<p>Hey,
So I might be going to Santa Monica Community College…</p>
<p>Business degree</p>
<p>Are all the classes business related? Are they same as in a regular college?</p>
<p>Do they take attendance?</p>
<p>Is it like school or college?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>I am not familiar with SMCC, but I can say this: cc isn’t quite like being at a 4-year. You usually commute, so you’re not living in a dorm, surrounded by your peers. Study groups are formed either in common areas or at a local Starbucks/Panera. My core courses in engineering are pretty much the same at my cc as they would be at the university level. You have to learn the same material for that degree, regardless of where Business Law was taken as an example. Some classes will take attendance, some won’t. Also consider the type of learner you are; if the class doesn’t grade attendance (or participation, don’t forget that) and you learn by reading the text, then maybe you don’t go as often. It will determine on a class-by-class base.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>^ Solid advice right there. I am just going to add a bit. Also, welcome!</p>
<p>SMC does offer a business Associate’s Degree: <a href=“http://www.smc.edu/StudentServices/TransferServices/AreasofStudy/Documents/Associate_Degrees/business_as.pdf”>http://www.smc.edu/StudentServices/TransferServices/AreasofStudy/Documents/Associate_Degrees/business_as.pdf</a>
I am not that familiar with the program, but from my understanding the teachers are good. If your end goal is to transfer (a common goal at SMC) make sure to check with ASSIST regularly to make sure the classes you are taking are on track.</p>
<p>In regards to attendance, it depends on the teacher like Phoenix said. I have had teachers take attendance at every class, and others only on test days, and some not at all. However, DO NOT think that if a teacher skips attendance that you can make a habit of skipping the class. It might seem like a good idea, but you will miss out on important information.</p>
<p>As to your last question I am not sure what you mean. Is SMC different than high school? Yes and no. I have found that people at SMC are more focused on their studies than the people I knew in HS. Phoenix is right, it is a commuter campus, so I have found it doesn’t have the closeness of a residential college. However I have never felt like I was in the ‘13th grade’. From conversations with friends at different 4-year schools, I don’t think there is much of a difference between the class difficulty and information.</p>
<p>One last piece of advice: take the assessment tests seriously. I did, and I was able to place into the math and English classes that I wanted, and I am on track to transfer in two years. Friends of mine that did not take it seriously placed back (even though they passed the classes in HS), and now have to work hard to transfer in 2 years, but will most likely transfer in 3.</p>
<p>There are a couple other SMC posters on here, like @Cayton, who could have a different point of view.
Again, welcome and good luck!!</p>
<p>Iol, @luckie1367 pretty much summed it up, and thanks for the mention. :P</p>
<p>Pretty much everything he/she said about SMC is correct. And I must reiterate what luckie said about those assessment tests: take them seriously. You should study for the math exam by reviewing your algebra and geometry skills. I think you’ll be set if you do that.</p>
<p>Cayton: No problem. Also 1) I like your profile pic, and 2) I am a she.</p>
<p>OP: Just thought I would add the link for the assessment page, which has links for practice.
<a href=“http://www.smc.edu/EnrollmentDevelopment/AssessmentCenter/Pages/Prepare-Before-Testing.aspx”>http://www.smc.edu/EnrollmentDevelopment/AssessmentCenter/Pages/Prepare-Before-Testing.aspx</a></p>