Commuter Students - CCM

What is the most challenging thing about commuting?

"Commuting is really only tricky in the beginning of every semester. In the beginning of every semester you have to figure the traffic pattern and plan according to that. Some mornings it takes me a little longer to get to school because I travel during rush hour and I have to wait at the light a little longer than other days." -Chris Cook (JTHS '12)

How important is it to attend orientation?

"It is very important to attend so that you get a sense of where the classrooms are and you can see what clubs you can join. I did not attend orientation and find it very hard to get involved because during orientation is where you are able to sign up for clubs and get to meet potential classmates." -Julia O'Shea (JTHS '13)

What are classes like, and how are they run?

"Classes are very similar to high school classes. Most classes run about an hour and fifteen minutes and are a lecture style (taking notes from a PowerPoint and some discussion). They are usually about 25-30 people, but bigger classes like history and science classes may be 50-60 people." -Julia O'Shea (JTHS '13)

How do you sign up for classes, and is it hard to schedule for the time you want?

"You meet with an advisor to go through your major’s credit requirements and they help guide you towards appropriate choices and ensuring that you take enough credits. They will sign off on your online program that is called “webadvisor” so that you can begin setting up your schedule. You have to go to the program and search for the classes you want and choose from the times and dates available and build your schedule. Classes usually have a few options, so it is pretty easy to get a desired time slot. Then you register and pay!" -Julia O'Shea (JTHS '13)

Is it easy to make friends, even though you are commuting?

"It is actually pretty easy to meet new people! You will see a lot of familiar faces, as a lot of high schoolers choose to go to CCM, so it makes it a bit easier to see them as you traverse through the hallways and you are very likely to have a class with someone you know! However, making new friends is easy if you put yourself out there and show your personality; many people stay on their phones all class, but if you start a discussion or introduce yourself, its likely you will make new friends and find that other people are exactly like you." -Julia O'Shea (JTHS '13)

How harshly do the professors grade you?

"It all depends on the professor. My history professor is an extremely easy grader and cares more about effort and studying than perfection, while my education professor graded mostly on memorization and conceptualizing the topics through essays. Many of them look for professional and original work that conveys an understanding of the topic and as long as it is not plagiarized and shows competence, you are easily going to receive a high grade; you get what you put into it. They do want to see you succeed, and are easily available to get help from, so utilize them as resources in passing your class and getting a lot out of what they teach!" -Julia O'Shea (JTHS '13)

Is it annoying to drive to school every day?

"Yes. The drive is a bit monotonous and long, but it is a pretty easy one. There is often road work or delays, so always leave yourself enough time in the morning in case of those unexpected obstacles. There are also a few different ways to get to CCM, so have a friend who already attends drive you through all the different ways or even take the time to drive them yourself so you get comfortable with all of them. I find it is less annoying to drive to CCM if I vary my routes as it makes it almost a bit more exciting." -Julia O'Shea (JTHS '13)

Do you feel you are missing out on college experiences that a four-year school offers?

"Yes. It is a bit harder to make friends as you usually leave right after class, whereas in a university you live there, so it is easier to maintain the connections made in classes. I also feel I miss out on being a part of a community sometimes, as I do not live there and cannot go to college parties in dorms. Also, I wish I could have a roommate and make a new best friend, but I have met some great people at CCM. CCM does not offer that athletic atmosphere either, so you miss out of big sports events that other schools offer." -Julia O'Shea (JTHS '13)

How is the food there?

"I actually do not buy the café’s food that often. However, the times I have bought it, it is pretty good. There are two cafeterias (one in the student center and one in Cohen Hall) and they both offer similar things, such as a Quiznos sub station and daily lunches like chicken fingers, French fries, and salads. It comes in pretty good portions but it is a tad expensive and the quality is okay." -Julia O'Shea (JTHS '13)

How bad is the parking situation?
"It depends on what time you get there and when your classes are. It is very easy to get a good parking spot, close to your classes, earlier in the morning and the lots get crowded as the day progresses on. At around 12:30, it can be hard to find a parking spot in the lots close to the buildings and you may have to venture a bit further. People drive crazily and do not drive cautiously, so be cautious as you drive around looking for spots." -Julia O'Shea (JTHS '13)