American River College
Sacramento, CA, USA

Reviews

American River College

Jessica from Sacramento, CA

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am currently studying as a music major at American River College. The teachers are excellent and push you to become a better musician. For a community college, we have teachers that are willing to help their students through the internet, office hours and after class. There is a lot of opportunities to learn through the learning resource center filled with tutors and through the newly built library.
I enjoy being here but can't wait to transfer to a university. I feel that by being here I can be competitive amongst other students at the university level.
Am enjoying being here
I enjoy the company of the teachers who push me to be a better student. Numerous tools like online videos help enhance my experience in class. Audio tracks in the music department also help students have more practice for the quizzes! I didn't give it 5-stars because sometimes the the teachers can be extremely passionate and take things a bit too far.
Bang for the buck
Hek yes! A great education for less! In the music department we keep up competition with universities all around the nation. We even created a college magazine that is nationally known!

check it out!
http://web.arc.losrios.edu/~artnm/arr.htm

We've produced CD's!
check it out!
http://ic.arc.losrios.edu/~vocaljazz/

Many of the sports programs are in top shape! The American River College Volleyball team has risen from being the most defeated team in their league to being one of the top community college sports teams in the state of California!!

Tips for prospective students
So much experiences that have made me a better student! Make sure not to get distracted with all the activity. Participate as much as you can and it will benefit you.

It is hard to get a counselor appointment and it is easy to get side tracked, so make sure to have a plan and see a counselor regularly. Keep a goal in mind and the teachers here will be able to help you!
Great for these types of students
athletes
musicians
artist
history
engineering
medical field
nursing (competitive)
and for those to knock off those GE class!!!

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The campus is small and classes get full very soon. The instructors are good and knowledgeable. The library has only 2 copies of the required books and in some cases it doesn't have the book.
Tips for prospective students
It's a good college to start your education if you want to pass your general ed units.
What to do for fun
Clubs are not very active and you might not find many fun things to do on this campus.
Bang for the buck
I wish the campus was smoke free campus, because the campus is too small and we only have some small places to hang out and smokers ruin it.
Great for these types of students
it's great if you pass your general education units if you are planning to transfer to a four-year university.
Campus Safety
I always feel safe on campus. Last semester I had an evening class between 7-9 pm and I always felt safe walking on campus.

Haley from Elverta, CA

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
A college with pleasent teachers. Having many different classes ranging from art to English to Liberal Arts. This campus is vary diverse with a positive atmosphere.
Tips for prospective students
Take advantage of everything offered, you might just qualify for financial aid, and definately do not miss class, their fun and entertaining and very informative.
Academic Rigor
The teachers go off what they know not just statistics off the book, which is highly appreciated.
Dorm Life
There is no doorm.
Food and Dining
Since they are renovating the cafeteria they do not have one, however they have done a great substitution, turning the portables into the temporary location, and the food is great too.
What to do for fun
There is a Library, a Mormon institute, an LRC, MMLC, and an assortment of places to hang out, learn or whatever one sees fit as fun.
Bang for the buck
Financial aid pays for everything even classes with a little to pay for books, unless your a full-time student then summer school isnt. However, the classes are covered but you dont get any money.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
No there isnt any, except every thursday is club day.
Great for these types of students
Take advantage of every opportuity, I cannot say that enough.
Clubs and Activities
Plenty of sports, arts.biology, herticulture clubs, you can get to know them more during the spring, during club day.
Greek Life
there isnt any.
Campus Safety
enforced. which you can feel safe at school with the low crime rate.

