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Is it important to attend the community collage ?
So if we have good GPA is it fine to directly apply to university?
#college-admissions
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5 answers
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Priya’s Answer
Good question Vaidehi!
As a recent college graduate, I would say if you have a good GPA and the financial ability to pay for university, it is a good option to go straight to university. The pros are being able to integrate better into campus life, because you make good friends and connections in the dorms as well as any clubs you may join. It is easier to get used to campus that way.
However, I know many people who decided to go to community college first and then transfer to university. This is a great option if you want to save a lot of money, and you don't mind transferring to a new environment. Also, future employers do not care if you went to community college first, because once you transfer to university you come out with the same degree as everyone else.
As a recent college graduate, I would say if you have a good GPA and the financial ability to pay for university, it is a good option to go straight to university. The pros are being able to integrate better into campus life, because you make good friends and connections in the dorms as well as any clubs you may join. It is easier to get used to campus that way.
However, I know many people who decided to go to community college first and then transfer to university. This is a great option if you want to save a lot of money, and you don't mind transferring to a new environment. Also, future employers do not care if you went to community college first, because once you transfer to university you come out with the same degree as everyone else.
Updated
Connor’s Answer
This depends! If you have a good GPA and have taken the SAT/ACT, you can definitely apply directly to a university. A big deciding factor can be cost. Community college is much cheaper than university. I knew multiple people who did 2 years of community college, then were able to easily transfer to a university for the remaining 2 years. There are lots of options! None are right or wrong, it is up to you!
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Yavor’s Answer
I would recommend it to save money!
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Hi Vaidehi,
The answer depends on you. Like my colleagues have mentioned, you don’t NEED a community college path first before entering a university of your choice. You can simply apply and start your freshman year at a university.
HOWEVER, for students who want to stay local for a while, save money or be near family, Community Colleges are an excellent option.
For example, I know of a young lady who had an excellent GPA and great high school records but she only wanted to attend to one university (USC)to complete a Business degree. She got acceptances to other schools but USC. She opted to go to the comm. college, work with the advisors at the community college and USC to ensure she took the types of classes that would make her stand out as an excellent candidate. Her plan paid off and she transferred successfully and is currently studying there. That was her goal and, for her, it worked.
Therefore, it depends on your academic and financial goals, major, and what feels right for you at this time. Some of my students are thinking longterm and so they take APs, IBs or complete an Associate degree (first 2yrs of college) at the community college to save on their funding for the last two years and grad school. Again, the choice is purely yours.
I hope this helps!
The answer depends on you. Like my colleagues have mentioned, you don’t NEED a community college path first before entering a university of your choice. You can simply apply and start your freshman year at a university.
HOWEVER, for students who want to stay local for a while, save money or be near family, Community Colleges are an excellent option.
For example, I know of a young lady who had an excellent GPA and great high school records but she only wanted to attend to one university (USC)to complete a Business degree. She got acceptances to other schools but USC. She opted to go to the comm. college, work with the advisors at the community college and USC to ensure she took the types of classes that would make her stand out as an excellent candidate. Her plan paid off and she transferred successfully and is currently studying there. That was her goal and, for her, it worked.
Therefore, it depends on your academic and financial goals, major, and what feels right for you at this time. Some of my students are thinking longterm and so they take APs, IBs or complete an Associate degree (first 2yrs of college) at the community college to save on their funding for the last two years and grad school. Again, the choice is purely yours.
I hope this helps!
Updated
Eleanor’s Answer
Great question - it really boils down to cost. If you have the grades, you know what you want to do, and you can afford the costs, then go ahead and go straight to the 4 year school. If any of those are a no for you, I would consider the community college route first.
Another helpful hint - if you go to the local college and start working, take advantage of your company's tuition assistance programs to help you cover the cost of school. It may not cover everything, but something can go a long way. It may also mean that you go to school part time and it takes you longer, but you'll have less student debt (maybe no student debt if you play your cards right) and work experience (like also a promotion if you work for the same company for 6 years).
Another helpful hint - if you go to the local college and start working, take advantage of your company's tuition assistance programs to help you cover the cost of school. It may not cover everything, but something can go a long way. It may also mean that you go to school part time and it takes you longer, but you'll have less student debt (maybe no student debt if you play your cards right) and work experience (like also a promotion if you work for the same company for 6 years).