Hi, I am finishing up my last semester of community college at Crafton Hills College in California.
My advice.
- Plan out your ENTIRE time at CC. Sit down, with a counselor if need be, and find out what classes you have to take before you transfer (General Eds and major specific courses, assist.org can help you find classes that transfer for your major) and plan out every semester/quarter and what classes you will take. It doesn’t have to be permanent, but having it all planned out will save you a heap of trouble and stress down the road when it is time to transfer and you find out you forgot to take a course or two.
- Take as many classes as possible. If you don't work and have a lot of time on your hands, stock up on classes. Cut back on TV or video games or whatever and take classes. I gave up 95% of my gaming over the last 2 years and have been taking 18-23 units of semester units since then. It is NOT hard, you just need to DO all the material.
- Do EVERYTHING that's required for your class. Go to class, take notes, do the homework, projects, etc. It's not hard, it can be boring, but if you make sure to do every single assignment given to you classes become a lot easier. Doing this and not putting in any extra effort has given me a 3.9 gpa and trust me when I say I am not a model student.
- Be active on campus, volunteer at events, join clubs. UC's love this and it will stand out on your application.
- Take honors courses. You have to write like an additional paper or do an extra presentation + community service hours usually but it's not hard and UC's love honor students.
I am no expert, but I hope this helps a bit. Study, work hard, and you will go great places.