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Is it possible to go to a community college for general education and then transfer to a university to focus on my desired major?
Is it possible to go to a community college for general education and then transfer to a university to focus on my desired major? If so, when I attend a university, will I have to continue general education, or will community college cover that?
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Doc’s Answer
Great Question Trinity, many students use a community college or 2-year college as a stepping stone to a 4-year college and a bachelor's degree. Because each college has its requirements, the most important thing you can do to make the transfer process run smoothly is to plan early. Meet with your 4-year college adviser when selecting classes every semester at your 2-year college. Students looking to transfer after 2 years of college must choose their courses strategically. Not every credit you earn at your 2-year college will transfer to your 4-year university. By asking an adviser if classes will transfer before you select them, you can save time and money. Sign up for a transfer program at a 2-year college. These programs include the same kinds of courses that you'd take in your first 2 years at a 4-year college. The program aims to help you succeed at making the transition.
I'm sure you've heard the saying it’s not always what you know, but who you know? It’s true! Connecting with your advisors regularly is important to keep yourself on track and prepared to transfer. Meeting with transfer advisors at the community college and talking with professors in your intended academic field will be helpful. You can learn something from everyone you meet. And remember, these people want to support you and see you succeed, so don’t hesitate to reach out to them. That’s why they’re there. It’s equally important to stay connected to the university and participate in programming specifically for transfer students, like orientation and academic information sessions. By engaging in these types of experiences, you will be the first to know about on-campus resources like transfer scholarships and support programs.
Hope this was helpful Trinity
I'm sure you've heard the saying it’s not always what you know, but who you know? It’s true! Connecting with your advisors regularly is important to keep yourself on track and prepared to transfer. Meeting with transfer advisors at the community college and talking with professors in your intended academic field will be helpful. You can learn something from everyone you meet. And remember, these people want to support you and see you succeed, so don’t hesitate to reach out to them. That’s why they’re there. It’s equally important to stay connected to the university and participate in programming specifically for transfer students, like orientation and academic information sessions. By engaging in these types of experiences, you will be the first to know about on-campus resources like transfer scholarships and support programs.
Hope this was helpful Trinity
Wow, thank you Doc for taking the time to respond! You’ve been a big help.
Trinity
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
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Woodstock, New York
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Alan’s Answer
Trinity, not only is it possible, it's highly recommended. I taught at a community college for twenty seven years, and I can tell you that not only are community colleges far less expensive (they should be free, and one day will be), they offer some other significant advantages. The teacher to student ratios are generally much better, allowing considerably more individual attention to students. The professors don't usually have the same research requirements, again allowing more time for interaction with students. And don't be fooled by "reputation." Community colleges often offer an as good, if not better quality of education. There are some programs that are specifically offered in community colleges, but even if the one you're interested in isn't, you will be able to get a lot of the general education requirements out of the way, more inexpensively, and then move on to your chosen program at the four year college level. All you have to make sure is that the classes you're taking will transfer to your chosen four year college, but that information will be readily available to you.
I appreciate your response, Alan! Thank you.
Trinity
Updated
Shondra’s Answer
Hi Trinity! It is absolutely possible to attend a community college and transfer to a university. My suggestion would be to take your general education courses first and once you transfer you would basically need to take the classes you need for your major. I would also suggest checking to see if the community college you attend has a MOU with the university you would like to attend. If it does you have a much better chance of all of your classes transferring. I went this exact route, 2-year community college and then to a 4-year university where a MOU was in place and every one of my classes transferred. I was actually able to graduate in less than two years because of that partnership between the two schools.
That's amazing. Thank you for the advice, Shondra!
Trinity
Updated
fatima’s Answer
Absolutely, you can start your educational journey at a community college and then transfer your credits to a university. It's a smart strategy to have this objective in mind from the get-go and keep your advisors in the loop. I've personally completed 60 hours at a community college, following the degree plan of the university I planned to transfer to, and I successfully transferred all my courses. Along with a strong GPA and active participation in the community college, I was even fortunate to receive multiple scholarship offers. So, it's not only doable, but it can also open doors to fantastic opportunities!
Updated
jami’s Answer
Absolutely, keep track of all your classes. They go between all school systems!
Thank you!
Trinity
Updated
Rian’s Answer
Hi Trinity!
It is totally possible to do this. My advice would be to schedule a meeting with your advisor at the community college, and explain to them your goals. They will have all the details about what credits transfer, and which don't and can help you cater your time at the community college to be most effective.
Best of luck!
It is totally possible to do this. My advice would be to schedule a meeting with your advisor at the community college, and explain to them your goals. They will have all the details about what credits transfer, and which don't and can help you cater your time at the community college to be most effective.
Best of luck!