3 answers
Liam
Student
Thousand Oaks, California
2
Questions
Updated
747 views
Why do so many of my high level peers go straight to a 4-year university?
I’m in many high level classes with a high GPA and I feel a pressure to jump on the bandwagon to a university. But is it worth that? I am thinking about going to my local college and then transferring to a university, but is that a waste of my talents? #university #college #college-transfer #college-advice
Login to comment
3 answers
Caroline Otten
Cast member
3
Answers
Ventura, California
Updated
Caroline’s Answer
Hi, from experience I enjoyed going to a junior college before university. I was able to get my basic classes done and leave with two associates degrees before I transferred. Best part was it was cheaper in the long run I learned great study habits for the harder classes I was about to experience.
One to think about if the college experience your wanting to get also. Clubs, fraternity? Lots to think about
One to think about if the college experience your wanting to get also. Clubs, fraternity? Lots to think about
Samantha Kristen Abrahan
Intern
1
Answer
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Samantha Kristen’s Answer
Hi Liam,
I wouldn't let this pressure get to you. Each student is different and only you can know what is best for you. If you have a concern about cost I would talk to your family about your financial situation, and whether they can contribute towards your education. For me personally, my parents were not able to contribute to my education as I have three siblings and we are all attending college at the same time, but that's not the case for everyone. I would also apply for FAFSA as well as other scholarships and grants. All of my friends qualified for some sort of aid they just had to apply. Fastweb is also another good tool to use to search for scholarships.
In my school there are many transfer students who initially went to a community college to get their GE courses before they transferred in as a junior and it saved them lots of money. However, this isn't the only option out there if you wanted to take your GE courses in a financially efficient way. For instance, some of my friends took classes at their local community college while they were attending high school because as long as they held dual enrollment with their high school, the cost of their course was free (they only paid for their books). After they graduated they were able to transfer their courses to their college, so they opted to go straight to university.
Another option would be to look into taking AP classes at your high school. This is what I did, and I was able to graduate high school and transfer 30 credits (1 year/ 2 semesters) to my university and begin as a sophomore. However, it is important that you research each university's policy regarding AP credit as many require a minimum score for the AP test, transfer only a certain amount, and some only accept courses not related to your major.
I do not think that going to a community college would be a waste of your talents, but that you would need to leverage the tools they provide you. I know many students who are not aware of the programs that their university/community college provides to them (i.e. tutoring, career programs, counseling, college transfer assistance, and etc.)
I wouldn't let this pressure get to you. Each student is different and only you can know what is best for you. If you have a concern about cost I would talk to your family about your financial situation, and whether they can contribute towards your education. For me personally, my parents were not able to contribute to my education as I have three siblings and we are all attending college at the same time, but that's not the case for everyone. I would also apply for FAFSA as well as other scholarships and grants. All of my friends qualified for some sort of aid they just had to apply. Fastweb is also another good tool to use to search for scholarships.
In my school there are many transfer students who initially went to a community college to get their GE courses before they transferred in as a junior and it saved them lots of money. However, this isn't the only option out there if you wanted to take your GE courses in a financially efficient way. For instance, some of my friends took classes at their local community college while they were attending high school because as long as they held dual enrollment with their high school, the cost of their course was free (they only paid for their books). After they graduated they were able to transfer their courses to their college, so they opted to go straight to university.
Another option would be to look into taking AP classes at your high school. This is what I did, and I was able to graduate high school and transfer 30 credits (1 year/ 2 semesters) to my university and begin as a sophomore. However, it is important that you research each university's policy regarding AP credit as many require a minimum score for the AP test, transfer only a certain amount, and some only accept courses not related to your major.
I do not think that going to a community college would be a waste of your talents, but that you would need to leverage the tools they provide you. I know many students who are not aware of the programs that their university/community college provides to them (i.e. tutoring, career programs, counseling, college transfer assistance, and etc.)
Paul Miller
Hi, nice to meet you
4
Answers
La Grange, Illinois
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Take a look a Roger Schank's web site for taking a gap year. https://www.gapyearacademy.com/