What opinions do you have on going to a community college first and then transfer?
im going to community first and then maybe transfer but im unsure if i should. #college #life #community-college
6 answers
Mary ’s Answer
Hi Esmeralda,
I think it’s a good idea to attend community college and later transfer to a four year college. The transition from high school to college can be overwhelming. I myself started at a community college completed the program and later apply to a four year college.
My community college prepared me and motived me to attend Long Island University in N.Y by than I was ready mentally. Mentally meaning my experience from the community college, I knew what I wanted and I set a dead line. It help me stay on point to finish and this was done by time management. Knowing the next class to take toward my graduation. Another thing you should do make sure the community college you are attending your credits are accepted when it’s time to transfer.
Community college helps you focus and prepares you to want more for yourself. If later you choose not to continue at least you accomplished an Associate degree.
Good luck to you and stay focus.
Rachel Resnick
Rachel’s Answer
I chose to attend a four year university. But it is all up to you and if you are tryin to save money it can be a money-saver. However, you must make sure your credits will transfer or you will be retaking a lot of courses which may not fare well for you (at cost) in the long run. I have seen people successfull in both types of colleges. However, 4 yr schools do have a better retention/gration rate. I found going to a 4 yr school more motivating because from day one I knew exactly what I had to do within that 4 years to achieve my desired degree. I have also seen people spend 3 years at a 2 yr community college just trying to finish their required credits. Really it is up to you, but in my opinion going to a 4 yr school will be easier in the long run and it definitely looks better to grad schools and the career-sector.
Troy’s Answer
Rich’s Answer
I would seriously reconsider attending a community college. I made the biggest mistake of my life, when I decided to attend a community college.
I graduated with a 3.56 GPA, but I was NOT ABLE to transfer to a four year college to earn my Bachelors degree. Since I was an incoming junior, I was advised by many four year colleges, that there was no room for me in their college. I knew employees at some of the four year colleges and in some cases, graduates from the four year colleges, but it meant nothing. I was not able to earn a Bachelors degree.
I had wasted two years of my time and thousands of dollars, only to have to stop my education, because I could not transfer. I have made it my personal campaign to do everything possible to inform anyone, who is considering attending a community college, to make another choice. You may save money, but it means nothing if you can't transfer.
Many community colleges state that "you can transfer to any instate four year college." Remember, a fisherman won't tell you the fish is spoiled.
Matt’s Answer
Should you choose to start at community college and later transfer to another college, try to find out as much as you can from the community college which schools they have partnerships with and what is the best plan to set yourself up for success in the future. The last thing you want to do is have to take the same classes in a different college that you could have taken at community college.
I'm not an expert, but I started at community college and most of the credits for me transferred to another school towards my four year degree!
Good luck!
Chiara’s Answer
Assuming you don't have an amazing scholarship, or other opportunity to attend a four year university for free/low cost - I would absolutely recommend attending a community college first, if your intention is to transfer to a 4 year university. The catch is - you have to be absolutely on top of making sure you are meeting the requirements for the schools you want to transfer to. That means doing a lot of research up front to make sure your time at community college is well spent. This is sometimes pretty easy (i.e. California Community Colleges -> CSU System or UC System), and sometimes more difficult (for example to an elite private school)
If you have a long term plan, and can dedicate yourself to making sure the classes you select meet those requirements - community college can save you a ton of money.
I spent 1 year at a community college, added that to my AP and college credits I got during high school, and then transferred to San Francisco State University without any problems.
Community college does require a lot of self-discipline, because (generally speaking) you have to be your own advocate. But if you do your research, community college can be great way to save money, prepare for a four-year university and take intro-level classes with way smaller class sizes than you would experience at a large university.
Chiara recommends the following next steps: