I mentioned in a previous post that I'd talk about my community college experience so here it is!
Firstly, a little but of my background. I attended a California accredited community college in San Diego so that is what I am going to discuss. There are differences between private colleges, state colleges & university, as well as technical and training programs so my advice my not apply to your school.
I went to community college straight after high school. In high school I took Advance Placement (AP) classes which count as a college course if you pass the exam at the end of the year. Student in these classes typically are planning to go straight into university right after and have their credits sent to their school of choice. However, AP classes may also be transferred to community colleges. I do recommend taking these classes in high school if you are up for a little bit of extra work. There is a fee to take each exam but I believe you can get it waved depending on your financial situation. The benefit of this is that you're already ahead of the game, one less class during you community college stay means faster transfer time, it is also cheaper than paying for the college course (especially if you are not getting financial aid).
Speaking of financial aid, APPLY FOR IT. Be careful to apply to the legit site because there are many fraud sites that want your information to steal your money. Applying for financial aid is FREE. There are many free financial aid workshops held at local schools to help you better understand what it is and how to apply if you are unsure. In my experience as a low income household, I received essentially a free community college experience for 2 years (60+/- units or 5 semesters). I was eligible for a waver that covered the cost of my classes, yep all of them. Additionally, I received grant money which covered the cost of my books, supplies, and permits (note: this no longer granted 60+ units is reached). In the end I still had money left over which I could keep. I used my financial aid money to help buy me a new laptop and a used car. Don't forget there are also many scholarships out there some pay directly to your school and some is straight up money. Not just with financial aid, going to community college could save you thousands of dollars when compared to the first two years of university.
Okay okay. Now let's get technical. What is the most efficient way to get through community college?
Let's say now you've registered, taken your placement tests for your school, and you have your class registration date approaching. What classes do you take? Do your research. My school had an advising form depending on which school you wanted to transfer to such as a private college or a state college. On this form it showed the list of classes that are transferable to your type of school. Go to the counseling office and talk to a counselor, they my also provide this form. If you're a little bit shy and lazy, browse your school website. I found that 90% of all my questions could be answered. If you are in California, use assist.org this shows you which community college classes are equivalent to their university counterpart by your major.
I still haven't answer my questions yet have I? Well that is because preparation is key. That way you do not end up taking classes you do not need or miss important deadlines etc.
To transfer within two years means you'll have to be a full-time student each semester. I also highly recommend to do summer school. The first classes you should take should be something easy to get into such as an art or social since class. Also, do any prerequisite classes if you know you will need it. As a freshman you will get a very late registration date. That means, being wait listed and/ or crashing classes. So by picking your battles (classes) wisely in the beginning means you can always get what you want. Classes such as English, Math, Language, Science will always be impacted so save those for when you have a earlier registration date. But by all means if you can get in then DO IT, you'll have to anyway. At this point your are just clearing you general education requirements so if you do not have your major decided yet don't sweat it.
The best part of college is that you can pick your classes to fit your own schedule. You can do 5 classes in one day twice a week if you want to. Know yourself and your study habits and the time you want to be free. A balanced schedule can make or break your grades. Know that you may also not get the schedule you want and sometimes you will just have to deal with it. Prepare to take classes at other community colleges besides your main choice. Sometimes the class you need isn't offered at your school which means you'll have to register for another community college and take it there.
Another great thing about community college is the freedom to explore different academic areas, especially of your don't have a major picked out yet. But you still need to pick one out to transfer. Some majors require a lot of class preparation and some do not, take this into account when planning your schedule and timeline. As you come closer to finishing all your classes you should go talk to a counselor to double check all that you've done, and tell you if you still need more. Then, plan to take a transfer workshop. This ensures you do not make any mistakes when applying to your university of choice. Applying to colleges are cut throat depending on where you are applying to. One simple mistake on an application could mean total denial/ admittance into the university. Workshops are often free and offered by school but they fill up fast so know deadlines and sign up asap.
*Phew* This was a lot to talk about! For myself, I finished community college in 5 semesters which is a little over 2 years. I wish I knew then what I know now. That way I wouldn't have taken classes I didn't need, prepared ahead of time, and I could have saved so much more money. Welp, now I am going to transfer this coming fall and I hope to be done within 2 years. I hope my post is able to help at least one person! College is a personal choice and may not be for everyone so in no way am I saying you have to go to college/ university! And in no way am I saying it's better to go to community college first.
Next post should be a new back to school haul! yippie! :)
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