A High-Schooler’s Guide: Succeeding in Community College

Always double-check information coming from Mt. Hood’s High School Services – don’t be afraid to ask for clarification.

Sadly, I’ve learned the hard way to always double-check any information provided by the high school services at MHCC. This started when I asked if I could get employed at MHCC and was told, “You can’t do that because you’re under 18 and don’t have a diploma.”

Always take the time to ask those actually in charge of, or people higher up within, the program or department you’re interested in. This applies to classes as well, whether it’s about the number of credits you need for the next term, scholarships, or anything else that can significantly impact your life.

Unfortunately, the High School Services team often has too many students to manage and not enough staff to handle the workload, which makes mistakes more common than they should be.

While that office is a great support for general needs, they may not be the best resource for overachievers or those looking to go beyond the basic classroom experience. Take the time to directly reach out to the program, job, or person in charge of what you’re pursuing. Don’t be shy; most people will look up to you for taking that initiative.

YOUR HIGH SCHOOL WILL FORGET ABOUT YOU

Not only will your high school friends forget about you, they won’t even care. It’s not their fault – they don’t see you anymore.

It’s completely normal to feel a shift when transitioning to being a full-time college student. This isn’t just my experience; it’s something many dual-enrollment students go through. When you’re no longer in class with these friends or seeing them every day, it’s natural for the connection to fade.

But, don’t worry – it’s not the end. New friends and better connections will come. You don’t need to hold on to old friendships that aren’t serving you. Make new connections. These don’t have to be your best friends, just people who will be there with you through the next term. And when that term ends, you’ll find new people who are a better fit.

Keep an open mind, and remember that the right people will come into your life at the right time.

TAKE CLASSES WITH FRIENDS

Taking classes with friends can really help your mental health and your grades. It’s a good idea to take challenging classes, like math and chemistry, with friends.

It’s easier when you’re not going through tough subjects alone, whether it’s venting together after a difficult class or supporting each other through the tough moments. Having someone to share the experience with can make a big difference.

If you miss class, need help, or just feel overwhelmed, having someone in the same class will make a huge impact. These friends can help keep you on track, and you can work together to figure things out.

USE RATE MY PROFESSORS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

Ratemyprofessors.com is a reliable resource. The teacher you choose can significantly impact how well you do in the class. Take the time to read about others’ experiences and decide whether a particular instructor is the best fit for you.

IT’S OKAY IF YOUR GRADE ISN’T AN A

This is coming from a control freak and a former 4.0 GPA student. The shift is just too much, and you’re not going to get a perfect grade in every class. I’ve yet to meet a full-time high schooler who’s also working on their associate degree and still maintaining a 4.0. There are some out there, but it’s not a big deal, I promise.

This doesn’t mean you should slack off, but it’s okay if you don’t get an A in every class. Remember, you can always retake a class if you get a C or D, and that can improve your GPA.

These classes are hard, and it’s a lot of work, so don’t break yourself trying to be perfect. Also, no one really cares about your 4.0. Or perhaps they might tell you to “shove it down your throat” if you try to show it off too much.

EMBRACE BEING A HIGH SCHOOLER IN COLLEGE

Use your status as a high school student to your advantage. At first, I didn’t want anyone to know I was only 16, but I’ve realized how tough it is to transition from basic high school classes to college-level coursework. Introduce yourself to your instructors, explain your circumstances, and don’t hesitate to ask for their help.

THE WORST THEY CAN SAY IS “NO”

I will take this line to my grave: The worst they can say is No. If you’re sick, life happens, or you genuinely don’t feel prepared to do well on an exam or quiz, ask for an extension or an alternative. Be upfront and honest about why you don’t feel ready.

Somehow, instructors can always tell the difference between students who just want an easy pass and those who genuinely need extra time.

By being honest, you’ll build trust with your teachers, which will make them more likely to help you the next time you need it. Don’t hesitate to ask for a redo or a chance for extra credit.

Even if they don’t typically allow it, I’ve had teachers create an entirely new extra credit assignment because I explained my situation and why I felt the class would benefit from it.

Be polite and thoughtful when you ask. How you approach the conversation matters more than you might think.

RESEARCH YOUR FUTURE MAJOR AND THE CLASSES YOU NEED

Kill two birds with one stone: If you want to pursue a specific field and are considering a college, research that college and what prerequisites they require.

Don’t take any class just for fun if your end goal is a specific career. For example, I want to be a dentist, and ultimately that degree program requires a lot of chemistry and sculpture classes. I took ceramics instead, and will have to go back and take the required courses later.

It’s simple, and you can even get guidance from an academic advisor at MHCC. They’re the best resource – go ask for help on how to find the courses you need. Be smart about the classes you take; don’t waste your time.

Mary Nashed