it. I didn't realize how much time and work college really is. College is a preperation for the career chosen. A student is to learn everything possible. I could of done a lot of research and preperation before getting to college. The preperation and research might of even swayed me to choose a different college. I would of told myself to go for a state college right off the bat. I believe if I would of gone to a state college right away, I would be better on track towards my goals and career.

Selena

If I could go back in time to talk with my high school senior-self, I would tell myself that I made the right decision. Coming to the end of my senior year in high school, I really didn't believe I was ready to move away and be truly on my own yet. I attended a prestigious college-prepratory high school in Sacramento and witnessed so many of my classmates getting accepted into prestigious-expensive colleges. Upon reacting to this, I knew I didn't have that kind of money to spend, especially when I didn't know what I really wanted to do with my life. The answer-- communtiy college! Of course I was sad to realize that most of my friends were moving off to enjoy the "perks" of living the dorm life, but I came to find that I would survive. Therefore, I would tell my high school self that putting aside the trivial college freedom in regards to finding yourself is worth the wait. I made the right decision; I wasn't quite ready yet, and that's perfectly fine. To me, the wait(community college) was definitely worth the wait.

frederick

i would tell myself: breathe, save money, go with the flow, be strong, and life seems scary but you ahve to jump in.

tamaira

This is an oportunity to make a big difference in your life right now and for years to come. this will make you proud of yourself. The people who love you and believe in you will be proud of you , but more then anything it is an oportunity that comes with so much support and choices to meet you right where you are at. you dont have to be a perfect student now, to be successful here, all you have to do is want to. go for it. It Is your life, and your future. You decide.

David

DONT WAIT TO THE LAST DAY TO STUDY; I couldn't stress that more. Also, I would tell myself to man up and join tutoring sessions if I didn't get a subject. It took me three semesters to figure these golden rules unfortunately, but I'm glad I learned them now. Public High School doesn't prepare you enough for college in my honest opinion, so all the motivation to go to study groups and actually study has to come from your own person. The road through college seems only to get harder, and if you don't devote enough time, or you slack off and play games like I used to nothing will ever get done. Creating your own successful academic atmosphere comes from your own desire to excel, and thus, dominate those urges to deter from your desired future.

HIEP

I WILL WORK MORE ON SCIENCE CLASS SINCE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS HAVE THE WHOLE YEAR TO STUDY FOR ANY SUBJECT UNLIKE COLLEGE STUDENTS WITH LIMITED TIME FRAME FOR EACH CLASS.

rene

I would tell my high school senior self to take time to focus on school. I wish I would have understood better how to focus and balance life in school and out of the classroom. I would tell myself to not worry about what schools I did or didn't get into, it really is my own efforts that are going to make or break any school's "results". I would tell myself that partying and having a good time only lasts so long and that investing in my education is valuable my whole life; save the partying for later! I would explain to myself that it is good to be picky with my time and friendship because it is how we take care to value ourselves and our time. If I need to help someone in need, assess the urgency and ask them to work around my time. I would caution myself as to who I have around me as if they can help lead me astray. I would want myself to be aware of my relationships to people to be sure I am not sacrificing more than I should be.

Samantha

I would tell myself to take it easy in high school and enjoy it as much as possible. I overworked myself in my first year of high school and then kept giving up on my dreams along the way. Now knowing how college is, and how it's easy to transfer from a community college to a university without a problem; I know it would have been best if I had decided to choose the path towards going to a community college from the beginning. A lot of the time I spent trying to fulfill requirements for universities I could have used for other high school activities such as school fundraisers, dances, or athletics. If I would have taken all my classes at a steady pace I would have enjoyed my high school experience more. In return I would have transitioned into college more easily since I would have the satisfaction that my teenage days where well lived and that now I have an obligation to work my hardest since I was able to enjoy the transitioning period called high school.

Eron

If I were able to go back in time and talk to myself when I was a high school senior I wouldn't have told myself to do a thing differently except that saving money is a good thing. I would have made it clear to that youthful and impressionable me with no idea that utilities were a seperate entity from rent, that if I didnt want to be stressing out over how I'm going to afford vienna sausages and ramen noodles while working two hour math problems then I should put a 20 back every so often. Unfortunately, I cant go back in time to tell myself to, "Start saving idiot," so, I push buggies, clean urinals, and desperately crank out the essay's hoping that for just one semester all I have to do is study.

