"I can't go back to school because I ..."
- AM TOO OLD. The average age of students at ARC is just under 30 years! The Re-entry Center served a large number of students in this demographic group.
- DO NOT HAVE TIME. Re-entry counselors will help you work on your time management skills. You can also attend one of our workshops on time management. Time management is also covered in a three-day "orientation" class (Human/Career Development 111), offered the week prior to the beginning of the semester.
- CANNOT AFFORD IT. ARC is the best education bargain around, and a variety of financial aid options are available for ARC students.
- HAVE FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES. The Re-entry staff will work with each student to develop a schedule that will fit his or her needs. Family members can cooperate by sharing and taking on more responsibility. Besides, you set a fine example for family members when you pursue your education.
- HAVE CHILDREN TO TAKE CARE OF. ARC has childcare facilities that can be explored with the Re-entry Center staff or counselors. The contact number for the Child Development Center is 484-8651.
- CANNOT LEAVE MY JOB. Most of ARC's students work. Consider innovative work patterns such as part-time or flex-time, job sharing, split shift, or split location. We offer classes in the morning, afternoon, and evening, as well as some weekend hours. ARC also provides a large number of on-line classes.
- AM CONCERNED THAT GETTING A CERTIFICATE OR DEGREE WILL TAKE TOO LONG. Time will go by whether or not you are working on a certificate or degree. If it is an important goal, it's worth striving for. Since a degree program takes longer, consider earning a certificate, which is a shorter program of study. Once the certificate is complete, continue working on your degree.
- DO NOT WANT TO GO THROUGH ALL THE RED TAPE. Who does? Our staff and counselors are here to make ARC user-friendly, and will work through the process with you, or refer you to the right person for answers to your questions.
- HAVE A DISABILITY. ARC has an excellent Disabled Student Programs & Services (DSP&S), which is located in the Student Services building. ARC has a variety of services and specialized instruction that are available to you.
- DO NOT HAVE GOOD ACADEMIC SKILLS. We offer workshops, tutoring, skills development courses, study skills classes, and fully-staffed reading and writing centers as part of the many resources available to ARC students for help with their coursework.
- HAVE POOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS. ARC has a highly regarded English as a Second Language Department to help you improve your English language skills.
- HAVE NOT DONE WELL IN SCHOOL IN THE PAST. Give yourself another chance. Maturity and life experience deepens your comprehension and understanding. Most Re-entry students at ARC do very well. Re-entry students are focused and motivated to succeed in their new chosen path.
- MIGHT FAIL. Most students who enroll in college are anxious. You are not alone. Very few, however, talk about their anxiety. It is very normal and you too will learn the skills to be successful. Strong personal motivation - combined with available counseling and help with time management and other study skills have worked well for thousands of students.
Any other excuses?
Drop by or call the Re-entry & Veteran's Information Center at (916) 484-8391.
We can help you feel confident and prepared!
