3 Students Who Can Benefit From the Community College Transfer Path
Community college is something many American students give very little thought. But for a growing number of individuals, the community college transfer path is a vital road to a bachelor's degree.
This path, where a student completes two years at a community college and then transfers to a four-year institution, can be especially suitable for three types of students.
[Consider 10 reasons to attend a community college.]
1. A students who is cost conscious: A decrease in cost is one significant benefit of beginning your college career at a community college. For some students, completing four years of school at a traditional college or university is financially restrictive.
However, if students take two full years of courses at a community college, and if all of these credits can later be transferred to a four-year institution, the tuition savings can be dramatic. If students attend a community college near their homes, they can also avoid two years of room and board costs.
The flexible class schedules that community colleges offer, including evening and weekend courses -- can potentially allow students to work full or part time. This means they can even earn a wage during the school year.
This can be much more difficult to accomplish at a four-year institution, and your work experience may even help you demonstrate your commitment to your education when you seek a transfer. Not only can you clearly manage your time well, you are also willing to do whatever is necessary to earn a degree.
[See four college savings tips for community college students.]
2. A students who would like to improve a high school transcript: Students who struggled in high school and who do not have a strong academic and extracurricular profile as a result, can benefit greatly from two years at a community college.
Community college essentially allows you to wipe your educational slate clean. Transfe rring from a community college to a four-year institution with a high GPA and a record of campus involvement can temper your high school performance. This is because consistent success at a community college proves that you are able to handle college-level work.
A community college's flexible class schedule is also key here -- being able to schedule your courses at those times that are most convenient to you frees you to participate in extracurriculars. Community college can thus help you build a more impressive and well-rounded admissions profile.
As you prepare your applications to four-year universities, note how community college allowed you to grow academically and through extracurriculars, as well as how you made the most of these opportunities.
[Check out recent data from the U.S. News Community College Directory.]
3. A students who is unsure about a career path: Many students start college without a clear idea of their major or their future career. Many students are still unsure about these items when they select their majors. Deciding to to pursue a second bachelor's degree or requiring a fifth year at college due to a new major can lead to increased tuition costs.
An underrated benefit of spending two years at a community college is the ability to experiment with different subject areas and potential careers. You will still need to ensure that the classes you take are transferrable to major universities, but there is far less pressure to declare a major. Moreover, the targeted career counseling available at many community colleges is a powerful resource that can help you make informed decisions about your future.
When you begin to apply to four-year institutions, be sure to highlight the focus and direction that community college has afforded you. Describe how you have taken the time to understand why you want to pursue a four-year degree, and how this school will help you achieve your academic and career goals.
While the community college transfer path may not suit all students, it can be a great help to many college-bound individuals. If one or more of the above categories describes you, be sure to consider the possibility of attending community college first. After all, the benefits may be greater than you imagine.
Bradford Holmes is a professional SAT and Latin tutor with Varsity Tutors. He earned his B.A. from Harvard University and his master's degree from the University of Southern California.
