I have officially finished my time at American River College as of Summer 2011. During my last two years at ARC, I have learned more than I learned my four years in high school and the on year I attended a University. I can honestly say, with no regrets, that I loved this school. I made so many friendships and relationships with my fellow classmates and teachers. There are so many ways students can get help on campus. There are group and individual tutor sessions, classes to help students improve their reading and writing, workshops, research help, etc! There's so much. Any help that any student is looking for for ANY class , I am sure ARC has it or can make it specifically for you!
Did enjoy being here
I loved it. I got help from my counselor every semester making sure I was taking the right classes and on track. I was a competing athlete and my counselor made sure that I was taking enough units to stay eligible, but not too much to where I was overwhelmed. When I first started at ARC, I slacked off and dropped a lot of my classes and even failed one. I owe it to my counselor that I got back on track and worked my butt off to still receive my AA in two years (:
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Definitely a money saver! And you're still getting a college education. Some students spend four or more years at a university taking out $10,000+ worth of loans a school year. Most students enter college not knowing where their career path is headed and waste their freshman year lost in that search. Coming to ARC made me know where I wanted to go with my education, and saved me thousands of dollars in loans! There is something called a BOG fee waiver for California Community College students (something university students do not receive). The BOG pays for your classes and depending on a student's financial situation, it may also pay for your books (not including financial aid you will receive). To be a full-time student at ARC, a student must be enrolled in 12 units. The cost of attendance here is 36$/unit. After doing the math, the BOG sounds really good! BUT one must consider that even if a student does not receive the BOG, the cost is WAY cheaper than a university. Students that do not receive the BOG, most likely did not apply.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Apply for the BOG! All of the information is on ARC's website at www.arc.losrios.edu . Click on Quick links and scroll down to Financial Aid and there is a lot of help there. Also, schedule meetings with a counselor to make sure you are taking classes that transfer to a 4-year so you are not wasting time. Teachers usually put books that are required for their class up AT LEAST two weeks before the semester starts. Go to the student bookstore EARLY to rent a book for at least half of the actual price of the book. There are also many websites such as uloop, amazon, chegg, etc. I also highly suggest that everyone goes to their teacher's office hours. They are there every week for the whole semester and get visits from a few of their students the entire semester. It makes a difference when a teacher knows you! And do not be afraid to ask questions, if you are a shy student in class, write your question down so you do not forget and go to your teacher's office hours and ask it. That way everyone wins and they see you are making an effort!
Which types of students will excel at your college?
All types! Very diverse campus! There are also programs for deaf students and students that need personal attention or extra help. ARC does not discriminate. They give everyone a chance at their education - I believe that is why the campus is so diverse because they do not turn people down.
I have officially finished my time at American River College as of Summer 2011. During my last two years at ARC, I have learned more than I learned my four years in high school and the on year I attended a University. I can honestly say, with no regrets, that I loved this school. I made so many friendships and relationships with my fellow classmates and teachers. There are so many ways students can get help on campus. There are group and individual tutor sessions, classes to help students improve their reading and writing, workshops, research help, etc! There's so much. Any help that any student is looking for for ANY class , I am sure ARC has it or can make it specifically for you!
I loved it. I got help from my counselor every semester making sure I was taking the right classes and on track. I was a competing athlete and my counselor made sure that I was taking enough units to stay eligible, but not too much to where I was overwhelmed. When I first started at ARC, I slacked off and dropped a lot of my classes and even failed one. I owe it to my counselor that I got back on track and worked my butt off to still receive my AA in two years (:
Definitely a money saver! And you're still getting a college education. Some students spend four or more years at a university taking out $10,000+ worth of loans a school year. Most students enter college not knowing where their career path is headed and waste their freshman year lost in that search. Coming to ARC made me know where I wanted to go with my education, and saved me thousands of dollars in loans! There is something called a BOG fee waiver for California Community College students (something university students do not receive). The BOG pays for your classes and depending on a student's financial situation, it may also pay for your books (not including financial aid you will receive). To be a full-time student at ARC, a student must be enrolled in 12 units. The cost of attendance here is 36$/unit. After doing the math, the BOG sounds really good! BUT one must consider that even if a student does not receive the BOG, the cost is WAY cheaper than a university. Students that do not receive the BOG, most likely did not apply.
Apply for the BOG! All of the information is on ARC's website at www.arc.losrios.edu . Click on Quick links and scroll down to Financial Aid and there is a lot of help there. Also, schedule meetings with a counselor to make sure you are taking classes that transfer to a 4-year so you are not wasting time. Teachers usually put books that are required for their class up AT LEAST two weeks before the semester starts. Go to the student bookstore EARLY to rent a book for at least half of the actual price of the book. There are also many websites such as uloop, amazon, chegg, etc. I also highly suggest that everyone goes to their teacher's office hours. They are there every week for the whole semester and get visits from a few of their students the entire semester. It makes a difference when a teacher knows you! And do not be afraid to ask questions, if you are a shy student in class, write your question down so you do not forget and go to your teacher's office hours and ask it. That way everyone wins and they see you are making an effort!
All types! Very diverse campus! There are also programs for deaf students and students that need personal attention or extra help. ARC does not discriminate. They give everyone a chance at their education - I believe that is why the campus is so diverse because they do not turn people down.