Enrollment at community colleges is on the rise across the United States. In fact, almost half of all college students are enrolled in one. President Barack Obama recently announced plans for a new community college initiative, designed to substantially boost government funding for community colleges and dramatically increase the number of students who enroll there. In order to help the 11 million students already attending community colleges, here are the best tips for getting the most out of the community college experience!

1.) Don’t work yourself to death. Most students attending community colleges are also working, which is awesome, but you have to keep in mind that you can’t be a full-time student and a full-time worker. It’s easy to get caught up in new and exciting challenges, but you have to keep a level head and remember that there is just not enough time in the day to do both full-time. If there are kids running around your house, that’s just one more (at least) added pressure. Be sure to take some time and plan a schedule that fits with your school, work, and home needs.

2.) Know you’re A.A. from your A.A.S and your A.S. You’re probably thinking what the heck does all of that mean?! You’ve heard of a B.S. and B.A. for 4-year graduates haven’t you? Well the A.S., A.A.S., and A.A. are the Associates Degree version of those. Community colleges offer both the associate in applied science degree (A.A.S.) and the associate in arts (A.A.) or associate in science (A.S.) degree. The A.A.S. degree is vocational, taking 2 years to complete. This degree prepares you for a career in healthcare, criminal justice, fashion, design and graphic arts, information technology, or paralegal work. The A.A. and A.S. degrees, on the other hand, provide you with basic, lower-division liberal arts coursework that resembles that at a four-year college and prepares you for transfer to that sort of institution. Be sure you pick your track appropriately. Once you start on an A.S. or an A.A., it’s very hard to shift to an A.A.S. (and vice versa).

3.) Know what transfers. If you plan on obtaining an A.S. or A.A. then transferring to a four-year university, make sure that all the courses you’re taking will transfer. It would also be good to find out if your grades will transfer. Whether that is a good or bad thing depends on your situation and the grades you have earned while at community college. You can look for a list on the websites of both your community college and your prospective four-year college. One of the best tools is on the web, to see what will transfer, click on www.VaWizard.org.

4.) Get on top of the developmentals. Almost all community colleges offer open admissions; however, they also require you to take something called developmental courses. If you are not quite up to college snuff in math, reading, or writing, you must take these courses. You will find that most community colleges offer you testing in reading, writing, and math when you enter in order to place you at the right level. Don’t disregard these results because you won’t be happy if you find yourself dragging along, confused and frustrated in a difficult course.

5.) Attend every class. One thing that is different about community college (versus a larger university) is that classroom attendance counts for a large portion of your grade, sometimes almost half of it! Don’t put yourself at a disadvantage when it comes to understanding the material and preparing for exams- go to class!

6.) Participate in class. Community college professors usually try to get each student involved in the class discussion. Be prepared to participate in discussions, make a presentation, and experiment.

7.) Use the facilities. Community colleges usually have especially good career counseling services. This is usually an office where you can make an appointment to meet with a counselor to help you find the career that’s right for you. You will also find extensive writing, reading, tutoring, and health services centers. You are essentially paying for these services with part of your tuition money, so why not make use of it?

8.) Go see the professor and the TA. Community college professors are required to hold extended office hours to see students. Many times, professors are available without appointment, for at least 10 hours per week. Make sure that you stop in to chat or seek help before a big paper or test.

9.) Join the community. Although most community colleges realize that most students are commuters, they do try to compensate by providing “cohort” and “study buddy” programs that will put you in touch with other students taking the same courses. This is a great way to meet other students with similar life and career goals as you!