|
Is Community College the Right Choice for You? As tuition costs rise, many students are taking the opportunity to earn credits and an Associate's degree at a community college before transferring to a four-year institution for their Bachelor's degree. In addition, community colleges may have other advantages, such as convenient locations and flexible course scheduling. If you decide that this is the choice for you, here are some things to take into consideration: How about the community college lifestyle? If you have dreams of hanging out in the dorms and cheering at Saturday football games, community college may not be for you. Generally, community colleges are not set up with dormitories, so instead of hanging out with your room-mate, you may be living at home with Mom and Dad – more potential savings on room and board!! However, many community colleges offer a wide variety of activities that provide opportunities for socializing. Check out the school's web site under headings such as Student Life or Community Calendar to see what is happening on campus. Does the community college have transfer agreements with four year schools where you can earn a Bachelor's degree? Check out the community college's web site, under Student Services or Transfer Services, to find this information. Usually there will be documents that list the courses that you can take at the community college that will be accepted at the four year school when you transfer. In some cases, you may have to pursue a specific degree and major in order to be accepted at the four year school. In other cases, a general studies degree will provide you access to a number of different majors when you transfer to the four year school. Planning ahead and knowing your options is the best way to make your transfer successful. If you are unable to find any information about transfer to four year schools on the community college's web site, this may not be a good sign. However, follow up with a counselor in the Admissions office or advising center to make sure that you haven't missed anything. They may have transfer agreements, but don't post this information on their web site. Does the four year school in which you are interested accept transfer students? Check out the four year schools in which you are interested to see if they accept transfer students. Again, you should be able to find information on being admitted as a transfer student in the Admissions section of the school's web site. Some four year schools accept a very limited number of transfer students. If this is the case, be realistic about whether or not you are likely to be accepted. It's always a good idea to have a back upplan – an alternate school or schools where the chances of being admitted as a transfer student are higher. |