I’m going into my Senior year of high school and I’m seriously considering going to a community college next year. I have to pay for my education on my own, and my SAT scores were a slightly above average 1790. I have a 4.5 GPA, I’m very active in my community, I have minority status as a tribal-affiliated Native American, and I’m just enjoying life as a seventeen year old girl. I don’t really know what I want to do with my life, and a community college seems like a smart financial decision and an easy stepping stone to transfer into a 4-year.
But all of my friends are dead set on getting into 4-year Universities and State Colleges. I’m in the top 5 of my graduating class and part of me feels like I should be joining them. But I think I’ll save a lot more money in the long run if I play my cards right in the community college system. And it won’t be as stressful and ego-shattering if I get rejected from Harvard or UCLA or Colorado State University. Not to mention the money going down the drain with application processing fees.
Maybe I’m just afraid of rejection. Should I bother applying to a University right out of high school when I can get the same degree for a fraction of the cost after transferring from a community college? What are the benefits of going to a 4-year straight out of high school? A 2-year?
I know I can apply for grants and scholarships for 4-years, but is it worth my time if I can go to a community college and transfer somewhere else later? I guess that’s my main concern.
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What Is Wrong With Going To A Community College?
Posted on July 27, 2011.
I think Community College is the smart thing to do !
The classes are just as good & costs you less money.
I did community college for two yrs and plan to transfer to a University to finish my degree. You have no idea how much money it has saved me !
I know there is a stigma attached to going to community college, but really you just have to ignore the haters & do what you think is right for YOU.
Nothing. Get your general education requirements out of the way, transfer to your school of choice, and you are none the wiser.
Ok, so going to a community college is a good financial decision. However, you’ve listed off some very interesting facts, such as being a Native American, which would allow you get some scholarships, as well as your GPA and SAT scores. I would suggest applying for scholarships, even if you don’t know where you are going yet. If you get enough I’d say skip the community college and go straight for a 4-year.
There’s a lot of prejudice against community colleges as “easy” and not really a good transition, though there are some community colleges that do push students. Just look around and find what works for you. Don’t let your friends influence your choices, and APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS, you can definitely get a ton of money, and can be used for any type of college, unless specified in the scholarship contract, which you will be aware of when you do them.
You have a good plan in place and others take this route. Just stick to your plan. I worked in the mailroom about 6 hours per week during junior and senior years and it did not detract from my studies. I transferred after my freshman year, but was at 4-year colleges both stints. Socially their are some hurdles if you transfer, but with a little social effort they can be surmounted. As long as you take good courses and are plan out your major you can get an excellent education. You must start thinking about your major freshman year and should be taking courses towards it by sophomore year. Your courses at your community college will then transfer to your major at your 4 -year university. If I’m wrong on this someone can correct. Though some may do it, I don’t think you want to take all your major courses junior and senior year. Best wishes. If you have any other specific questions let us know by adding details.
There’s nothing wrong with getting your basics out of the way at a community college, but I’m wondering if you are underestimating your chances at being offered substantial financial aid. OK, so maybe you don’t want to aim for the top rated schools in the country out of fear of rejection, fine, but why not search for a college that is a perfect fit for you, your field of study, your needs? Research and select schools that seem to be a match for you, and apply for admission and financial aid at the same time. If you are accepted you will be advised of what financial aid will be granted to you if you attend each school, and you can make your decision based on that extra information. Yes, it will take some money to apply, but the rewards may be substantially greater than you think. Talk to your high school counselor for more advice on choosing the right schools and for information on appropriate scholarships, as well.