The most fantastic aspect of college is to feel that one is actually learning; acquiring knowledge by grasping new concepts, exploring different viewpoints, and improving at critical thinking. While high school often left me dozing through class, Orange Coast College has proved to be an engrossing experience if one actually wishes to further the bounds of their mind. Every teacher I have had uses a slightly different style to teach, but all have been wonderful in getting their subject across. Difficulty across classes has varied, but that is to be expected. Yet despite the variety in how complex the subject matter may be across disciplines, each class was still able to stimulate me intellectually. The main complaint I have is that the Orange Coast College online database does not have a significant amount of journals and articles. Several times I had to go to other universities to have access to certain journals for research assignments. However, it is a community college after all, so having a massive database when it only offers associate's degrees would be rather unexpected.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
If you're here to learn, this community college is great. For those who get satisfaction from acquiring knowledge, the experience will be greatly enjoyable. Teachers are very helpful and pleasant to converse with, and as long as you're willing to visit them during their office hours they will gladly aid you in whatever questions you may have. The campus itself is nicely kept and pleasing to walk through. This prior semester reconstruction was being done on the cafeteria building, so getting food on campus was a hassle, but this is only temporary. This college is also surrounded by many other restaurants and food joints within a fairly close distance, so running off campus to grab a bite is not a problem. There are clubs and extracurricular activities offered, though you obviously have to seek this out on your own time and hope the time slots fit into your schedule.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Tuition has gone up to $26, and budget cuts have affected the amount of classes available, but OCC is not one of the best community colleges without reason. It is definitely worth every penny, and if you are worried about the cost chances are financial aid will have you covered. Textbooks are expensive, as anywhere, but using the library as a substitute to buying or renting the book is a viable (and free) alternative. Orange Coast College is an excellent place to get an associate's degree, get further training, or save money by covering the required general education classes before transferring to a university. The only downside for the price would be for out-of-state students, who have to pay nearly ten times as much. But for anybody residing within California, it is a stupendous deal.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
If you are out of high school, you do have to take into account that this is still a place of higher education, even if it is not a university. More is expected of you, and all the responsibility lies on your shoulders. Many classes are structured in a way where an absence can be very detrimental to your grade, and turning homework in late may not be an option. So realize that it is your choice to be here, and you shouldn't waste this opportunity.
General advice would be to keep dates constantly in mind, such as financial aid deadlines and registration dates. Register for classes as early as possible! They fill up fast, and I've seen the number of petitioners outnumber the amount of people in the class itself. If you are driving, arrive early because finding parking can be a drag. Overall, be responsible. Do not half-ass your work, pay close attention, and if you feel you need help take your OWN time to visit your professor. Procrastination does work for some; it certainly has for me. But be aware of your capabilities, and if you're not sure of what you are able to manage, it is better to be safe than sorry. Give yourself more time than necessary to do assignments and study until you understand how you function best.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Anybody looking to go to a university but either didn't do well in high school, isn't able to afford it financially at the moment, or just wants to get a better feel for what is to come should consider attending community college. No matter what discipline you plan to pursue, Orange Coast College is a fantastic place to attend for any person seeking to better themselves.
The most fantastic aspect of college is to feel that one is actually learning; acquiring knowledge by grasping new concepts, exploring different viewpoints, and improving at critical thinking. While high school often left me dozing through class, Orange Coast College has proved to be an engrossing experience if one actually wishes to further the bounds of their mind. Every teacher I have had uses a slightly different style to teach, but all have been wonderful in getting their subject across. Difficulty across classes has varied, but that is to be expected. Yet despite the variety in how complex the subject matter may be across disciplines, each class was still able to stimulate me intellectually. The main complaint I have is that the Orange Coast College online database does not have a significant amount of journals and articles. Several times I had to go to other universities to have access to certain journals for research assignments. However, it is a community college after all, so having a massive database when it only offers associate's degrees would be rather unexpected.
If you're here to learn, this community college is great. For those who get satisfaction from acquiring knowledge, the experience will be greatly enjoyable. Teachers are very helpful and pleasant to converse with, and as long as you're willing to visit them during their office hours they will gladly aid you in whatever questions you may have. The campus itself is nicely kept and pleasing to walk through. This prior semester reconstruction was being done on the cafeteria building, so getting food on campus was a hassle, but this is only temporary. This college is also surrounded by many other restaurants and food joints within a fairly close distance, so running off campus to grab a bite is not a problem. There are clubs and extracurricular activities offered, though you obviously have to seek this out on your own time and hope the time slots fit into your schedule.
Tuition has gone up to $26, and budget cuts have affected the amount of classes available, but OCC is not one of the best community colleges without reason. It is definitely worth every penny, and if you are worried about the cost chances are financial aid will have you covered. Textbooks are expensive, as anywhere, but using the library as a substitute to buying or renting the book is a viable (and free) alternative. Orange Coast College is an excellent place to get an associate's degree, get further training, or save money by covering the required general education classes before transferring to a university. The only downside for the price would be for out-of-state students, who have to pay nearly ten times as much. But for anybody residing within California, it is a stupendous deal.
If you are out of high school, you do have to take into account that this is still a place of higher education, even if it is not a university. More is expected of you, and all the responsibility lies on your shoulders. Many classes are structured in a way where an absence can be very detrimental to your grade, and turning homework in late may not be an option. So realize that it is your choice to be here, and you shouldn't waste this opportunity. General advice would be to keep dates constantly in mind, such as financial aid deadlines and registration dates. Register for classes as early as possible! They fill up fast, and I've seen the number of petitioners outnumber the amount of people in the class itself. If you are driving, arrive early because finding parking can be a drag. Overall, be responsible. Do not half-ass your work, pay close attention, and if you feel you need help take your OWN time to visit your professor. Procrastination does work for some; it certainly has for me. But be aware of your capabilities, and if you're not sure of what you are able to manage, it is better to be safe than sorry. Give yourself more time than necessary to do assignments and study until you understand how you function best.
Anybody looking to go to a university but either didn't do well in high school, isn't able to afford it financially at the moment, or just wants to get a better feel for what is to come should consider attending community college. No matter what discipline you plan to pursue, Orange Coast College is a fantastic place to attend for any person seeking to better themselves.