Community College?

Question

I just want to know what you think about it.

Answer 1

I think I personally would be really bored at a community college where I wasn't trying out different things, but for people who just want to take the classes they need, that's a plus. I also think it's great for people who don't have the time or recourses to devote to a full time college experience or a traditional experience.

On the other hand, I have friends that I think definitely needed to get away from their families and out on their own, and I'm a little annoyed at community colleges for enabling them to live at home because they aren't motivated to do anything else with their lives. Although, the option of staying at home is definitely important to some people with legitimate reasons for it-- I also know people who wouldn't have been able to get an education for various reasons if they hadn't been able to live at home.

Answer 2

Hi,
I am a graduate of a community college. I earned an associates degree and then went on to a private four year college and earned a Bachelor's in Science. I found the community college to be far more competitive, academically. This is because most of the people there are paying for their own education because the WANT an education, not because their mommies and daddies are giving them an expensive hand out. At community colleges, you will find adult students, single mom's, and a variety of different people (more so than you would at a college or university). Community College also gave me the opportunity to get involved with student life (i.e. student senate and other clubs). Also, these groups are much more involved at a community level. You don't have the cliquish frat boys and sports teams, and the favoritism given to them by professors. People are there to learn and not to exclude you, drink all night, and spend their parent's money. I was able to transfer ALL of my credits. It helps to know the 4 year college you will like to transfer to, and what their requirements are for a Bachelors. Some schools offer a 2+2 agreement in which they will accept all your credits. Also, you can work closely with your academic counselor to make good use of your credits. In conclusion, community colleges are just what you make of it. Good Luck!

Answer 3

Community college was the best "decision" (financially I did not have a say) I ever made. It is a very smart way to get a good education without going in debt. Plus, you will be taking the exact same general ed. classes/clusters your friends at a university are taking. except you're paying thousands less. the teachers are usually very good as well. in fact, many professors go into the CC education system to inspire and push you to be your best because they know what else is out there. So many kids go to CC's and don't continue their education...don't fall into that. The education you get is good (some are better than others obviously) but for the most part you will get into any university you want by going to a CC first. if you are positive about what you want to do for the rest of your life (the whole 2% out there) then i think you can consider going straight to a 4 year university specializing in your major. if thats not the case, go to a CC, get good grades, and you're set.....don't waste your money if you don't have to. Education is a priviledge, take what you can.

Also, you will start noticing some of your friends from universities coming back home after a year or less. by the time you're done with CC, youll be ready to start a new life at a new school and will be PREPARED for it, whereas many students go straight to 4-yr universities with a rude awakening.

Answer 4

There are those out there who are going to put down going to a Community College ...

But ... when one is paying their own way through College, working, and wanting a GREAT Education at a reasonable cost (and one that won't leave you with substantial debt after the first two years) -- GO FOR IT!

A LOT of these Community Colleges have OUTSTANDING programs for Technical and Specialty Career fields, and the courses for the first two years of a University are often taught by the SAME instructors that teach also (during the day) at the 4 year institutions or ...

(and this is important) by those who are ACTUALLY Practicing in the field -- so you will gain the invaluable experience of learning from someone who has PRACTICAL working experience with the subject matter being taught!

(Most importantly -- the CLASS Sizes are SO Much smaller in the Community College -- and you ACTUALLY Get to interact with the INSTRUCTOR (Class Sizes usually 20-30 students max)! That is very important because at the 4 year institution -- the general requirement classes are NOT usually taught by a qualified professor -- just a research assistant or grad assistant -- and .. they are in massive halls with 200+ students -- which makes it IMPOSSIBLE to interact or even pick up PRACTICAL knowledge of the subject that you are taking).

So for the best value for the cost that you are paying for College -- I DO Recommend that you go to a Community College (and save the difference) so that when you do get to the last two years .. it is with great relief that you won't have staggering debt facing you right out of College (and you will definitely have the advantage of having practicing instructors who will make the classes interesting, informative, and ... in a lot of cases .. enjoyable to attend!)

Answer 5

I plan on going to Community College after I graduate from High School-- 2009!!!!! There are alot of advantages to completing your first 2 years at a community college. And I know that I'll have a lot of money saved up, I will only have a small student debt, and I can easily transfer to a 4 year institution!

Answer 6

I started at a large university, but also took some classes during the summer at a CC. The CC classes were far better than the big U classes. They tend to be smaller, you get more one on one attention, and you get the chance to actually learn more since you are more than just a 'number'. Oh, and they can be a lot cheaper for the same classes at the big U. Just make sure what you take will transfer to a 4 yr school. Watch out for those big U "freshmen weeder classes" which can blow you out of college before you really get started.

Answer 7

I think they are just as good as Universities and they are much cheaper. They have gathered a bad stigma over the years as being a place for only poor people to go, or kids who aren't smart enough for other colleges.

However I had the 4th highest SAT scores for my class when I graduated highschool and I am going to a comm. college and I certainly don't consider myself to be dumb by any stretch of the imagination.

In fact I think people who go to a comm. college with plans of transferring are smarter because they are getting the same education for less money.

Answer 8

1) Costs far less.
2) Faculty are (a) full-timers qualified to teach in any university, but dedicated to teaching rather than research, or (b) part-timers with credentials that usually include real-world careers. Compare to university, where faculty teach a couple of grad. courses and have release time for research, and your undergrad courses are often taught by graduate assistants who only hold a bachelor's degree and who are worried to death about their own course work.
3) Less nonsense in CCs, with a wider range of age and experience in the student body. No parties like the Duke lacrosse team, no student riots after a sports championship, fewer faculty-student sexual liasons.
4) The unique problem of worrying about what courses will transfer.

That's about it, I think.

Answer 9

Community college pretty much is nothing

Answer 10

I think it is fine. It gives you just as good of an education as going to a university. I am going to one to become an R.N. once I graduate and I think it will be fine.