This will be controversial- but I genuinely believe extracurriculars are important on your college application. *Especially for UC's or other extremely competitive universities* Clubs: I recommend finding a club/ or a few that relate to your major or field of study. From there do your best to obtain an officer position and fully immerse yourself in the club. Research: I personally got involved in research and LOVED it. My community college had plenty of research opportunities (you can typically find these through your honors program, an honors society, or specific professors). This looks amazing on college applications, post grad applications, and job applications. Get involved in something you are interested in. Honor Societies: These are societies such as Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) or Psi Beta Honors Society. They are usually open to students with a certain GPA 3.25-3.5+ and provide you with amazing connections and opportunities. They typically cost about $50-100 for a lifetime membership and are beyond worth it. Student Government: Each school has a student government that has many positions. This is a great way to have your voice heard and gain valuable experience. It typically is a time consuming commitment at about 10 hours/ week. Work: Outside work is a great extracurricular. YES colleges look at your job and value it! Keep making that bank. Volunteering: This is great for you as a student and as a person. All I have to say about this is if have the opportunity to volunteer- DO IT!

Typically most people freak out right before registration/ enrollment for the next semester. They don't know what classes to take. And, one month before they think they are going to transfer or graduate they realize they are missing multiple classes. This has happened to SO many of my friends and I encourage you not to make the same mistake. PLAN YOUR CLASSES OUT BEFORE YOU START COMMUNITY COLLEGE! I can not stress this enough- this is the most important advice I have to give. 1. Starting May or June (the summer) before you attend Community College decide on a major, where you want to transfer/ if your getting an Associates/ getting a certificate, and general education courses. 2. Decide how long you want to be at community college. I personally did it in two but I have a ton of friends who did in three or four. How much you work and want to spend time in other aspects of your life will greatly affect this decision. *If you want to do it in 2 years it will be about 15 units/ semester. It will take up about 40 hours per week and will be a lot. BUT it is doable* 3. Planning Each Semester. For each semester I recommend 3-6 classes. Depending on how hard each class is this will change. Do NOT take all your hard classes/ or all your easy classes one semester. You will regret this. You need balance! 4. Summer. The majority of community college students take summer. I highly recommend summer as typically the classes are a little easier and you can get a lot of units in. Take 1-2 summer courses but do not overwhelm yourself with extremely hard classes. (Hint: this is typically NOT a good time to take a math) 5. By the time you start community college in the Fall you should have a plan for each semester of the 4-8 semesters you intend on being there. Stick to the plan and try not to drop classes! You GOT this.

Some but not all CA Community Colleges have honors program. Personally, I recommend finding a community college that has an honors program and joining it! How to Apply for CC Honors: (different for every school) 1. If you are in high school typically you need about a 3.25 to apply, and if you are in college already you typically need a 3.25 in college courses. 2. Some schools require letters of recommendation as well as a few essays Being in the Honors Program: (different for every school) 1. Maintain a 3.25 GPA in regular AND honors courses 2. Take 5 honors courses (15 units) 1. Classes are small 15-30 students, are typically much more discussion based 2. Have to take 2 per year 3. Complete an honors portfolio at the end of your community college experience 4. *Guaranteed priority registration!* 5. *Special Honors Counselors who know EXACTLY what they are talking about* Advantages of the Honors Program: (different for every school) 1. Priority Registration 2. Typically- some type of honors lounge/ room 3. Honors events 4. Like minded students in your courses who have similar goals 5. Looks AMAZING on college applications (and will forever be on your transcript) 6. Required if you would like to "TAP" UCLA. This increases your chance of admission at UCLA.