Student:  Caitlin-Nicolle Evangelista (C/O 2021)

Classes taken: ENG 100, SP 151, SOC 100

How does it compare to your high school course work?:  It depends on the class. For an example, my speech class was really easy, so it was similar to my high school work, also there wasn't a lot of homework. I also took ENG 100 and didn't take senior English because it was my dual credit. Although when I was taking ENG 100 junior year with my junior English class, there was a similarity in the amount of work we had for the class. 

What do you like about EC classes?  There are many things I enjoy about early college classes. I really like that I can get a head start in college while in High School. I can also can get a good feel on how college is like earlier than others. Also all the classes I took, they all were free. I really appreciate it especially because college classes are really expensive in college. My professors are also very nice and understanding. They make the class fun and easy to understand with their examples and fun activities. They make sure you understand!

What do you dislike about EC classes? The one thing I dislike about Early College classes is because of the pandemic, it is harder to learn because it is on zoom.

Additional comments you would like to share: Overall, I am glad that I am completing 3 courses of college credits. I really wished I have started early college courses sophomore year! I really appreciate this wonderful opportunity we have at our school!

Student:  Paige Chang (C/O 2021)

Courses taken:  SP 151, ENG 100, SOC 100

How does it compare to your high school course work?: I think that compared to my high school classes, the early college ones are easier.  For example, in my English class during my junior year, it was really tough to keep up with the pace of the class. But with English 100 since it's only 2 days a week you have more time to understand the content. With the English 100 class, most of the assignments we had were essays and for those assignments my teacher gave me plenty of time to complete them.

What do you like about EC classes? I like how in early college classes everything is more spaced out and we are aware of what to expect for the next assignments. When I took Speech 151 my teacher was very chill and fun we got to do many hands on learning activities.  I feel like early college classes are more laid back and paced out to the students liking.

What do you dislike about EC classes? Since I took English 100 and Sociology 100 virtually, sometimes class gets boring at times. Classes are mostly the teacher lecturing the whole time to students. It's hard to interact with your teacher and students in the classroom. I feel like this is an issue because of the pandemic, but I think that they could incorporate the students in the lesson a little more.

Additional comments you would like to share: I encourage everyone to take early college classes because I think that besides the couple of issues, it's a great opportunity.  

Student:  Ailee Watanabe (C/O 2022)

Classes taken:  SP 151, ENG 100

How does it compare to your high school course work? It was pretty easy and very very fun. 

What do you like about EC classes? On your own pace and get to go more advance IF you want to/ not obligated.

What do you dislike about EC classes? Time conflicts.

Additional comments you would like to share: Just have to keep checking Laulima because you can be marked down on late assignments, but some instructors are flexible if you need extensions or can't make it to class 

Student:  Tiara Leslie (C/O 2022)

Classes taken: SP 151, ENG 100, SOC 100 

How does it compare to your high school course work?: Compared to high school classes I'd say it’s similar. It all depends on the teacher you get. For the classes I’ve taken, the workload is not too bad. My classes go at a good pace and the teachers are understanding. From my experience, the work in my college English class has been easier and I actually get a bigger workload from my high school English class. You have to be able to stay on your work in early college though. This is a college class therefore professors will not email students individually to remind them to do work. It takes self motivation. Classes can be really interactive and professors always help students who ask for it. So if it’s needed, students should really ask for help. 

The basic rundown of class for English and sociology is a lecture then assignments posted on Laulima. But SP 151 was more interactive and we played games in breakout rooms.

What do you like about EC classes? I like how you get a feel at college classes. The work is organized and accessible on the Laulima website. Assignments and tests are easy to find too. 

What do you dislike about EC classes? I just wish this year they were in-person. Other than that it’s a great experience and worthwhile. 

Additional comments you would like to share: Don’t overwork yourself. Only take classes you can handle. Main priorities should be high school classes. You have all of after high school to take your college classes. It won’t do you any good to take too many college classes, stress yourself out then fail in a high school or college class. 

Student:  Kaylee Ito-Decierdo (C/O 2023)

Classes taken: ENG 100, SP 151, MICRO 130, PUBA 101, MATH 103, MATH 115, MATH 115L, SD 102 

How does it compare to your high school coursework?: There is more independence in the early college courses, and the instructors treat you like a college student. 

What do you like about EC classes? I enjoyed the independent work; the professor gave you more freedom, you did it on your own time, and it was FREE! 

What do you dislike about EC classes? I needed to be able to balance high school and college classes. I wished I had started taking classes earlier, but things were a little tricky due to the pandemic. 

Additional comments you would like to share: It is free; take it! It saves you money. Even if you're unsure, take it. It can knock out many of your core classes, so you can skip taking it once you are in college! 

Student:  Andie Shimizu (C/O 2024)

Classes taken: ENG 100, SP 151, MICRO 130, PUBA 101, MATH 103, MATH 115, MATH 115L, SD 102 

How does it compare to your high school coursework?: Early college for me took some time to adjust to in the beginning with the more independent and highly structured environment. As I got the hang of it, however, it became more natural and I often preferred its more self-directed nature to regular high school coursework. 

What do you like about EC classes? What I most enjoyed in EC was being able to meet and learn about the professors' past experiences in the fields they teach. I think that's a really unique opportunity to have so readily available as a high schooler. I also, of course, saved A LOT of money with transferable credits now at UH taking the classes I did in high school is saving me over 3 semesters' worth of tuition, so it has set me up really well financially as well. 

What do you dislike about EC classes? N/A

Additional comments you would like to share: I wish I were able to take more introductory early college classes from different departments so I could get a better feel of what the majors would be like at the university. Now, as a uni student, I've bypassed a lot of general credits through early college, so my academic experience here is purely focused on my major. While I appreciate being able to save money and learn about what I'm most passionate about, I think if I had taken a more diverse selection of EC in high school, I'd feel more prepared and secure in the choices I made coming into college.