Aaron

If I could go back in time and talk to myself, that would be the greatest thing ever. I would tell myself appreciate the education you are recieveing, buckle down a little bit more, pay more attention, and work harder. In high school I was more of the follow the crowd type, and I wish i wasn't. I wish I could have changed that and been more of an induvidual. I realize I was wrong and i want to be better at school and life. My grandma deserves that and i deserve that. Making the transition from high school to college would have been so much easier adn a lot smoother. A lot more help would have been given to me if i was more serious back then and knowing what I know now, ging through these experiences, I really wish i had been more serious. If I could speak with myself i would tell myself college is the most important thing in life right now, focus and make sure you get in, if only I could.

Sarah

I wish I would of went back to college coming out of highschool, insted of waiting until 28 years old.

Michelle

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself that college needs to be taken seriously and you will not finish your general ed in two years. Going into college I signed up full time while working and had a hard time balancing it out. I would slack on homework assignments and say that "I have time to study later" when I could have done it then. After two years of being at a "two year" and not being finished with my general ed, I became discouraged. I learned that its pretty hard to work full time and go to school full time and that you may not finish in two years. I would tell myself to focus more on school because now that I am ready to transfer into a nursing proram (that is so competitive), I'm worried that my 2.5 GPA wont make it. There are so many trying to get in right now and I'm sure many of them have 4.0 GPA's. I wish I could go back and work harder at my grades, if I did this I wouldnt have to retake some of the general ed for transfer.

Ashley

Being in college made me realize that life is way too fast paced to sit around and watch, and not everyone is going to be a winner. Not everyone is going to have a happy ending. Maybe they wont be able to follow their dreams. I have seen good people throw away that once in a life time chance, and its made me really think. I know what I would look at myself and say, "Life is always worth living, and always have dreams to work towards. Don't get stuck in a rut, and do not look towards someone else to make you life better. You will have to work towards your goals and do not get lazy. Whatever you do, no matter what happens, stay confident and happy. Show the world that you will not be put down as easily. Also never forget, love life. " That would be it. Before I really thought that I can I could wait for life to come to me, I learned that I have to go to life and work towards happiness my goals.

Peleina

If I had the chance to go back and talk to myself in high school I would tell myself to be prepared and set in the decision to go to college. College is a big decision and there are too many young students that are dropping out and never finishing their education. I was one of them and if I had let myself know that it was going to be hard and worth all the work I would have tried harder to stay there and finish ealier. As far as being prepared for college, I would let myself know that there is alot to learn, work towards, and deal with throughout the college span of time.

Sabahat

If time permitted me to travel, back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would advise myself of what I know. I would say, "As anticipated as you are to enter college, make sure you study enough to earn the grades that will easily permit you to enter a university/college that accepts your credentials." I would tell myself to pay close attention to the SATs and focus on my weakness in Mathematics; practice makes perfect. Stay focused on the academic and athletic criteria of the college you want to get into. Make sure you are aware of what you want to major in because many go into college with an open mind and choke up when they must choose a major. Always stay as alert as possible during your Advanced Placement English exam and do your best. Remember what Mr. Madin always said, "It does not matter how hard you prepped for this exam, what matters is how unbelievable the outcome of your writing will be." If you follow his advice and mine, you are surely to do well. Promise me one thing, you will not under any circumstances regret your choices.

Tatiana

I would have told myself how stupid i was for wasting the past 3 years and that I need to get my education first or im going to be struggling to get by all my life.Dont give up focus and the rest will come. Im destined for greatness as long as i stay on the right path. I would tell myself that im 30years old and went to prison and did things i am asshamed of now. But God is real and this the proof. Fear God and seak him now so that he can help guide you threw thses coming temptations and disapointments you are about to go threw. and you wont be suffering so much. I would tell me that my grandparents love me and willdo whatever it takes aslong as i am true to my word. No one is your true friend. But if you learn now to stay stead fast on your feet, and complete your education man youy will be better off. And buy stock in a company called google and bennie babys. : )

Stefanie

Stefanie, You are going to need a lot of money for college life expenses. Your future truck is going to use a lot of gas, your parents are going to need any financial assistance you can provide and school will put a whole in your bank account. You always talk about completing scholarships and now is the time to actually take action. I am telling you that it is not fun to work hard and study hard in the same semester. You loose sleep and easily get stressed out. You have time now, so dedicate at least 3 hours a week to filling out scholarships. Think of it this way, if you you take five hours working on one scholarship and win $5,000, you just made $1,000 per hour. Time is a-skippin' so best get to it! You will be very glad you did!