However, for many students, the first semester of community college is not met with flying colors. In fact, according to 2007 research by the Policy Analysis for California Education (PACE), approximately six out of 10 community college freshmen with high school diplomas drop out after the first semester! Therefore, it is important to understand what to expect in your first semester of community college; this will help with supporting your transition and long-term academic success.
- 2 English composition courses
- 1 Speech course
- 1 Critical thinking course
- 1 Physical science class
- 1 Biological science class
- 1 Health class
- 2 Physical education courses
- Completion of college algebra
- 1 or 2 U.S. history classes
- 2 Foreign language courses
- 2 or 3 courses in social and behavioral sciences
- 2 or 3 classes in humanities
Students who begin planning their transfer from the first semester of community college have higher rates of transfer success than those who do not. On the other hand, if you are not planning to transfer to a four-year institution, it is important that you still plan to fulfill the pre-requisites for your major, ensuring that you can graduate and enter the workforce on time.
Do not overestimate your level of academic preparation
According to PACE, many students become discouraged in the first semester because they overestimated their level of preparation – and thus, did not perform as academically well as they anticipated.
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