JJC Blog

Thinking about college?

Consider JJC: an option that's not only close to home, but also a great fit for anyone, whether you're a graduating high school senior, an adult looking for a fresh start or still undecided. Check out our list below for seven reasons why JJC is the perfect choice.

Still not sure? Summer classes are still available - try one out and see how you like it on campus! 
Summer Session III begins July 3. Apply here for free, then register for classes via MyJJC! Call (815) 280-2493 for questions.

With summer comes the sweet taste of ice cream on your tongue, the smell of sunscreen, cold lemonade and... summer classes?

You heard us right! There are many benefits that come with taking college classes over the summer. Read our list below to discover why you might want to register for a class or two! 

To register, visit MyJJC or contact the Registration Office.

Applying for scholarships can seem intimidating on the outside, but what many students don't know is that it's one of the easiest ways you can earn money for school. No joke.

And that's FREE money, btw! 

But it takes too much time. And I'm going up against SO MANY OTHER students who probably have higher grades than me, so why bother? Right? Wrong!

JJC has more than $500,000 in scholarship money to award this year - so don't miss out on this golden opportunity. If you're not sure if applying for scholarships is the right route for you, we encourage you to think again, and take a look at our scholarship myth list below. 

Did you know that as a JJC student, you have access to an abundance of services as you complete your college degree?

Whether you need financial assistance, emotional support, career advice, transfer tips or you're just looking for ways to become more involved, we offer a resource for just about every need. Below we've outlined 13 services to help you.

Now that we’re knee-deep into September, there are a few things we can expect: pumpkin-flavored everything, taffy apples, the very first leaves to start changing color (the first day of fall is next week!), and at JJC – Mainstreet!    

This year, Mainstreet will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 14 and Thursday, Sept. 15. Mainstreet is a tradition here on campus - it's when many of JJC's clubs line up in booths along the C-Concourse so new and returning students can learn how to join them.

Getting involved in extracurricular activities is proven to have a positive link to student attendance, high GPA, and high test scores.

Below, we’ve included a few tips on how to navigate Mainstreet this year:

Congratulations to all our new students this semester! We bet you're excited (and maybe even a little nervous) to be on campus for the first time. Now that you're finally a student here, there is so much you have to look forward to - and we've put together the ultimate guide! 

Here are 15 rites of passage you can expect to take part in during your time as a JJC student:

So, you've just signed up for your first semester at JJC and you're all ready to go for Aug. 22, down to the college-ruled notebooks, 3-inch binders and ballpoint pens. (There's still time if you haven't signed up for classes yet! Apply or register here.)

Being new to the school and maybe even college in general, we bet you're wondering what daily life is going to be like. After all, you are going to be spending a lot of time here in the coming months!

As we wait for classes to begin, we've put together a quick list for our first-time students - here's what you can expect your first semester at JJC.

Whether you’ve just graduated from high school or are looking to change careers, choosing the right college is a big decision. 

Our advice is simple. Ask yourself: what is your end goal? We’re going to guess that A.) you want to obtain a degree so you can earn enough to live comfortably, and B.) you want to work in a field you’re passionate about.

As the nation's first public community college, take it from us - community colleges can provide those two things for you whether you choose to transfer or not. 

Everyone makes mistakes, but here are a few to avoid your first semester. If you’re already doing some of these, 'tisk-tisk,' -  BUT there’s still time to turn it around!

Assuming you’re the smartest person in the class:

Maybe you earned straight A’s or took honors classes in high school (Kudos), but college is a completely different beast. Don’t make the mistake of coming to class expecting to coast because, “it’s only community college.” Community college classes are no easier than 4-year university classes. (That's why the credits transfer) Sloppily pulling together a paper the day it's due, or blowing off studying for even just one test can mean you working double time to make up for it the rest of the semester.
 

Skipping class:

Come ooon, where else can you learn from an actual instructor, ask questions on-the-spot or even get the inside scoop on test questions. Plus you’ll be putting in valuable face-time with your instructors, which may come in handy if you need extra help down the line. At the very least, think of your classes like a gym membership – you’re paying for it anyway, so you might as well go!

For those of us who attend or work in a community college and watch sitcoms like Modern Family, we cringe when we hear the Dunphys threaten to send Haley to community college because she can’t make it at a “real” college.  But sitcom kidding aside, the truth is on some level, they’re right. Community colleges are a great place for students who either struggled at other colleges, or are undecided on their career path.

For example, at Joliet Junior College, we have an entire department dedicated to student success. This department includes counseling, tutoring, career services, and more – and their jobs are all about helping students – period.