American River College Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Amber

If i could go back in time, i would tell my high school self to stop being lazy and do my work! All throughout high school , i was a procrastinater. I never though about what college i wanted to attend, let alone attending college at all. If i would have known what i know now, i would have focused alot harder on my grades and maybe been able to win scholarships and just had the extra motivation i needed at the time.

Barbara

I would probably tell myself that even though my desire was to stay at Natomas Charter with all of my friends, it would be in my best interest to leave in my last semester and transfer to another high school in the area. The graduation requirements for Natomas Charter asked that all students pass math classes through Algebra 2. Most other high schools only required Algebra 1, and I was stuck somewhere after my first semester in Geometry. The fact that I did not recieve my diploma really weighed heavy in my mind, and still does to this day. If I did not personally know the hiring manager at Raley's who already knew me as a hard worker, I doubt I would have gotten hired at any other job. I would tell my past self that whatever I do in high school WILL affect my future, and I will thus regret my past actions for the rest of my life. Seeing how far I've come through community college, I am proud of who I am, yet wish I did not have to worry about the diploma thing as I apply to other universities.

kenneth

definitely cut out partying and take this wonderful opportunity we have in this country to get a quality education seriously. too often we think we can do it "later" but later never comes until we get on the ball and "just do it". people pay for just the ability to read in some other countries so we can have a lack of appreciation for the chance we have here.i'm not saying "don't have any fun" but i am saying "just have your priorities straight". "business before pleasure" so be about your biz before having fun -you'll have earned it!!

Adrienne

The advice I'd give to myself if I could go back is to fill out as many financial aid forms as possible no matter how annoying they get. I'd tell myself to focus on classes and not procrastinate when it came to some of my assignments. I'd tell myself thatg I would want to consider taking some of the classes I really need instead of taking ones I don't need. I'd tell myself that no matter how dull, of sad or whatever happens just to keep going and you'll et there. I'd tell myself it's not that bad as I think and that there is hope.

Jason

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to learn more about college and the whole transfer process as I had no knowledge of it at the time really. I would also fill myself in on what classes I need to take and what major I should go for as it took me a long time to figure that out for myself. Lastly I would tell myself to stick through it and tough it out as no matter how hard it is the reward is well worth it.

Melissa

I'd tell myself to take it all in strides. That the bigger tasks are made from bundles of smaller tasks you're allowed to fail sometimes. Even science is self correcting. So when something happens to you that's terrible, it's going to get easier everyday as long as you focus on the tasks. When you go to class, don't feel sorry for yourself. Just learn. You take yourself out of that terrible situation so that the only you that exists while your in that classroom is the student. You don't know anyone except who's in the room, and the only problems you have in the world is remembering the material and getting assignments done on time. It's hard to compartmentalize sometimes. But when you can look back and say I did this. When you can say that you did it even though all those terrible things happened. It's one of the best feelings you'll ever have. Don't be afraid to fail sometimes, even science is self correcting.There's no hurry to grow up or any flaw in growing old. The ugly things are beautiful too in a different scope.

Malcolm

If i could travel back in time I would tell myself how hard the real world really is if you do not take school seriously. The real world today will chew you up and spit you out if you are not prepared when it is your time to shine. I would also tell myself to be more flexible and adapt to random changes that occured while growing into manhood. I say this because I believe by being more flexible and open minded gives you a better chance on surviving in the modern world today.

Gail

Wow...thats a good question! As an older adult going to college for the first time actually....(4th semester now)..I would have to say it is probably one of the best decisions I have made! The advice I would offer is to USE your campus resources! Have a list of questions written down for each department you visit. Follow-up on EVERYTHING of interest...from classes to picking the right instructor or choosing the best counselor for your needs! Also...TALK with friends and family that attend college with your same list of questions....sometimes they have more insight into what your college needs are in terms of housing, financial stability, childcare, disability, etc. Young college people of all ages have been my motivator! Hats off to ya! Real Talk!....

Karen

If I could go back to my high school days and have a little chat with myself, I would definetely tell myself to look at the big picture and not just at the here and now. I would tell myself that it is okay to have fun and want to hangout with your friends but someday you will have to get out of your parents house and support yourself and get a career going for yourself. I would also suggest that I start buckling down on my grades and really start paying attention in these classes because in your college years you can refer back to some of these courses and it won't be as hard for you. I would also say that it is very important to value your education right now instead of treat it as something that your doing for somebody else; your college years are coming soon and you are going to need to be responsible enough to go to your class lectures on your own. The last thing that I would say is to start looking into some colleges and talking to some counselors so that you can have information that will help you.

Ashley

I would tell myself that I'm worth it and to not sell myself short or let the experiences of the life around me dictate where I would go or what I would become. My senior year was cut short in a way because of severe health issues with my father. For most of the time we were waiting for him to pass away, but that time never came. He is still alive today, but not without major complications. I would tell myself that I should try to prove things only to myself and not to anyone else, including friends and family. I know that I took a back seat to applying to universities I wanted to go to and got in my own way because I didn't think that I could do it. I would tell myself to make myself proud, take pride and make every day worth it. Listen to your heart and never doubt your possibilities- they're great and vast and can be the only thing that guides you when your lost.

Erin

The first thing that I would tell myself is that it is completely ok for me to go to a community college, even if everyone expects me to go straight to a four year college. This is because I am not sure what I want to major in and it is more economical to go there than another college. I would also tell myself that I should not stress out about the transition because I am competent enough to make it through. I would also tell myself that eventhough I do not know many people who are going to ARC, I am going to make a close friend that will help me and I will also help her get through this and have fun. And lastly I would tell myself that I should listen to my dad and continue playing soccer at ARC because I will have fun and make closer friends.

Edward

Hi Edward I would love to give you some advise knowing that you are thinking of continuing your education past twelfth grade. Do not be shy of befriending proffesors and councelors they can give ideas to you and be of help. Visit the financial aid office and look into grants and scholarships as well as work-study. With this advice you do not need to limit yourself to finding part-time work. Do not be overly concerned of completing classes in the same time as other students around you. Edward take an introduction to accounting class and some computer classes.

Nathaniel

If I had the opportunity to go back and talk to myself as a college senior, I would stress the importance into transitioning from high school to college. Throught the transition process, there are many problems that a high school senior may run into. An example is not knowing how important your grades are when you go to college.It is very important for a colllege freshman to immediately begin studying as soon as college starts. College courses are far more rigorous than the courses of high school, the only way to get a good grade in courses is to study for lectures before and after classes if there is enough time.

Melissa

If I could go back in time and give myself advice I would tell myself to look at the options. Their are so many colleges that you can attend. Fill out applications and scholarships to help get you where you want to go. Don't just settle for the easiest thing out their, life is gonna be hard. As for the transition, take advantage of the college tours and weekend sleep overs in the dorms, they will help you get a glimpse of what college life is all about.