Can someone explain to me; what community college is?

Question

Hi guys;

OK.. here's the story....

When i started High-School at the age of 14, I was doing pretty well for about 3-4 months, then ..... i met some friends from a while back and i've been cutting constently for 3 years.

My guidance counselar told me to get my GED. He filled out the paper work and i was taking GED classes.
Newayz............................ I took the test 3 days ago, and if i pass, i certainly want to go to college, but i don't understand the college system.

My teacher said ' If you get a 2250 (aka; passing) -2999, you must go to a community college, then transfer to a 4 year college. But if i get a 3000+ above on my GED, i can go straight to a 4 year college.

The thing i am confused about is, what is a community college, are they the same as 4 year colleges, are they cheaper, Are they less educated???

Can some1 plz explain to me, thx

Sorry for my bad grammar, i just woke up.

Answer 1

Community colleges are two year colleges, but they are often less money and you can transfer the credits. Some people even choose this option and transfer to a good school to finish and get the 4 year degree.

Answer 2

Your counselor is right! I'd recommend attending a community college too! It is a 2 year institution that offers Associate degrees. You can specialize in a particular field such as nursing, criminology, welding, paralegal - all types of fields. They all offer your basic courses, english, math, history and science. These are your core cirriculum! You have to have these wether you attend a 2 year, community college or a 4 year University! These core classes will transfer to a 4 year institution so you can attend a community college for 1 semester or 2 years and then continue to a 4 year to earn a bachelor's degree!

The unique thing with a community college is - it is usually a lot smaller than a university. For example. My first year of college was at a major university. Other than my 2 electives, the rest of my classes were basic core subjects. My sociology class was HUGE! I bet it had 200 people in it. You could barely see the teacher at the front of the class (auditoriam style) unless you sat close to the front! But when I took psychology at my local community college, I had about 20 people and it was much easier because I could get the attention of my instructor when I needed to ask a question! lol!

I graduated with an Associate of Arts in General Studies from my community college and then transfered to finish my degree at a 4 year college. Because you cannot take classes pertaining to your major usually until your Junior year anyway. I'd definately say community college is the way to go!

I know I babbled alot, but I hope I gave you enough details to tell the difference between the two and help you make the right decision! :)

Jenny

Answer 3

Community colleges offer certificate programs and associate degrees that can transfer (or not depending on the transfer programs of that state) to earning a four year degree. They're cheaper than a four year school and generally offer a smaller range of classes. A stereotype associated with community colleges is that they are an inferior education, but the community college I attended (Northern Virginia Community College) had professors who concurrently or once taught at other schools such as GMU and GWU.

Some people go to community colleges to help them transfer into a four year university if they didn't do well in high school, to save money, or to experiment with the college process and their interests.

Answer 4

If I were you, I would go to a Community (or Junior) college either way. It will save you or your parents a lot of money. If you were to go to a 4-year school right away, the first two years of it would be the same as a community college only much more expensive! I went to a community college for two years then I transferred to a State University for my final two years. I saved a TON of money and I still got a quality education! Good Luck, and don't give up on your education!

Answer 5

2 year schools are really good if you want to save money or if you need to raise your gpa to get accepted by a 4 year school. The biggest difference between community college and a 4-year school is that a community college has teachers who only have masters degrees where as a 4 year school has teachers with there doctorites. I personally think they are excellent choices because i wen't to a community college and worked to save money for school. Plus like other people mentioned the first two years of college you are really only taking general education requirments that have nothing to do with your major anyway.

Answer 6

This term refers to a two-year institution of higher education, generally public, offering levels of instruction adapted to the needs of the community. Offerings usually include a transfer curriculum (credits toward a bachelor’s degree) and occupational programs (two-year course of study designed to prepare the student for employment). and by no means whatsoever like a 4 yr university... to get into a decent univ? requires a bit more than paying a small fee and showing up...

Answer 7

Community colleges are two-year schools. They offer Associate degrees. Four-year schools offer Bachelor's degrees. Community colleges are usually easier and cheaper, and offer the opportunity to transfer to a four-year school after you complete the two years.