Admissions

Find out what you would like to do education-wise and make a comparison checklist between your four year choices and JJC. Find out what classes you would need to take and how much they would cost. Most students don't realize that college costs a lot more than just tuition...you have to factor in housing, food, entertainment, transportation, etc. If you were able to stay at home for your first two years and attend JJC -- the saving in everything would speak for itself.

Meet with an advisor and have a general idea on where you'd like to gear your focus on. With a general idea of what study you'd like to pursue, an advisor can lead you on the right path for the correct classes you would need and good universities to eventually consider. Also, make good relationships with your professors and fellow classmates. The teachers are there to ensure your success, so showing interest in the topics in class and actively participating will open doors for you, such as, letters of recommendations, free life and career advice, and many other opportunities you would otherwise miss.

Determine your academic goals. If you plan to transfer to a four-year institution with a major all planned out, consult with a counselor AND an academic advisor to map your class schedules for the next 2 to 3 years; same rules apply if you plan to obtain only your Associates degree or technical/vocational certificate.

If you are undecided about your major, J.J.C. has a wonderful Career Services dept. with a terrific staff that can assist you in selecting a career and give you all the details about a job (skill set, salary, etc.) Once you determine your skill strengths and weaknesses, your next step would be to consult with a counselor and an academic advisor to plan out your class schedules.

Definitely check out the website ratemyprofessors.com.

Just cause it is a community college, it doesn't mean it's going to be just like high school. The classes are more challenging and more time consuming, but definitely worth it in the end. So give it a chance before crossing it off your list.