Patrice from Sacramento, CA

a past student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Did learn a lot
I have officially finished my time at American River College as of Summer 2011. During my last two years at ARC, I have learned more than I learned my four years in high school and the on year I attended a University. I can honestly say, with no regrets, that I loved this school. I made so many friendships and relationships with my fellow classmates and teachers. There are so many ways students can get help on campus. There are group and individual tutor sessions, classes to help students improve their reading and writing, workshops, research help, etc! There's so much. Any help that any student is looking for for ANY class , I am sure ARC has it or can make it specifically for you!
Did enjoy being here
I loved it. I got help from my counselor every semester making sure I was taking the right classes and on track. I was a competing athlete and my counselor made sure that I was taking enough units to stay eligible, but not too much to where I was overwhelmed. When I first started at ARC, I slacked off and dropped a lot of my classes and even failed one. I owe it to my counselor that I got back on track and worked my butt off to still receive my AA in two years (:
Bang for the buck
Definitely a money saver! And you're still getting a college education. Some students spend four or more years at a university taking out $10,000+ worth of loans a school year. Most students enter college not knowing where their career path is headed and waste their freshman year lost in that search. Coming to ARC made me know where I wanted to go with my education, and saved me thousands of dollars in loans! There is something called a BOG fee waiver for California Community College students (something university students do not receive). The BOG pays for your classes and depending on a student's financial situation, it may also pay for your books (not including financial aid you will receive). To be a full-time student at ARC, a student must be enrolled in 12 units. The cost of attendance here is 36$/unit. After doing the math, the BOG sounds really good! BUT one must consider that even if a student does not receive the BOG, the cost is WAY cheaper than a university. Students that do not receive the BOG, most likely did not apply.
Tips for prospective students
Apply for the BOG! All of the information is on ARC's website at www.arc.losrios.edu . Click on Quick links and scroll down to Financial Aid and there is a lot of help there. Also, schedule meetings with a counselor to make sure you are taking classes that transfer to a 4-year so you are not wasting time. Teachers usually put books that are required for their class up AT LEAST two weeks before the semester starts. Go to the student bookstore EARLY to rent a book for at least half of the actual price of the book. There are also many websites such as uloop, amazon, chegg, etc. I also highly suggest that everyone goes to their teacher's office hours. They are there every week for the whole semester and get visits from a few of their students the entire semester. It makes a difference when a teacher knows you! And do not be afraid to ask questions, if you are a shy student in class, write your question down so you do not forget and go to your teacher's office hours and ask it. That way everyone wins and they see you are making an effort!
Great for these types of students
All types! Very diverse campus! There are also programs for deaf students and students that need personal attention or extra help. ARC does not discriminate. They give everyone a chance at their education - I believe that is why the campus is so diverse because they do not turn people down.

Chelise - Elk Grove, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
What to do for fun
Join clubs or find friends and sit outside and have a picnic. Even take a walk around campus because its very calming to look at all the trees. There is also a trail behind campus that is really nice to walk and get a breath of fresh air.
Food and Dining
Great lunch options in the cafeteria with lots of tables. The Starbucks on campus is great too but the line can get pretty long really fast.
In three sentences
Many great professors and a very diverse campus. There are a lot of great clubs to be a part of and the campus isn’t spread out. A great place to meet friends and hang out before and after classes
Dorm Life
I don’t live on campus or near it but there are apartments right across the street that seem nice. I know people who live there and they all love it. It’s close to school and isn’t very expensive
Academic Rigor
Great majors and professors. Lots of classes for every major.
Tips for prospective students
Get there early because parking is sometimes tricky and be a part of clubs if you can because they are all fun.
Bang for the buck
Food can get expensive but it’s is worth it. American river is a great school for students of all ages.

John from Sacramento

a past student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
If you looking for a College that has allot of Automotive, Electrician and Welding this College is for you. American River college has allot of courses in Automotive Technology that are one of the best in California. There are allot of young students at American River College, some of them are still in High school and are taking college courses for prerequisites to enter University.
Tips for prospective students
American River College is the oldest community college in Sacramento, Although recently they upgraded allot of buildings and it changed to a modern college. If you can't go yet to University start at American River college they have counselors that help you take the courses you need for transferring.
Academic Rigor
The few classes that I took the teachers were quite nice and helped me allot.
Food and Dining
Good size Cafeteria and Dining tables. The food it average.
What to do for fun
Walk around the College and visit different Departments and try to learn more about the schools. For me this was very fun.

