6 answers
Asked
617 views
Did you go to a two year college or a four year college ?
I really want to know this one because i need to know what is best for the career I'm trying to have.
Login to comment
6 answers
Updated
Cody’s Answer
Hi there! It's great to consider different paths when it comes to furthering your education. Going to a 4-year college can be an incredible experience that offers valuable opportunities, like living in dorms and creating long-lasting friendships. However, pursuing a trade is another excellent choice, especially if you're focused on a specific career or looking for a more cost-effective route.
If you're leaning towards a trade, make sure to consider the long-term benefits and whether it's a stepping stone towards your ultimate career goal. For instance, some people start as dental or nurse assistants before becoming full-fledged nurses.
Whatever path you choose, remember to weigh the financial aspects and ensure you see value in your educational investment. In-state colleges can be a more affordable option, and even junior colleges offer various benefits. Ultimately, college is what you make of it! This period in your life is the perfect time to focus on self-development and growth, without the added pressures of life's challenges.
So go for it and pursue your dreams wholeheartedly! You have the potential to achieve great things and shape a fantastic future for yourself. Best of luck on your journey!
If you're leaning towards a trade, make sure to consider the long-term benefits and whether it's a stepping stone towards your ultimate career goal. For instance, some people start as dental or nurse assistants before becoming full-fledged nurses.
Whatever path you choose, remember to weigh the financial aspects and ensure you see value in your educational investment. In-state colleges can be a more affordable option, and even junior colleges offer various benefits. Ultimately, college is what you make of it! This period in your life is the perfect time to focus on self-development and growth, without the added pressures of life's challenges.
So go for it and pursue your dreams wholeheartedly! You have the potential to achieve great things and shape a fantastic future for yourself. Best of luck on your journey!
i wasn't sure about college till you answered my question, you made it sound like it's really worth it to go to college and pursue my career in music so thank you so much for this good advice hope you have a great day!
emily
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I initially went to a two year college before advancing to a four year university.
I went to a two year college because I felt I required two more years of maturity and development of my academic skills, before advancing to the next level.
The two year college had smaller classes, the actual professor taught the classes, and the expenses were lower than at the four year college.
Plus, the two year college enabled me to pick up extra courses, for my future major, and make an eventual decision on my future academic concentration and career choice.
I went to a two year college because I felt I required two more years of maturity and development of my academic skills, before advancing to the next level.
The two year college had smaller classes, the actual professor taught the classes, and the expenses were lower than at the four year college.
Plus, the two year college enabled me to pick up extra courses, for my future major, and make an eventual decision on my future academic concentration and career choice.
Updated
Faraz’s Answer
Hi Emily- the answer to this is "it depends". Ultimately what you are trying to do will dictate what is best. Short-term degrees via trade schools are becoming common more and more and if that gets to where you want to be, perhaps a 4 year may not make the most sense. I agree with what Cody said that you also have to weigh your long term goals behind your career.
The financial aspect is also a factor. For me I went to a community/junior college first and then transferred to a university to complete my degree. I saved a lot of money in the process compared to my friends who went to a 4 year straight out of high school.
Of course there are benefits beyond cost as Cody mentioned, in terms of living in a dorm and the relationships you'll form. Though I will say I did find these at the community college level too, outside of the dorm aspect of course.
All this being said, college is definitely worth it when I reflect on my experience in terms of the knowledge I gained and the opportunities it provides. In terms of whether you do a 2 year Junior college and then transfer to complete your degree in 2 more years, or you go straight to a place for 4 years, I haven't observed a tangible difference amongst my friends that would dictate one is significantly better vs the other.
It comes down to what you make of it and the experience you gain.
The financial aspect is also a factor. For me I went to a community/junior college first and then transferred to a university to complete my degree. I saved a lot of money in the process compared to my friends who went to a 4 year straight out of high school.
Of course there are benefits beyond cost as Cody mentioned, in terms of living in a dorm and the relationships you'll form. Though I will say I did find these at the community college level too, outside of the dorm aspect of course.
All this being said, college is definitely worth it when I reflect on my experience in terms of the knowledge I gained and the opportunities it provides. In terms of whether you do a 2 year Junior college and then transfer to complete your degree in 2 more years, or you go straight to a place for 4 years, I haven't observed a tangible difference amongst my friends that would dictate one is significantly better vs the other.
It comes down to what you make of it and the experience you gain.
Updated
Dan’s Answer
Hi Emily
Boy Cody gave a great answer for your question, and I agree with him 100 %. I was working in construction through my high school career and thought what will college do for me and my construction future? I did find a technical college that had both a 2 year and a 4-year program.
I enrolled for the 2-year associate degree program. After graduating I realized that with my NEW knowledge, I would benefit from going back to get my bachelor's degree, so I stayed for 2 more years and for me it worked out great.
I found that the experience of college in my field created lifelong friendships but also a network of folks in the same field. I ended up working with and crossing paths with people i graduated with throughout my career. Still friend and also colleagues in the field.
So I wish you the best of luck in whatever you choose.
Dan
Boy Cody gave a great answer for your question, and I agree with him 100 %. I was working in construction through my high school career and thought what will college do for me and my construction future? I did find a technical college that had both a 2 year and a 4-year program.
I enrolled for the 2-year associate degree program. After graduating I realized that with my NEW knowledge, I would benefit from going back to get my bachelor's degree, so I stayed for 2 more years and for me it worked out great.
I found that the experience of college in my field created lifelong friendships but also a network of folks in the same field. I ended up working with and crossing paths with people i graduated with throughout my career. Still friend and also colleagues in the field.
So I wish you the best of luck in whatever you choose.
Dan
Updated
Kena’s Answer
Hello! I have often thought about this question because I originally went to a four year liberal arts college. I graduated from and 2 year college twice!! Once for nursing and one e for health information technology. I find if you are not going on to a masters degree or post grad for an academic heavy program then I would seriously look at a 2 year programs first. It’s still challenging but it’s career centered and there is good money in those field. I have often managed people with 4 year degrees. I would visit some 2 year programs and you may find that it’s what you are looking for. 2 year schools often provide a myriad of teaching platforms and you may not feel so lost in classroom as you might feel attending an 100 person class.
Updated
Nicolas’s Answer
I was an overacheiving scholar who saw the importance of work before college, and saving money to fund my studies. I went to community college right after highschool for two reasons; to get an affordable degree and continue playing. Both of these reasons worked in my favor as I was recruited D1 and obtained a degree. I know that it is underestimated and undervalued but admissions counselors know what it's about and will look deep into your coursework. Believe that you can even get a high paying job with a 2 year degree, and that while your peers will be tens of thousands of dollars more in debt than you and just choosing their major, you will be ready for the work force and given a degree with less expense.