Is community college right for me?

Post Reply New Topic

I am a senior in high school and I was accepted to 14 schools,most with scholarships. I want to study theatre and things related to it. Despite being well off enough not to get aid, my family can't afford an expensive school. I'm also struggling with a Xanax addiction and my mental/physical health, as well as other addictions and obsessions. I plan to attend a two week rehab program this summer, which would have made me hesitant to make a deposit before then (I would have to for a 4-year school) so I have decided on CC and paying myself. My guidance counselor thinks it might be a waste because I'm a top student. However, I've already dropped from the top 10 to the top 20% this year and my grades aren't as great as they were despite taking easier classes. Plus, I still can't drive and have issues remembering my meds. I also almost never eat in public cafeterias due to anxiety, but I'm determined to keep my nice figure. I haven't decided if I'll work yet, but I'm thinking of working at a lingerie store because I have a thing for trying to get people into the right bra size. I really want to be famous and so of the other schools have famous alumni and the CC doesn't. I'd like to transfer after two years to finish my degree somewhere nice. I do know that since my SAT held me back from applying to reach schools, going to CC and getting rid of that number might actually help me go somewhere better. The only thing is that I have a rocky relationship with my parents. They spoil the heck out of me and sometimes I like it, but things turn sour all the time.

CC is a great option for people on limited budgets.

Unless you get a full scholarship to a traditional college, you'll still be paying a lot.

You don't have to eat with others in a cafeteria. There are other places to eat your "brown bag" lunch.

It's easier to transfer to the school of your choice from CC particularly if you did well.

Does your local community college have a theatre program that is good for you? Also look into what is good for transferring, half your experience would be interacting with other students and whatever performance experience you would get.

Also, don't think of community college as a place to slack off, you need to keep your grades up to broaden your possibilities. Doing a good job in community college a good sign for other places. Take a break, or drop a class or two if you have to.

I'm not sure that going to CC will necessarily help you go somewhere better in the future, even if you do well. It probably depends on where you live, but around where I am the better schools will still look heavily at your SAT. However, some of the other universities still do offer the opportunity for a quality education. Since most 4-year universities have classes that you need to take for any major, you could finish most of those off at CC for a lower price. The problem is that not all schools will always accept the transfer credits, although most do. Another important factor to consider is that 4-year universities usually have better student support. While the teacher-to-student ratio is better at CC, the universities have more access to things like counseling, tutoring, and other things you may find beneficial.

I find that surprising.

Normally, the SAT and ACT is only good for getting into college on the first try. After that, nobody cares because they look more at your transcripts from the school(s) you've attended.

CC is great for showing what you can do in class and not on some bogus test scam that is circumvented by the tons of prep seminars out there to help people maximize their scores.

If you have an AA degree, I don't think you need to worry about SAT. Many CC's even offer guaranteed admission programs. You complete your AA, your guarenteed admission to a 4 year university.

It depends on the size and competitiveness of the school. They aren't going to accept everyone who wants to transfer from a CC, and SAT/ACT scores don't just disappear. If you have a 3.4 GPA in CC with a 1320 (out of 1600) on the SAT and I have a GPA of 3.8 but 1100, they'll likely choose you if other factors are even. Larger schools or less competitive schools will take more transfers and have lower standards for those transfers. So if someone wants to go to a better school, they still need a good score, or maybe some luck. Granted I don't know what school she wants to go to or what her scores are so I'm just making a generic statement.

Go with a community college that has a guaranteed admission program if possible.

My friend works for one they have an agreement with 2 4 year schools. You graduate, your admitted. No SAT's, no BS.

My son just received his AA Degree from Community College, and he's been accepted to the university that he's planned to attend. He does not have AS. Completing all of his general ed requirements at City College was perfect for him, as he is an avid rock climber, and needed time to focus on that, as well. In addition, he likes to work, and was able to hold down a part time job. It took him an additional year to get his AA Degree, yet he was not in a rush. If it helps to know, a few (not all) of his friends who went to University, straight out of high school, have expressed that they wished they had initially gone the City College route.

On another note, I have AS and I am heading back to school. I am doing the graphic design certificate program at our local, community college and I am very excited about it. I have a degree in another area of design, which I received many years, ago. The certificate that I earn will allow for extended career opportunities in my field, and graphic design is one of my special interests.

I am so pleased with this CC. It offers those on the spectrum vast opportunities for success, not exclusive to academics. I highly recommenced you go speak with a counselor at the CC you would be attending, as you will get a good idea of what they have to offer you, and they will outline a plan for you. They can outline an entire track, personalized to your needs and goals for transferring. My son was on a track to attend a UC school. The CC that my son attended has an outstanding drama department, as does the CC that I will be attending.

Much success to you on your journey!