Joy from Sacramento, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
American River College has a broad selection of classes with a bigger selection of people attending these classes from all over the country and world. The Professors will challenge you, but will be accessible to you if you need extra help. The campus is beautiful and the newly remodeled buildings are amazing.
Tips for prospective students
Make your counseling appointments early to ensure you will enroll in your classes as soon as possible. Tour the campus before the first day of class to make sure you know where to go an are not late.
Academic Rigor
The Professors here are challenging. You must earn all of your units with your own hard work and dedication.
Dorm Life
No on campus dorms here.
Food and Dining
The cafeteria was just remodeled and so was the menu! Awesome food, drinks, and desserts and affordable prices! Very convenient to eat on campus instead of driving elsewhere.
What to do for fun
The American River is an amazing place to go any time of year. Beautiful trails for walking, hiking, jogging, Bicycling, swimming, rafting, fishing, everything outdoors; My favorite place in all of Sacramento.
Campus Safety
I've heard of many bikes stolen; Very unfortunate. Other than that, I've heard of very little concern for safety on campus.

Nathaniel from Dixon, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Great Science and Technical Departments, with knowledgeable teachers and staff. Library is a great place to study with the free wifi and semi quiet study areas. The only problems I have had is with parking.
Tips for prospective students
In the first two to three weeks plan on getting to school at least a half hour before your class to look for parking which can be a crazy nightmare. Sign up as soon as you are allowed to dont wait around till the last minute.
Academic Rigor
There are different types of classes, introductory classes and college prep classes. And so there are different levels of difficulty as well. The basic classes are fairly easy but as you get into the upper division classes in any area or discipline they do start having a bunch more homework and much more study is needed.
Food and Dining
Well this is hard for me cause I am partial to Chipotle. But I would say that while there is not much on campus if you go off campus within a block or two there are many different restaurants, including Chipotle.
What to do for fun
There is a dirt path that goes along the south side of the campus and down along a small creek (more of a runoff) that you can go on walks or go running along.
Bang for the buck
Since this school is a Community College you are not paying through the noses to attend here. And it is pay per unit instead of pay per semester so it works out for many who have to work they can take night classes. But I would say as a whole I think that American River College has great programs and is one of the best in the area for what you have to pay to get in.
Great for these types of students
This and any Community College is great for working people, parents, returning students. Anyone who doesnt have the time to go full time or is not ready for the full on rigor of a full school schedule.
Clubs and Activities
There are many clubs at the school I my self in in at least two of the clubs. They range from Honor Societies that are GPA based to Bible study groups to student versions of professional groups like American Welding Society.
Campus Safety
I have never had an issue but it is in a more sketchy neighbor hood and if you have evening classes make sure you walk out to your car in a group. But during the day I have not seen or heard of anything happening.

Jacqui rom Sacramento, CA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
American River College has the classes that I need. The professors that I have had have been amazing and inspiring. The over all services of the school are great.
Tips for prospective students
Go early to all classes as classes are in high demand and not enough space. Have patience if you are on a wait list, people drop out every day. Ask about any resources or additional services, you may be surprised.
Academic Rigor
The atmosphere is professional. Classes are better equipped then some other colleges. Staff is great and friendly.
Dorm Life
I have not visited the diorms and do not live there.
Food and Dining
Food is good and the prices are average. The dining/ food areas are always well maintained.
What to do for fun
They have events that throughout the semester. There are also clubs to join. There is also a great library and computer areas.

Vrushali from Sacramento, CA

a past student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
American River College is a diverse college campus, where making friends is easy. This community college offers many various courses, and sections, so chances of getting a class are better. Of the three Los Rios Colleges, American River is central and has the biggest campus, with a newly remodeled Library, and Cafeteria, and a huge Learning Resources Center for students use.
Tips for prospective students
Take as many classes as you can manage each semester. Use all the available resources on campus, like the counselors, tutors, and Computer labs.
Food and Dining
American River college has very good food, with a variety of choices such as pizza, sandwiches, burgers, mexican food, and more. Nutritional options are available and all options are very tasty.
What to do for fun
Various clubs and organizations are on campus.
Bang for the buck
Community college is a good option to take classes to transfer to a bigger university after 2 years.