Are there many Japanese in Los Angeles Community College?

Best Community College in the Los Angeles area?

• I'm a high school senior up in Northern California looking for a variety of community colleges to choose from if I'm unable to enroll in a college in New York City for the time being. I plan to major in English Literature, so what community college, in your opinion, is the best? (Best looking campus, good environment, etc) in the Los Angeles area.

• Answer:

  There is no best community college, not really. If you're looking to transfer to a 4 year college, the transfer numbers are actually very similar between most local CC's. While certain CC's may state that they have the highest numbers of transfers, they may not have the highest percentage, or a much higher percentage, as far as percentage of applicants who successfully transfer, which is the most telling number. Be sure to look into the TAG and Honors/Scholars transfer programs. It is up to the student as to how they do. If you are looking for a specific program, then that might help you make your choice. But probably all will be fine for English Lit. It may be difficult to get the classes you need as a new student/freshmen, so be sure to apply to asap, and register for classes early on your priority date. Have a written list of classes you want/need/are willing to take, and you'll want to be as flexible as possible with your class scheduling so you have the best chance of getting the classes you want/need. (Less classes due to budget cuts, more students attending CC's.) Look at the CC's you are in to see what courses they offer in Lit to see if one has a better program for what you want to do. My favorite CC is Pasadena City College. Overall, I like the campus, students, instructors, environment. But I've had good experiences at several of the local CC's, including Santa Monica, LACC, and Glendale. I was pleasantly surprised at the level of instruction, and I'd already received my degrees from good 4 year colleges years ago, so I'm able to judge. It's like any school situation, sometimes you get great instructors, sometimes not so much. For most CC's it's more a matter of personal taste as far as best looking campus, environment, etc. The best thing to do is to visit and see what feels right for you, and then see if it's plausible to attend there. You probably have to consider your budget, unless your parents are willing to pay for everything. Santa Monica will typically cost you quite a bit more than other locations for safe housing. What about a job? It is very tough to get an entry level position anywhere in LA right now. Even if you can get an entry level job, it will just cover rent, maybe a bit more, but not all of your expenses, especially a car. A car is almost a necessity in LA, or you might end up feeling isolated. You want to live as close as possible to your CC. A big part of success is showing up, so make it easy on yourself. Some days you're not going to feel like going, but if you live very close, you will be more inclined. Can you stay home and attend CC up north? Live with your parents, pay them a little rent, save up some $$, and not be annoying? Then transfer to a 4 year college? California Community College List: http://www.cccco.edu/CommunityColleges/CommunityCollegeListings/CollegeListingsRegional/tabid/829/Default.aspx Good luck!