Hello you all, this is my tip/advice for those who are international students and attending De Anza College.
I just wanted to share this because it can be a lot on your shoulder when you come to America where you know no one.
If you have any question about the school itself and transfer, please don’t hesitate and message me anytime.
I’d love to help fellow international students out.
For me, I spent three quarters (full academic year) at De Anza.
I currently have few weeks left at the school and will be attending USC this Fall.
- You don't really have to come to the new student orientation in mid-August when the actual school doesn't start until late-September. There's a makeup orientation, ALWAYS.
- Be careful when you take initial English/Math tests. They will try to put you in lower classes and make you stay forever at De Anza. Or maybe study for the exam ahead of time. They even have practice exam on the school website. I've seen this kid who is a third year at De Anza yet hasn't taken EWRT 1A.
- Utilize online/hybrid classes. I got to travel a lot (I MEANT A LOT..) because I would be done on Wednesday every week. Also great GPA booster. SOC 1 isn't easy as last year tho. Consider taking online or hybrid: BUS10, BUS18, EWRT1A, EWRT1B, ESCI1, ES1, GEOL1, ANTH1, ANTH2, ICS4, ICS5, what else?
- Use Rate My Professors but don't trust the website all the time. I had a great experience with a professor who had a horrible rating on that site and ended up with A+.
- The school makes you take the school insurance, which sucks. If you've previously gone through some dental issues, you need to ask for an additional dental insurance at ISP. Always good to over-insure yourself in America.
- Don't trust school counselors / ISP staffs all the time. There could be an easier way out. Maybe worth research on Google or call the dream school that you want to get in.. (e.g. UCLA's counseling/transfer office) I never went to counselors at De Anza.
- I already had an iBT TOEFL score but if you are going to complete 90 units at De Anza and took (or will take before the Fall) two English courses, you don't have to take the exam for UC admission. However, some schools still require though... (e.g. USC does)
- No social life in Cupertino / De Anza... I live near Los Gatos but I wish I lived in downtown San Jose. Cheaper rent than Cupertino, more social life, lots of bars/sports/concerts.. SJSU students are fun too... possibly consider getting a cheap used car? you can't really survive in America unless you live in a major city like NYC...
Let me know if you want to add something more? Thanks!